Senior Planner

The City of Cuyahoga Falls is seeking an exceptional & experienced individual for the position of Senior Planner in the Community Development Department.
Under the general guidance and direction of the Planning Director, this position is responsible for performing a variety of administrative, technical and professional work in the current and long-range planning programs for the City related to land use planning, zoning enforcement and community development activities. These tasks must be performed by using excellent customer service skills.
Zoning Enforcement:

• Determines and ensures compliance with land use regulations, other city regulations, general plan, and City goals.
• Investigates, resolves and responds to citizen complaints involving potential or possible land use violations.
• Issues violations and enforces adherence to land use regulations. Verifies correction of violation via adherence to approved regulations and/or legal process.
• Maintains and submits accurate and up-to-date records of inspection activities.
• Assists Assistant Planning Director and Planning Director with research on land use regulation activities and other related matters.
• Monitors Planning Commission files for compliance matters.

Permit Review Activities:

• Assists Assistant Planning Director and Planning Director in reviewing and processing zoning certificate applications.
• Consults, instructs and assists citizens on matters relating to zoning requirements and dimension of property, use of property, setbacks, and applications for permits. Assists the public in the preparation of building and zoning permit applications. Calculates and collects fees for use permits. Field checks regulations for compliance.
• Provides exceptional customer service through careful listening and understanding of public issues, and uses personal initiative to resolve issues in a manner consistent with adopted policies, regulations and procedures.
• Provides the public with information and services involving planning and zoning applications, land use regulations and demographic data.

Community Development and other Planning Related Activities:

• Assists with map/text amendments, site plans, land divisions, landscape, and historic preservation applications. Uses geographic information system applications, word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Conducts special studies and independent research, analyzes data, and draft reports and recommendations on a wide variety of planning and community development issues.
• Provides GIS and other technical and data services and analysis to the department, the public and other departments and agencies.
• Continuously updates skills, knowledge of planning methods and city codes and policies. Remains aware of, and is sensitive to, community issues impacting the long- range planning process.
• Performs other duties as required by Planning Director and Development Director.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in land use planning, urban planning, architecture, public administration or any closely related field. A Master's Degree and/or American Institute of Planners Certification preferred. Candidate shall have at least three (3) years of experience in municipal planning; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Must possess a valid State of Ohio driver's license and ability to maintain continuing eligibility under the City's driver eligibility standards. Candidates must be a non-smoker and non-tobacco user, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, etc. for the duration of their employment with the City of Cuyahoga Falls.
The typical work week is 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday - Friday. However, attendance at periodic public meetings held in the evening will be required.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of zoning laws and comprehensive plans including their formation, process of adoption, and enforcement; extensive knowledge of planning programs and processes; working knowledge of personal computers and GIS applications
Skills: Skill in the area of drafting and designing; skill in the operation of the required tools and equipment.
Abilities: Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with architects, contractors, developers, owners, supervisors, employees, and the general public; ability to establish effective working relationships.
The starting salary for this position is $63,998 annually, with regular step increases the first 5 years. After 5 successful years in the position, the salary is $80,015 annually. Compensation package includes medical, dental, prescription drug, vision, and life insurance, pension benefits, paid vacation and other time off. Employment Type: Full-Time