Senior Planner – Full-Time Job Opportunity

Job Title: Senior Planner
FLSA Status: Exempt, Salary
Pay Classification:  TBD
Department: Planning and Development Department
Reports To:  Planning and Development Director

The Senior Planner is a full‑time, exempt position in the Planning and Development Department. The primary role is to see that the City’s long‑range plan is carried out; review, update and implement land use policies; and ensure the effective deployment of the department’s GIS technology. The Planner reports to the Planning and Development Director.

Core Responsibilities
While the Senior Planner may receive assignments outside of those listed here, he or she will be primarily accountable to:

• • Implement and Maintain the Comprehensive Plan
  • Oversee Application of Land Use and Development Policies
  • Manage GIS Platform

Typical Duties

Each position in this classification may not include all duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed. Under limited supervision, the Senior Planner:

• • Performs advanced professional work related to a variety of planning assignments. Researches and prepares requests for proposals.
  • Delivers technical presentations to the Planning Commission and other boards.
  • Manages complex planning projects, research and analysis.
  • Monitors and ensures compliance with applicable local, state and federal law.
  • Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social and economic issues.
  • Assists in the collection and formatting of data on key business processes for use in publishing reports on department performance.
  • Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans. Monitors development bond deadlines.
  • Evaluates zoning applications, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals.
  • Manages the department’s GIS platform to ensure effective deployment of GIS technology. Organizes and updates the City’s library of geospatial data.
  • Administers permits and certificates of occupancy.
  • Attends evening and weekend meetings as needed.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Essential Competencies

In order to sufficiently perform the job requirements, the Senior Planner must possess the mental development, interpersonal awareness, and technical skills to:

• • Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills in preparing and presenting planning reports and projects.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, residents, business owners, contractors, architects, engineers and other inter‑government employees.
  • Interact with local business owners, residents, contractors, city staff and other government agencies to give or receive information, issue permits and process payment of services.
  • Gather relevant information to evaluate situations, identify problems and exercise sound judgment within established guidelines to creatively solve often vaguely defined practical problems.
  • Conduct community workshops using effective group facilitation skills.
  • Read and interpret construction plans, determine compliance with applicable regulations and apply those requirements to field conditions.
  • Work independently or in a team environment while handling multiple priorities, organizing workload and meeting strict deadlines to achieve common goals.
  • Focus on and address details while keeping appropriate perspective of broad‑view goals and concepts.
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge in principles, practices and techniques of planning, urban design, economic development or land use as well as a working knowledge of construction processes.
  • Operate Microsoft Office software and other commonly used office information and computer technology.
  • Operate ESRI ARCGIS software or learn its basic operation within four to six weeks of hire.

Supervisory Controls
The Senior Planner reports directly to the Planning and Development Director and only supervises other employees when assigned a project team to carry out collaborative work assignments within the Department. This position will be expected to work in cooperation with all City staff, consultants and customers representing the regulatory and public interest of the City.

Work Environment
While performing the duties of Senior Planner, the employee primarily works indoors but periodically works outdoors and may be exposed to moderate temperature extremes; wet or humid conditions; and potential dust from construction activity. He or she is regularly required to speak, listen and walk on level ground as well as unstable development sites. Regular attendance at evening meetings and some weekend meetings is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field and at least four (4) years of professional planning experience; or
  • Master’s Degree in Planning or related field and at least two (2) years of professional planning experience.

Licenses & Certifications

• • Valid Georgia driver’s license is required.
  • Ability to obtain and hold certifications required for environmental regulation, code compliance and other minimum housing standards.

Applications accepted at City Hall, City of Sugar Hill, ATTN: Jane Whittington, City Clerk, 5039 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill, Georgia 30518, or emailed to jwhittington@cityofsugarhill.com. Application forms and background release are available at the link below:

Application for Employment (PDF)

The City of Sugar Hill is a Drug Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be accepted. All required fields and documents must be provided to ensure your application is processed. Failure to submit a complete application may result in delays or rejection. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.