March 24, 2022

 

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Planning Department formulates goals, plans, policies and ordinances that provide orderly growth and development for New Albany.  This is professional and administrative work in the administration of the Planning Division or specialized programs, projects and tasks in the Community Development Department. Work involves preparation of and review of complex studies and projects including the City's Comprehensive Plan, transportation planning, zoning, re-zoning, and annexation studies, subdivision of property and historic preservation, designs and projects.

The Planning Department works closely with the Building and Code Enforcement Department,      Preservation Commissions and Mayor and Board of Alderman by providing information to be used in their decision making process. All ordinances related to Planning, Historic Preservation, and Land Use falls under the scope of work for the Planning Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assists in reviewing proposed plans, projects and designs for feasibility and compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning and other regulations; represents the planning division as an expert in area of specialization; confers with local officials, community leaders and citizens regarding problems and projects in area of city planning specialization.
• Performs general zoning functions such as site plan review, zoning, rezoning, annexation and deals directly with the public.
• Coordinates the preparation and updating of various comprehensive planning documents; prepares and oversees implementation of various economic development projects and initiatives; prepares and administers grant applications for various federal and state projects; serves as liaison with various community groups.
• Conducts research, prepares background information, compiles and interprets planning related data, assist in establishing and assessing criteria and with making decisions and recommendations regarding various planning projects; assists with site impact analysis.
• Prepares amendments to the City Code, Comprehensive Plan, and Redevelopment Plans, and processes them according to local regulation and state law.
• Meets with, responds to inquiries and provide demographic and other planning data and information to other employees, other public agencies, realtors, appraisers and private developers, engineers, architects and the general public.
• Provides technical assistance and support to local nonprofit and for profit organizations in establishing and implementing community development programs.
• Attends various board and committee meetings, both as a source of professional information and as a leader and facilitator; engage in special projects and other similar tasks
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Office of Community Development and Building and Code Enforcement Departments.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

 

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Planning Department

 

• Oversee departmental employees’ work to assure that all tasks are handled in a timely manner.
• Make decisions on administrative changes
• Set goals for the department
• File, type and answer telephone when needed

 

Serve as City Planner

 

• Develop policies to determine how and where the City will grow
• Work with applicants to encourage efficient development of site plans and subdivisions
• Review and update the comprehensive plan for the city
• Consult with clients regarding proposed rezoning, planned developments and variances
• Explain procedural steps for developments and rezoning
• Negotiate access, buffering and other issues with commercial and residential developers
• Provide information about applicable laws, regulations and ordinances
• Correct past problems, when possible
• Work on special assignments as directed by the Mayor and the Board
• Write ordinances dealing with zoning, subdivisions and building construction, growth management and other related issues
• Recommend changes in current ordinances to maintain development standards for the city
• Update city maps and files for ongoing projects

 

 

Review all plans and applications for new developments

 

• Review plans for developments as they are received
• Complete site inspections around the city
• Conduct land use evaluations of all proposed development sites
• Work with the City Engineer to discuss issues concerning subdivisions and streets

 

 Issue building permits

 

• Assist builder with completing permit forms
• Calculate valuation of construction and appropriate permit fee
• Issue receipt for permit fee
• Issue permit
• Give checks and cash to Planning Secretary for processing

 

 Answer questions and complaints from citizens and developers

 

• Take complaint or question from caller or field personnel
• Answer questions if possible or refer to appropriate personnel
• Check validity of complaint and make recommendation to resolve the problem

 

Perform administrative functions as required

 

• File permits, plans, blueprints and other materials
• Write reports and recommendations
• Review and approve time sheets for all departmental employees

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

 

Knowledge

 

• City land use ordinances
• Municipal processes
• Reading site plans
• Legal court cases in planning field and speech rights
• Fundamental Land Use Principles
• Transportation planning
• Municipal financial from planning perspective
• Housing information trends such as materials, roads and sidewalk ordinances
• General Municipal Infrastructure
• How to develop goals and objectives for physical development of city
• The operations of zoning and subdivision standards
• Design, architecture, trees, plan material, engineer, sociology and anthropology
• OSHA standards and regulations concerning employee safety
• Federal and state statues concerning the work of the department
• Mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction, division and multiplication
• General function and operations of municipal government

 

 EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Community Planning, Public Administration or an equivalent combination of education and training that provides the requested knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
• Two (2) years of considerable experience Urban Planning, Urban Design, Community Planning, Public Administration.

PREDERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors in the related field or an Equivalent combination of education and training that provides the requested knowledge, Skills, and abilities for this position.
• Four (4 ) years of considerable experience Urban Planning, Urban Design, Community Planning, Public Administration.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Mississippi Driver’s License and acceptable MVR.

The City of New Albany is an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION employer. Candidates are considered for employment with the City, without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

A drug screen is required for this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year plus benefits

Interested applicants can email their resume and contact information to:

 

Billye Jean Stroud

Director of Community Development and Main Street

135 East Bankhead Street

New Albany, MS  38652

billyejeanstroud@newalbanymainstreet.com