Planning & Economic Development Specialist

Job Title: Planning & Economic Development Specialist

About the Job:

This is a skilled technical position focused on developing and implementing critical land use, economic development, and planning initiatives within the City. The incumbent will play a vital role in supporting key decision-making bodies, including the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Advisory Plan Commission. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, analytical skills, and public interaction, performing duties under the direct supervision of the Community Development Director or their designee.

Qualification Requirements:

To successfully execute the responsibilities of this position, candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform each essential function to a high standard. The qualifications outlined below represent the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required for effective performance.

Key Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

• Public & Customer Service: Researches and provides accurate responses to inquiries from the public and various stakeholders regarding planning and zoning-related issues.
• Economic Development Support: Responds to economic development inquiries and provides pertinent information as assigned.
• Information Dissemination: Serves as a primary resource, providing detailed information to residents, business owners, developers, consultants, contractors, community groups, and elected officials concerning city ordinances, policies, plans, and other relevant City programs.
• Board & Commission Support: Provides essential staff support and administrative assistance to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), Advisory Plan Commission (APC), and City Council, preparing them for meetings and facilitating their work.
• Process Guidance: Educates residents and business owners on the procedural aspects of the BZA and APC application and review processes.
• Development Proposal Evaluation: Critically evaluates proposed development projects to ensure strict conformance with local, state, and federal ordinances, codes, and policies.
• Report Generation & Management: Prepares comprehensive analytical reports and supporting materials for various petitions, ensuring meticulous file management.
• Ordinance Enforcement: Enforces City ordinances and policies as required, contributing to compliance and proper land use.
• Project & Committee Involvement: Provides dedicated staff support for a variety of special projects, committees, community groups, and advisory boards.
• Long-Range Planning: Actively assists in the development of long-range community plans and the necessary revision of existing ordinances to meet future needs.
• Policy Implementation: Contributes to the development and implementation of effective growth management, land use, and economic development policies.
• GIS Mapping: Utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to update and prepare maps for various reports and presentations.
• Meeting Attendance: Attends various meetings as needed, representing the department and contributing to discussions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Planning Principles: General knowledge of fundamental planning principles, theories, and best practices.
• Interdisciplinary Awareness: General knowledge of economics, sociology, environmental issues, and municipal finances as they relate to urban planning.
• Industry Awareness: Familiarity with current literature and recent developments and innovations in the field of planning.
• Analytical & Reporting Skills: Ability to meticulously analyze and systematically compile complex technical and statistical information, and to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive technical reports.
• Communication & Presentation: Strong ability to prepare and present technical information effectively and articulately, both verbally and in writing.
• Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to establish and maintain productive and effective working relationships with colleagues, officials, and the public.

Education and Experience:

• Education: Collegiate experience with significant coursework in urban planning, landscape architecture, economic development, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Moderate experience in municipal planning, community development, or a related public sector environment.
• Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.

Physical Demands:

The work associated with this position entails certain physical requirements:

• Exertion: Frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, with occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force.
• Movements: Regular requirements include sitting, speaking, hearing, and using hands to finger, handle, or feel. Frequent walking and repetitive motions are also required. Occasional standing, climbing or balancing, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, and lifting may be necessary.
• Vision: Requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, and peripheral vision to perform tasks effectively.
• Communication: Vocal communication is essential for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing: Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
• Cognitive Tasks: Work involves preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection of small defects and/or parts, use of measuring devices, operating motor vehicles or equipment, and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Environmental Conditions: Work may occasionally expose the incumbent to outdoor weather conditions, but is generally performed in a moderately noisy indoor location (e.g., typical business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license in the State of Indiana is required.