4.13. SR 12-21-2015Template Updated 4/14
Request for Action
To
Mayor and City Council
Item Number
4.13
Agenda Section
Consent
Meeting Date
December 21, 2015
Prepared by
Lauren Wipper, Human Resource Representative
Item Description
Planner Position Description
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, the attached Planner Position Description.
Background/Discussion
At the May 4, 2015, work session, City Administrator Portner proposed reorganizing the planning
division following the resignation of Community Operations and Development Deputy Director Jeremy
Barnhart. Council was in favor of moving forward with the proposed changes.
The first step was to fill a Planning Manager position with an internal candidate. Zach Carlton was hired
to fill that position. Chris Leeseberg was then moved into the Senior Planner position. That left the
Planner position to be filled.
Attached for your approval is the Planner position description. The Planner position differs from an
entry level Planner 1 in that it acts as a process manager and coordinator along with typical planning
duties. We will be going to market to fill this position.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact. The Planner position is included in the 2016 budget.
Attachments
Planner Position Description
Page 1
City of Elk River
Planner
Position Description
Department/Division:
Community Operations and
Development/Planning
Immediate Supervisor:
Planning Manager
Pay Grade:
7
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Last Updated: (date)
11/2015
Positions Supervised:
N/A
Position Summary
The Planner assists in the review and processing of development proposals, conducts site
inspections to verify zoning compliance, assists with the recording of approved plans and projects,
administers the city’s zoning ordinance, and provides information to callers about planning and
zoning matters.
Essential Functions
1. Assists in the review and processing of land use applications.
A. Coordinates application review procedures and preparation of proposals/
recommendations for the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustments, and City
Council.
B. Applies independent judgment to research files and resolve issues with city staff,
county staff, developers, and citizens.
C. Acts as the point of contact for inquiries related to application review procedures
and timelines.
D. Supports the Community Development Administrative Assistant by preparing
approved land use applications for recording, calculate fees, submits documents to
county, and processes recorded documents.
2. Performs inspections and enforces zoning ordinances.
A. Conducts site inspections to verify conditions of approval are met prior to
issuance/recording of approved land use applications.
B. Reviews approved land use applications to verify continued compliance with the
city’s zoning ordinance, approved plans, and conditions of approval.
C. Coordinates code enforcement activities related to zoning and land use violations.
3. Performs support services for the Planning Department.
A. Responds to questions from citizens, civic groups, etc., on interpretation of overall
plans, city projects, or ordinances.
B. Composes documents and edits written material.
C. Reviews building permit applications for compliance with zoning ordinances.
D. Assists the Planning Manager by meeting with developers, citizens, and
neighborhood groups to explain development plans and compatibility with the
comprehensive plan and applicable zoning regulations.
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x4.13 at Planner Position Description
E. Assists in maintaining a current zoning ordinance by preparing various ordinance
amendments for review by the Planning Commission and City Council.
F. Presents cases and reports on studies/plans to citizen groups, commissions, and
governing boards.
4. Performs various planning administrative duties.
A. Assists in developing/administering comprehensive plan.
B. Assists with a variety of studies.
C. Ensures case files are complete and stored with both hard and digital copies.
D. Other duties as assigned.
5. Other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance
B. Evening meeting attendance/participation as required.
C. Follows all safety procedures.
D. Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of municipal planning.
Detail oriented and organized.
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, community groups, and other employees.
Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, or related field.
One year experience in Planning or related field, a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or
related field will qualify as six months of experience.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
Past city planning experience.
Proficiency with CAD, Photoshop, SketchUp, and other mapping or graphic software.
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.