Assistant Planner (Community Development)

POSITION DESCRIPTION:The City of Fargo Planning Department is currently seeking two qualified Assistant Planners within the Community Development division of the department. 

Under general supervision by the Community Development Administrator, the Assistant Planner assists in the planning and implementation of department projects and programs by collecting data, completing research, and providing project administration.  The Assistant Planner performs analytical work through the collection and interpretation of data used to prepare plans, reports, maps, tables and charts. 
 PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES:The incumbent may be assigned to specific areas such as community development administration program administration, or planning.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
 

1. Responsible for collecting and interpreting data and information used to prepare plans and reports.
   1. Creates and writes staff reports on planning projects, studies, and proposals;
   2. Prepares maps, photos, tables, and charts reflecting conditions and trends for planning reports and presentations
   3. Performs analysis of ideas, proposals and applications to identify compliance with current ordinances, policies, and practices;
      1. Identifies likely positive or negative outcomes; based on analysis, identifies environmental, economic, or legal impact and ways that positive impact can be reinforced and negative impact mitigated;
      2. Seeks to identify solutions that will produce positive outcomes for the City and its citizens;
      3. Supports senior planning staff in negotiating positive outcomes.
2. Provides project/program management of approved community development and housing projects and programs for compliance with established rules, timeliness, project specifications, and documentation requirements.
   1. Receives, reviews and authorizes or denies applications for community development programs; verifies information, determines eligibility based upon established program guidelines, processes notifications to eligible applicants and completes necessary paperwork.
   2. Facilitates general neighborhood revitalization by fostering partnerships, and promoting a diverse, quality housing stock.\
   3. Encourages the maintenance and development of affordable housing in the community.
   4.   Promotes principles of historic preservation and its value.
   5. Promotes acceptance and respect for diversity in the community.
   6. Works with community partners to enhance the quality of life in Fargo by cooperatively planning to improve organizational capacity, collaboration, the physical environment, and the economic health of the City.
3. Communicates effectively, professionally, and courteously and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Regularly interacts with the public to exchange basic fact information pertaining to department policies, procedures and protocols; refers to others as appropriate and follows up to ensure inquiries are resolved satisfactorily; 
   2.  Communicates with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work- related needs.
4. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and City rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed, makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
5. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:The job requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, or Public Administration; at least one (1) year of municipal planning or community development experience or internship, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is also required.
 
Knowledge, skills and ability include:
 

• Knowledge of project management tools and techniques;
• Knowledge of software for word processing and data management.
• Knowledge of land development codes and the ability to understand the codes;
• Ability to prepare PowerPoint presentations.
•  
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning;
• Knowledge of public administration; Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations pertinent to urban planning and development;
• Knowledge of basic bookkeeping;
• Skill in organization and statistics;
• Skill in developing and interpreting data;
• Skill in interpreting federal and state regulations;
• Skill in performing mathematical computations such as algebraic functions;
• Skill in communication and interpersonal skills as applies to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others, sufficient to exchange or convey information, resolve disputes and receive work direction.

 
 
 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:This job is performed in a normal office environment, with a majority of time spent collecting and interpreting data for computer-generated reports and speaking to others on a telephone.  Activities the incumbent must perform include fingering, grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing and using repetitive motions.
 
This job is rated for Sedentary Work, meaning that walking and standing are required only occasionally and the job involves sitting most of the time.  The incumbent must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. 
 
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
 
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.  To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
 
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.  The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.