City Planner

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Opportunity: City Planner - Shape the Future of the City of Russellville!The City of Russellville, Arkansas is seeking a visionary and experienced Planning Director to lead our comprehensive planning efforts and guide our community's future development.As Planning Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the physical, developmental, and socioeconomic landscape of our city. You will lead policy development, collaborate with developers and agencies, and actively engage the public to foster responsible and strategic growth. This is an exciting opportunity to manage a dedicated planning staff, provide expert technical guidance, and communicate a clear vision for the future of land use planning and development in Russellville.Key Responsibilities:Conduct in-depth research, analyze data, and develop policy recommendations and innovative planning solutions for a wide range of city government issues.Serve as a primary point of contact for the public, addressing development inquiries and explaining the intent and scope of proposed projects. Investigate and resolve citizen concerns related to zoning and land use.Present clear and concise information and reports to various committees, the Planning Commission, and City Council.Manage complex long-range planning projects, including Development Code amendments, City Plan updates, and the City Master Plan.Author comprehensive reports and memos on long-range planning issues, city code development, strategic planning initiatives, and other city policies.Communicate effectively and professionally with diverse members of the public, elected and appointed officials.Act as a crucial liaison to developers, engineers, architects, and contractors, facilitating high-quality, compliant, and community-aligned development projects.Conduct advanced research and data analysis to formulate sound policy recommendations and strategic planning approaches.Facilitate meetings and represent the City at assigned board and commission meetings.Perform site inspections to ensure development aligns with approved plans.Develop lifecycle and cost/benefit analyses on sustainability and other city policy matters.Prepare compelling grant proposals for a variety of projects across City Departments and Divisions.Develop clear and comprehensive Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for projects requiring external consultant expertise.Collaborate effectively with various City Departments and Divisions on projects requiring research, analysis, and policy recommendations, such as master plans and technical manuals.Provide expert editing services for documents and policies developed by other City departments.Create compelling urban design development scenarios and graphics for neighborhood plans and urban development projects initiated by the City.Utilize GIS and other planning and mapping tools for sophisticated spatial analysis and visual representation of zoning, demographic, urban design data, socio-economic indicators, zoning overlay districts, transportation analysis, etc.Assist in the thorough evaluation of rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, permits, variances, and other development proposals.Support client efforts to effectively resolve questions or issues related to planning projects and public information sharing.Stay abreast of the latest trends, legislation, and best practices in planning, land use law, economic development, and sustainability.Conduct thorough field evaluations and assessments.Supervisory Responsibilities:Directly supervise three non-supervisory positions within the Planning & Development Departments.Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Citys policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning, directing work, appraising performance, rewarding, and disciplining employees.Qualifications:Bachelors degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Architecture, or a related field from a four-year college or university.A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal or regional planning is required, with at least two years in a supervisory or leadership role.Strong ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents, including planning periodicals, professional journals, technical documents, and governmental regulations.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints, write speeches and articles, and deliver persuasive presentations on complex topics to diverse audiences.Ability to work with mathematical concepts and apply them to practical situations.Proven ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret technical instructions and deal with abstract and concrete variables.AICP Certification preferred.Must possess a valid Arkansas Drivers License.Proficiency in the use of personal computers and related software programs, including standard office equipment.Knowledge and ability to operate survey equipment, GPS, and total station equipment is a plus.Considerable knowledge of planning, forecasting, and budgeting techniques.Considerable knowledge of City policies, procedures, codes, and ordinances pertaining to Public Works projects and activities.Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations affecting Public Works projects.Considerable knowledge of research methods and techniques.Some knowledge of regulations and requirements regarding grants and federal funds.Demonstrated ability to plan, direct, coordinate, and assign the activities of management-level employees.Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.Exceptional interpersonal skills to understand, select, evaluate, develop, and motivate individuals at all levels.Communication Skills:Internal: Strong ability to clearly and effectively relay technical and policy-related information across departments, present ideas in meetings, lead internal discussions, and contribute to cross-departmental projects.External: Frequent interaction with vendors, citizens, state and federal agencies, chamber of commerce, economic development professionals, engineers, architects, and community groups. Must be comfortable delivering presentations, leading public meetings, and communicating complex planning or regulatory information in clear, accessible language.Benefits:The City of Russellville offers an excellent and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families. This includes:Retirement: APERS Public Employee Retirement System (APERS), 457, etc.Holidays: Paid holidays as recognized by the City.Vacation: Generous paid vacation leave, based on years of service.Sick Leave: Paid sick leave for personal or family illness.And much more: This may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision, wellness, prescription drug plan), life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, professional development opportunities, and other valuable benefits.To Apply:Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter to tvaughn@.Join the City of Russellville and make a tangible impact on the future of our community!Pay Range: $80,000 to $85,000 annually Starting rate of pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, position offered, education, training, and/or experience.The City of Russellville is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.

Created: 2025-04-19