JOB SUMMARY
The Assistant City Planner performs professional planning work in support of the City’s planning, zoning, development review, and long-range planning functions. This position assists with development applications, staff reports, ordinance administration, public inquiries, and coordination with other City departments, boards, and the public to ensure growth and development are consistent with the City of Orange Beach’s adopted plans, ordinances, and community vision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assists in the review of development applications including site plans, subdivisions, conditional uses, variances, rezonings, and other land use requests.
2. Reviews plans for compliance with zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, comprehensive plan policies, and other applicable City codes.
3. Prepares staff reports, recommendations, and presentation materials for the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, City Council, and other boards as assigned.
4. Provides information and guidance to property owners, developers, engineers, architects, and the general public regarding zoning, land use regulations, and development procedures.
5. Conducts research and analysis related to land use, demographics, infrastructure, housing, and community development trends.
6. Assists in drafting and updating ordinances, policies, maps, and long-range planning documents.
7. Coordinates with other City departments (Engineering, Building, Public Works, etc.) and outside agencies during the development review process.
8. Assists with floodplain management, coastal regulations, and environmental review processes as applicable.
9. Maintains accurate records, files, and databases related to planning cases and permits.
10. Attends public meetings, workshops, and hearings, including occasional evening meetings.
11. Performs field inspections related to zoning, land use, and development compliance as needed.
12. Performs related duties as assigned.

All positions at the City of Orange Beach have the job responsibilities below:

1. Handles sensitive information in a confidential manner.
2. Maintains a highly professional attitude and demeanor at all times.
3. Provides responsible, appropriate, and satisfactory leadership within the City.
4. Communicates positively and professionally in all aspects of the position.
5. Attends all departments meetings, City meetings, and professional development activities.
6. Becomes thoroughly familiar with all pertinent state and national policies and comply with said policies.
7. Complies with City wide and departmental policies, as well as state and federal laws.
8. Ensures the positive promotion of the City.
9. Is prompt and punctual in reporting for work, meetings, etc.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

1. Principles and practices of urban and regional planning.
2. Zoning, subdivision regulations, and land development processes.
3. Comprehensive planning and land use policy.
4. Basic mapping, GIS, and site plan review concepts.
5. Public administration processes and procedures.

Skills in:

1. Technical and report writing.
2. Interpreting and applying codes, ordinances, and regulations.
3. Research, data analysis, and problem solving.
4. Public speaking and professional presentations.
5. Organization and time management in a multi-task environment.

Ability to:

1. Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
2. Work effectively with the public, elected officials, developers, and staff.
3. Read and interpret plans, maps, legal descriptions, and technical documents.
4. Exercise sound judgment and maintain attention to detail.
5. Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
6. Ability to attend evening meetings as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, City Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Architecture, Engineering, or a closely related field OR Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
2. One (1) to three (3) years of experience in planning, zoning, development review, or related work preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience in municipal planning community planning.
2. Familiarity with floodplain management and FEMA regulations.
3. Working knowledge of GIS software.
4. AICP certification or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions (office environment) and regularly works near video display/computer use. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Occasional fieldwork and site visits in varying weather conditions.