Bethel, AK – Director of Planning

Director of Planning

Consider a career in Bethel Alaska, where you’re steps from the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge’s untouched nature. The scenic landscapes and recreation paradise provide habitat for salmon, bear, caribou, moose, wolves, and muskox. The City is seeking applications from energetic planning professionals interested in joining a leadership team committed to the community they serve.

APPLY: https://www.cityofbethel.org/index.asp?SEC=1BD8A498-70D0-4E52-8E53-2CC3674B48B7

SUMMARY:
Plans, organizes and manages planning programs, staff and activities, including comprehensive planning, zoning, land use and development in accordance with City municipal code and comprehensive plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the department; directs the preparation and administration of the department’s budget.
• Plans, organizes and directs all planning, zoning, land use, and development within the City.
• Develops long range plans, including comprehensive plans; provides information on public on land ownership patterns, land use regulations, economic trends and related matters.
• Researches and prepares economic and fiscal impact analyses relating to assigned community issues and/or projects.
• Administers zoning and subdivision regulations.
• Prepares and maintains land use studies, records, legal descriptions, GIS applications and maps.
• Provides staff and administrative support, prepares materials for and attends meetings of commissions and City Council; collects, analyzes and organizes reports to policy makers.
• Serves as the Municipal Lands Officer, including cataloguing, reviewing and requesting for lands.
• Coordinates planning issues and projects within developers, business owners, citizen groups and affected members of the public.
• Maintains currency of employment regulations, industry trends, current practices, new developments, applicable laws, and employment legislation.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the City by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in planning, or a closely related field; AND five (5) years of professional urban planning experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
• Driver’s License.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Required Knowledge:
• Principles and practices of urban planning, land use and land management.
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) development and maintenance procedures.
• State and Federal real estate law and land mapping and management practices.
• Principles and practices of program planning, development and evaluation.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, and the management of employees through multiple levels of supervision.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Records management principles and practices.
• Principles and techniques of making effective oral presentations.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Planning, organizing and administering a comprehensive and varied planning, zoning and land use management function.
• Effective and efficient management of programs and staff.
• Training others in policies and procedures related to the work.
• Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards.
• Project and program management.
• Performing professional-level planning duties in a variety of assigned areas.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Responding to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Using tact, discretion and prudence in working with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Using GIS, computer graphics and imaging processing software.
• Performing effective oral presentations to large and small groups.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of individuals contacted in the course of the work.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in an office setting, use standard office equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 10 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
• Work is performed in an office setting.
• Travel required to locations throughout the City; exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

SALARY RANGE: $99,664 – $115,580 exempt, annual starting salary range. Placement within the starting range is determined based upon the candidate’s background, education and experience.

CONTACT:
Lori Strickler
lstrickler@cityofbethel.net