Planner - Urban Design & Development

Position Summary

Carry out professional and technical planning tasks, involving the collection, evaluation, and presentation of data through written, visual, or oral reports. Organize and lead community meetings to engage public participation in planning, policy, and economic development initiatives. Provide advanced and complex support to senior departmental staff.

Key Duties

• Develop community-focused plans spanning economic development, transportation, and general planning, which includes conducting research, carrying out technical analyses, and compiling reports and proposals.
• Conduct and facilitate public meetings to engage citizens and property owners, mediating and resolving conflicts between stakeholders.
• Work cooperatively with civic, business, and governmental entities to incorporate them in creating policies and procedures related to community planning, coordinating inter-agency meetings as necessary.
• Execute research and analyses such as cost/revenue studies, economic incentives, population and utility forecasts, housing needs, and social statistics.
• Encourage community pride by planning for the physical, economic, environmental, and social future of neighborhoods.
• Manage and schedule planning projects, ensuring timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Advise boards, commissions, and elected officials on ongoing planning matters including legislative and ordinance proposals.
• Evaluate proposed capital improvement or minor construction projects for justification and priority, aligning funding programs with community planning.
• Manage contracts including preparation, administration, and compliance monitoring; generate budget and project status reports.
• Support senior supervisory and management staff, participate in committees, and prepare comprehensive reports and presentations.
• If assigned to the Planning Department: Collaborate with the public regarding design compliance; assist with private sector applications; support Code Enforcement in applying zoning regulations; coordinate with various planners on policy drafting and development review; guide stakeholders through development review processes.
• If assigned to the Historic Preservation Division: Work with the public and Landmarks Commission on design and review; assist heritage preservation projects; aid Code Enforcement with Historic Protection Overlay Zone regulations; collaborate on planning policies and review; provide educational guidance regarding historic preservation.
• If assigned to Parks and Recreation: Participate in transportation planning efforts; coordinate parks, trails, and open space initiatives; support preparation of related plans and proposals; review developments near Major Public Open Space; assist in city-wide policies and property-related research.

Additional Responsibilities

• Engage with professional organizations to keep updated on planning trends and innovations.
• Carry out any related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution relevant to the job role.
• Minimum of four years' experience in planning.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid New Mexico Driver's License by the employment start date.
• Must obtain a City Operator's Permit within six months of hire.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based environment with screen exposure.
• Physical demands include the ability to sit for extended periods.