4.6. SR 11-04-2013 /i
Elk Request for Action
Fiver
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.6
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent November 4, 2013 Suzanne Fischer,Director, CODD
Item Description Reviewed by
Position Descriptions for Planner I and Jeremy Barnhart,Deputy Director, CODD
Environmental Technician Lauren Wipper, Human Resource Representative
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Approve by motion the revised position descriptions for Planner I and Environmental Technician
Background/Discussion
Consistent with discussion and direction received at the October 21, 2013,work session, the revised
position descriptions for the planner I and the environmental technician were completed. While overall
duties and responsibilities of the positions remain comparable,increased workload warrants a planner I in
lieu of a planning intern as well as the establishment of the environmental technician position with better
defined responsibilities.
The deputy director manages Planning,Economic Development and Environmental Services. It is no
longer practical to perform the daily planning functions in the same capacity. The planner I position will
help provide the necessary support along with the existing planner/park planner.
The environmental technician will assume many of the activities previously handled by the environmental
administrator. With the desire to align programs with city objectives, this individual will handle the city's
recycling and solid waste programs,which coincides with retaining the Garbage Fund in the budget. The
environmental technician will oversee city ordinances on diseased trees, shoreland, floodplain and scenic
rivers, and will provide support to the Lake Orono Improvement Association's Water Quality
Committee. This individual will also be responsible to increase public awareness of city programs,to
facilitate participation,and promote good stewardship throughout the community.
Upon approval, staff proposes to go to market to fill the positions as soon as possible. The 2013 CODD
personnel budget has suitable funding available due to position vacancies in the department.
Financial Impact
The revised positions will result in a $29,407 increase to the 2014 General Fund Budget from the
proposed budget.With the position changes,the 2014 proposed budget is still less than the amount
approved in September along with the preliminary levy.
Attachments
• Planner I position description
• Environmental Technician position description
UREI
City of Elk River
City OPlanner w
River MO-1 Position Description
Department/Division: Immediate Supervisor:
Community Operations and Deputy Director, CODD
Development/Planning
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
? Exempt 10/2013
Positions Supervised:
N/A
Position Summary
The Planner I assists in the review of development proposals,provides information to callers about
planning and zoning matters, assists in research and analysis of the comprehensive plan and other
plans,provides design ideas for development projects, and conducts special studies.
Essential Functions
1. Assists in coordinating activities within the Planning Division.
A. Prepares agenda materials; schedules meetings; and notifies members of other
departments and commissions of upcoming meetings.
B. Receives and responds to correspondence for planning commissions, or board of
zoning adjustments.
4. Assists in review of development plans/requests.
A. Coordinates plan review procedures, and ensures preparation/development of
proposals/recommendations for Planning Commission and City Council.
B. Analyzes and reviews ordinance amendments,rezoning,variance, conditional use,
and platting requests, and submits to appropriate agency or department.
5. Provides and obtains planning advice and/or information.
A. Responds to questions from citizens, civic groups, etc., on interpretation of overall
plans, city projects, or ordinances.
B. Assists Deputy Director by meeting with developers, citizens, and neighborhood
groups to explain a development plan and the plan's compatibility with overall plan
and applicable zoning/subdivision regulations.
C. Presents cases and reports on studies and plans to citizen groups, commissions, and
governing board.
D. Assists in maintaining a current zoning ordinance by preparing various ordinance
amendments for review by the planning commission and council.
6. Performs communication activities.
A. Composes documents and edits written material.
B. Writes routine correspondence and reports.
C. Delivers presentations to various internal and external groups to provide
information, and/or request approval.
D. Receives and responds to requests for information and complaints
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7. Performs various planning administrative duties.
A. Assists in developing/administering comprehensive plan.
B. Assists in various research and studies.
C. Performs CUP and site plan inspections and enforcement.
8. Other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
❑ Knowledge of principles,practices, and techniques site planning.
❑ General knowledge of engineering principles.
❑ Skill to communicate effectively,both orally and in writing, to a variety of groups.
❑ Skill to research and conduct studies related to park use,property uses, and market trends.
• Ability to interpret grading plans and surveys.
• Ability to conduct on-site field inspections
• Ability to read,interpret and apply zoning ordinances and subdivision laws and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with council,planning
commission, developers, residents and community groups, and other employees.
❑ Ability to review and update maps.
❑ Proficiency with computer programs;word processing, spreadsheets,presentation,and
drafting/graphic software
Minimum Qualifications
❑ Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning,Landscape Architecture, or related field.
❑ One year experience in planning or related field.
❑ Valid driver's license and good driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
❑ Experience in landscape design and site planning in the municipal sector.
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River's discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
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x4.6 at2 Planner 1
City of Elk River
City of
Ow. Environmental Technician
River mo Position Description
Department/Division: Immediate Supervisor:
Community Operations and Deputy Director, Community Operations and
Development/Environmental Development
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
7 Exempt 10/2013
Positions Supervised:
N/A
Position Summary
The Environmental Technician provides assistance and reports to the Deputy Director on a variety
of environmental-related issues. This position's primary responsibility is to maintain and improve
the quality of the environment as it relates to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Elk
River. This position performs work to ensure compliance with the City ordinances and follows up
on code violations.
Essential Functions
1. Coordinates the city's recycling and solid waste programs.
A. Manages the city's recycling program and organizes solid waste collection including annual
hauler licenses, refuse franchise negotiations and disposal contracts.
B. Assists with environmental permits such as gravel mining licenses, Elk River Landfill,
NRG's RDF plant and GRE's power station.
C. Assists in the development of new landfill abatement programs including business
recycling, clean-up days, etc.
D. Maintains timely and accurate records of all program activities.
E. Responds to general inquiries and complaints regarding recycling and solid waste issues.
F. Develops and disseminates public information, education materials and programs for
landfill abatement including recycling education programs in schools and for the public.
2. Responsible to oversee activity associated with environmental ordinances including Shoreland,
Floodplain,Wild and Scenic River,Mineral Excavation,Right of Way,Diseased Tree and others as
directed.
A. Assists in the preparation of ordinances to regulate environmental issues.
B. Provides technical assistance for city programs including writing plans for tree and grass
plantings,lakeshore buffers, nutrient management planning, and erosion control.
C. Works cooperatively with state, federal and local agencies, boards and organizations to
promote various environmental programs and accomplish division goals and objectives
3. Performs public outreach activities.
A. Prepares,participates in, and assists with educational programs,presentations,promotions,
demonstrations,press releases,newsletter articles, and the city's website.
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4. Performs other general environmental and safety activities on behalf of the city.
A. Assists in the initial investigation and enforcement of environmental violations such as
illegal dumping, spills, etc.
B. Serves as liaison to regulatory bodies and citizens on environmental issues as directed.
C. Participates in the Water Quality Committee activities of the Lake Orono Improvement
Association.
D. Prepares or assists with preparation of various reports and plans within required deadlines.
5. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in technical and safety training as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
❑ Knowledge of local, state and national laws pertaining to municipal operations.
❑ Knowledge of local, state,and national environmental laws.
❑ Ability to understand planning theory and practice.
❑ Ability to effectively communicate city policies and procedures to other public agencies and the
general public.
❑ Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
❑ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city staff and the public.
❑ Ability to prepare and manage multiple work programs in an efficient and productive manner.
❑ Ability to effectively review and analyze various applications and permits.
❑ Ability to work independently and assume responsibilities with minimal direct supervision.
❑ Ability to effectively interpret zoning ordinance requirements.
❑ Ability to efficiently process proposals and to ensure the completeness and accuracy of
recommendations made to the developers,the Planning Commission, and the City Council.
Minimum Qualifications
❑ Bachelor's degree in an environmental discipline.
❑ Two years governmental or professional experience in an environmental field.
❑ Presentation and public speaking experience to varied audiences.
❑ Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) Certification or the ability to
obtain within one year.
❑ Valid driver's license and good driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
❑ Additional experience and relevant certifications.
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River's discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
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Environmental Technician