City Planner

Function

A career about community-Are you a professional looking for a career where you will have a direct impact on the growth of a community? Do you have an interest in local government? Do you value integrity, trust, respect, accountability, creativity, collaboration?

If you answered “yes” then the City of Hampton has an opportunity for you! Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement, flexible and/or remote work opportunities positions, and other benefits.

If you embody the following attributes, consider joining our dynamic Community Development Department:

• Creative problem solver
• Interest in helping build communities
• Proactive self-starter
• Life-long learner
• Strong team player
• Passionate about excellent customer service
• Enjoy collaborating with other colleagues who share your passion
• Effective communicator
• Desire to impart knowledge to others
• Embracing new technology

Examples of Work

• Research and investigate various sources of information aimed at the discovery and/or interpretation of facts, theories and opinions

• Apply knowledge of City ordinances and other public policies to the review of land use applications, site plans, subdivision plans, master plans, development proposals, landscape plans, building plans and elevations, urban design etc. in order to ensure compliance with basic health, safety and public welfare objectives and to further other public objectives

• Analyze, develop and/or implement solutions to site plan and subdivision plan problems based on a given set of inputs

• Offer effective practical solutions to conflicts with ordinances and policies

• Utilize knowledge of the Comprehensive Plan, Strategic Plan, Strategic Economic Development Initiatives and other applicable policy documents

• Translate information and ideas into effective visual images (writing, drawing, photography, video, etc) which enhance the organization's ability to convey information to our customers

• Communicate a broad range of technical/statistical data, issues and recommendations to include one's own analysis, supportable conclusions, projections and recommendations

• Submit technical writing pieces intended to prompt action to a higher authority (such as the City Manager, Planning Commission or City Council

• Conduct public presentations/briefings to community groups, Planning Commission, City Council or other similar public forums to include illustrative maps, slides, Microsoft PowerPoint, desktop publishing, multimedia, etc.

• Represent the Planning Department in various interdepartmental responsibilities (e.g. on the Site Plan Review Committee, subdivision review coordination, lead work on public design projects)

• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Social Science, Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration or a related field of study.
Some experience equivalent to City Planner level in a municipal, state or federal agency or related area preferred. Some experience in a technical or research-oriented customer service area, preferably in the public sector. Some working knowledge of GIS preferred.
Must possess a valid driver's license and must have an acceptable driving record based on the City of Hampton's criteria. A criminal background check is required prior to any offer of employment or promotion.
Experience may substitute for education on the basis of one year of appropriate experience for each year of education.
Knowledge, skills and abilities include, but are not limited to: organized and detail oriented; flexible and focused on both process and outcome; excellent interpersonal, customer service, analytical, statistical, problem solving and research skills; global perspective; excellent deductive and intuitive reasoning skills; effective in garnering assistance as needed. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to read and interpret documents such as regulations, policies and procedures; ability to conduct briefings; ability to prepare written correspondence and document such as reports, letters and memoranda; ability to compile data and prepare reports and projections; ability to use a personal computer; ability to interact effectively with diverse populations; ability to effectively confront and resolve interpersonal conflict at the lowest level; ability to see issues within the broader context. Working knowledge of available resources, ordinances (e.g., site plan, subdivision, zoning and wetlands).

Features

Perform duties within a self-directed work team under the general supervision of the Planning Services Manager. This is the first level of the planner series, and the incumbent will work closely with more senior level planning team members. Requires some local travel and may require working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek to include evenings and weekends. This is an exempt position.