SENIOR PLANNER DEFINITION:
Under the direction of a Supervising Planner or other supervisor in a state or local government agency, performs the more complex technical planning work for the development of a master, functional, or project plan for the development of municipal, county, regional and metropolitan land areas or portions thereof; does related work as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Takes the lead over major details of planning studies and surveys involving complex technical aspects of land use planning.
Reviews land development proposals and determines, compliance with state, county, and/or municipal regulations.
Evaluates project proposals against adopted standards, plans, and programs; recommends viable alternatives when required.
Transmits actions and recommendations of development proposals to municipalities, applicants and other representatives.
Develops tentative plans for planning projects identifying proposed land use.
Assumes responsibility for major details of planning studies of physical development, economic growth, or recreational needs of the community, or of other programs involving the application of general planning principles.
Conducts surveys to gather information used in planning studies.
Provides advice and technical assistance.
Prepares maps representing existing and proposed land use and other data for submission or presentation.
Designs and prepares charts representing economic conditions.
Prepares various types of reports including graphic, statistical and written presentations.
Prepares correspondence.
Prepares clear, sound, accurate and informative statistical and other planning reports, studies and surveys containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
Maintains the essential records and files, maps, plans, designs and charts.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Six (6) years of professional experience in municipal, county, regional, or state planning including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional planning subjects such as the principles of land use planning, history of city planning, planning project design, and planning law and administration.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional planning subjects such as the principles of land use planning, history of city planning, planning project design, and planning law and administration; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a master's degree in planning from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a current and valid license as a Professional Planner in New Jersey issued by the New Jersey Board of Professional Planners; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a current and valid credential as a Certified Planner Issued by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the theories, practices, and procedures of land use planning.
Knowledge of the problems associated with the growth of urban centers, movements of population; the changing character of individual urban, suburban, and rural areas; the location, relocation, development and/or loss of industrial opportunities; traffic conditions; and other contemporary conditions affecting land use and development.
Knowledge of the varied factors to be considered in the process of land use planning.
Knowledge of factors that determine the development, location, form, growth or decline of cities.
Knowledge of the impact of land use on community development.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of drafting used to prepare maps.
Ability to gather and analyze data.
Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret basic laws and regulations.
Ability to prepare the prepare maps, charts, graphs and plans.
Ability to analyze and interpret drafting, designing and planning problems, organize assigned work and develop effective work methods.
Ability to provide professional advice and guidance on planning matters.
Ability to organize and execute designated planning projects and studies.
Ability to identify social, economic and industrial conditions and trends as they relate to land use planning.
Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret, land use information.
Ability to prepare and maintain maps, charts, graphs, and plans.
Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate and informative planning reports, studies and surveys containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those involved in the work of the unit.
Ability to keep current with land use planning practices.
Ability to prepare correspondence.
Ability to maintain records, reports, maps, plans, charts and files.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language, or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible
