SUMMARY:

The Planner is an exempt, professional position that oversees complex, sensitive projects in advanced planning and environmental zoning. The Planner assists with the implementation and interpretation of the City’s zoning ordinance, sign ordinance, and future comprehensive plan to direct development and existing land use. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to interpreting the City’s Ordinances and plans relating to business and citizens’ requests, Ordinance preparation and review, and assisting the Office of the Mayor in special projects and grant writing. The immediate supervisor for this position is the Chief Operating Officer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 (The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

• Assists in the formulation of Planning Division recommendations to the City Council, Boards and Commissions; conducts research and collects statistical and demographic information as needed; refers to drawings, plats and diagrams to assist in decision-making; makes recommendations and suggestions for planning-related issues.
• Interprets City Ordinances and plans relating to business and citizens’ requests and plans; assists in zoning and rezoning matters and requests for zoning ordinance variances; ensures compliance with allowable uses for different zones, special uses, and related areas; assists in the interpretation of the City’s future comprehensive plan regarding land use, street traffic plans and other related areas.
• Perform technical planning functions including research, review, analysis, presentation, and coordination of rezoning applications, annexation requests, general Comprehensive Master Plan administration and amendments, development and land use permit application processing, special use and exception requests, requests for use or variances to standard process and procedures, and other related applications and processes.
• Maintain City planning guides and documents, information databases, base mapping, planning and development codes, and related regulations for research, documentation, and public access and use.
• Cooperates and effectively communicates with all associated individuals; resolves problems; recommends improvements and/or changes to existing plans and ordinances.
• Writes various correspondence to include letters, memoranda, forms, documents and other reports and information as required; drafts reports relative to assigned planning research reports and documents ongoing planning activities; reviews and/or submits to appropriate individuals for approval; makes copies and files.
• Sets policy for economic growth through programs, meetings and regional officials, strategy identification, and more, with the goal to improve the economy in a designated region via business growth, accessible housing, and zoning.
• Attends meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops and training classes to stay apprised of changes in legislation and current trends within the industry; applies current information to daily work routine; provide feedback to staff and Department Heads regarding new information and training sessions relevant to the position.
• Under the supervision of the Mayor; makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council concerning the same.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Essential Functions, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s) for Employment

An employee in this class must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon

application:

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of land development design and related engineering design standards, including architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, site design and development, traffic engineering, and land use compatibility.
• Neighborhood planning techniques and processes necessary to create and implement various plans-of-action.

Skills

• Handle stress effectively without it interfering with performance.
• Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Operate a computer, using word processing, spreadsheet, database software, and other standard office equipment.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Abilities

• Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with elected officials, department heads, other employees, employees of other agencies, members of the news media the Public Information Officer, and the general public.
• Read and interpret City master plans, regulatory codes, technical and operational documents, reports, research material and information, plans and specifications, and other similar maps and drawings.
• Analyze land development related applications and uniformly apply relevant regulatory ordinances and codes.
• Prepare and present oral, written, and graphic reports, documents, brochures and pamphlets, maps, and related planning and land development documentation. 

 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the general knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities in performing the essential functions.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 A Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, or closely related field, supplemented by at least three (3) years of previous experience and/or training in a field dealing with land use, development, public policy, or related areas; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to communicate effectively orally, in writing and electronically.
• Ability to meet, speak, and communicate effectively with public officials, the media and the general public.

Salary Range

Salary range for this position is $70,000 - $85,000

EOE Statement: 

The City of Columbus, Mississippi, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Interested applicants may submit an application and resume to www.thecityofcolumbusms.org by December 29, 2025, or may e-mail Pat Mitchell at pmitchell@columbusms.gov or call (662) 329-5159.