Neighborhood Planner

Fluency in Spanish, including speaking, writing, and reading is preferred but not required

WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY

Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job.  It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.  It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of one of the fastest growing communities in the nation.  In 2014, our community was named “The #1 Best Place to Live in America.”  Although proud of that honor, everyone on our team is committed to making McKinney an even better place to live, work and raise a family.  That’s why we exist.

OUR CORE VALUES

City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace.   However, we also look after and support one another.  All of us are guided by four employee-inspired values – Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE).  We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and support a healthy, family-oriented culture.  All new employees are expected to embrace and live by our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high-performance organization.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Under general supervision, the planner position is responsible for researching, analyzing, reviewing, and facilitating matters related to growth, development, redevelopment, revitalization, and the physical organization of the community. Depending on area assignment, the focus of an individual planner may include the review of and responsibility for development and zoning requests, activities related to comprehensive planning and research, neighborhood planning, downtown planning and/or various historic preservation activities.  The candidate selected to fill this position is also responsible for working with elected and appointed governing bodies, city departments, public agencies, developers, and the public to ensure projects meet the goals and standards established by the City.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES 

In order for us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees. 

• Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and City goals are interconnected.
• Contribute to a positive work culture.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to assess his/her work performance or the work performance of the team.
• Contribute to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall organization.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, to demonstrate team skills, and to perform a fair share of team responsibilities.
• Ability to continuously learn and develop through a mix of internal and external training opportunities, and if applicable, encourage subordinates to do the same.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Exhibits respect, integrity, service and excellence in all actions, speech, and decisions. 
• Provides excellent customer service; responds to concerns and inquiries.
• Maintains department and project files and documents.
• Assists other team members within the division and department, as needed. 
• Participates in special team projects both within and between departments.
• Attends department, public, boards and commissions, and City Council meetings, as needed. 
• Complies with all written City policies and procedures.
• Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in City and department attendance policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

When assigned to the Neighborhood Planning Team:

A neighborhood planner assists in the implementation of programs, policies, and outreach activities supportive of the long-term health and vitality of McKinney’s historic neighborhoods. The position also serves as an important conduit between city departments, neighborhoods, residents, and agencies by connecting people and places with the resources and tools they need to thrive over time. 

• Assists in the drafting and implementation of special projects, special reports, and studies, including opportunities for public involvement. 
• Assists in the development and implementation of neighborhood revitalization strategies and studies.
• Attends various public, neighborhood, and group meetings to share information regarding city initiatives, redevelopment, revitalization, and resources.
• Assists historic neighborhood groups in identifying challenges, needs, and opportunities/resources for improvement;
• Identifies program services and distributes informational material to residents to describe what, where and when program services are available to them;
• Helps historic neighborhoods and residents understand the development process for various case types, fees, and policies.
• Coordinates closely with the Housing and Community Development Department to connect property owners wishing to improve their properties with available grant programs and other funding opportunities.
• Assists in the development of print materials for neighborhood outreach and to promote community awareness. 
• Assists in conducting demographic research and spatial analysis.
• Assists in the research and application of state/federal programs at the local level.
• Assists in the development and implementation of city-led housing initiatives. 
• Assists in the coordination and promotion of city initiatives between various departments/division, such as Planning, Engineering, Building Inspections, Public Information Office, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Main Street, Housing and Community Development, and/or neighborhood groups.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND BEHAVIORS

• Ability to embrace and embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
• Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom service is provided. 
• Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
• Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
• Knowledge of planning principles, specifically related to land use planning, development, preservation, community engagement, and implementation. 
• Understands how short-term decision making affects long-term planning goals of the city. 
• Requires strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally. 
• Skill to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data and/or information using established criteria.  Includes exercise of discretion in determining actual or probable consequences, and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
• Skill to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
• Skill to utilize a variety of advisory and design data and information, such as zoning and subdivision codes, planning maps, state statutes and city ordinances.
• Skill to perform mathematical operations involving basic algebraic principles and formulas, and basic geometric principles and calculations.
• Skill to perform semi-skilled coordinated movements, such as performing data entry on a computer, operating a vehicle, and utilizing an engineering scale.
• Ability to read and interpret spatial data using GIS software.
• Ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others on how to apply procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
• Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
• Ability to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers, subordinates, and customers with respect.
• Exemplifies the core values of teamwork, respect, integrity, service and excellence for the City of McKinney and Development Services Division.
• Exhibits enthusiasm for work and a dedication for achieving quality results in alignment with the city’s goals and objectives.
• Builds professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
• Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Architecture, Historic Preservation, or closely related field and a minimum six (6) months’ previous experience and/or training in the field of urban planning.

Fluent in Spanish including, speaking, writing, and reading (only required for assignment to the neighborhood planning team)

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications may be an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Architecture, Historic Preservation, or closely related field.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must pass a drug screen and background check.
• Must have Class C Texas Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).  Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require visual and sound perception and discrimination and oral communications ability.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position.  Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.