Definition
The Planning Division of the Columbus Department of Development seeks qualified candidates to fill several Planner II positions. The Planning Division values diversity in our workforce. As stated by the Mayor’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, our aim is to reflect the diversity of the citizens that makeup the population of the City of Columbus.
The Planner II positions will focus on a variety of work, which may include staffing of historic preservation or design review commissions and/or general city planning work, including community engagement and facilitation; development review; data gathering, mapping and analysis; infrastructure coordination; and research and writing.
Candidates should be organized, dependable and detail oriented, and have:
• Strong communication skills: writing, interpersonal, and public speaking;
• Working knowledge of historic preservation, architecture and urban design, with the ability to review site plans and building elevations.
Under direction, is responsible for performing fully skilled City or neighborhood planning, community development, historic preservation, or zoning work; performs related duties as required.
Examples of Work
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)
- Formulates plans to meet the social, economic and physical needs of neighborhoods and develops strategic alternatives to meet these needs;
- Conducts land use, building condition, and related studies by inspecting properties in designated areas;
- Collects, organizes and analyzes information including physical surveys, data, opinion surveys and other forms of research to identify trends, issues and opportunity;
- Reviews plans and proposals to determine compliance with adopted plans, City Codes, policies and guidelines;
- Participates in multi-department meetings to discuss and evaluate development proposals:
- Conducts a community-based planning process that provides a maximum opportunity for appropriate and representative community participation;
- Develops appropriate guidelines, recommendations and policies that effectively address identified planning or preservation issues;
- Facilitates the adoption of completed plans, policy documents, guidelines and other work products;
- Utilizes geographic information systems for research and analytical purposes and to create mapping visuals and other materials;
- Analyzes, interprets, and evaluates proposed development plans for zoning compliance;
- Reviews, researches, processes, and coordinates rezoning and zoning variance requests by conducting field studies and by reviewing zoning and permit histories and area plan recommendations;
- Makes professional recommendations regarding rezoning and zoning variance requests and makes written and oral presentations to various boards, commissions, and/or City Council;
- Works with applicants, neighbors, City departments, civic groups, and other political jurisdictions to resolve contentious development issues;
- Provides technical assistance, training, and expertise to the development industry, community organizations, governmental agencies, historic architectural commissions, and design review and area commissions;
- Represents the office, section, department or City at various meetings, forums and committees.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a master's degree in city and regional planning, geography, architecture, architectural history, real estate and urban analysis, historic preservation or a closely related field.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree and two (2) years of professional or internship/learning experience in the field of city or regional planning, historic preservation, or urban development.