PRINCIPAL PLANNER DEFINITION:
Under direction of a Supervising Planner or other supervisor in a State or local government agency, participates in the development of a master, functional, or project plan intended primarily to guide government policy for the assurance of orderly and coordinated development of municipal, county, regional, and metropolitan land areas or portions thereof; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related duties 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:
Conducts studies and surveys involving highly complex technical aspects of the planning field, including existing and future land uses, resources and resource needs, utilities and transportation uses.
Analyses land development whether proposals submitted for review and approval, and determine proposals comply with state, county, and municipal plans, regulations, and rules.
Conducts field inspection of land development proposals to assess existing conditions of the area with the land development proposal.
Conducts meetings with the general public and government official to resolve conflicting issues.
Prepares various types of reports.
Reviews and interprets planning data.
Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with those involved in the work of the program.
May coordinate activities of professional planning personnel.
Design plans and planning programs.
Prepares agendas and progress reports for the planning board; suggests revisions to land development regulations.
Evaluates project proposals against adopted standards, plans, and programs; recommends viable alternatives when required.
When necessary, drafts recommended design change to one or more aspects of development proposals.
Transmits actions and recommendations of development proposals to municipalities, applicants, and other representatives.
May participate in program and project reviews in accordance with federal, state, and regional guidelines and requirements.
Plans and prepares comprehensive planning studies used. Studies the financial and economic implications and community impact of varied projects and proposals.
Trains and supervises subordinates and provides them with needed advice and assistance.
Reviews and evaluates programs for efficient, effectiveness, and suitability to current conditions, cost, and accomplishment.
Coordinates administrative planning and development of community development programs such as housing, economics, and public services which are designed to address community needs, and to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations.
Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
Coordinates agency activities with other government agencies and entities.
Prepares correspondence.
Provides advice and technical assistance.
Coordinates agency activities with other entities.
Prepares clear, accurate and informative planning and other reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
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.
Seven (7) 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 three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a master's degree in planning from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years 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 three (3) 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 three (3) 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 theories, practices, and principles of state, municipal, and regional 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 development.
Knowledge of the varied factors, to be considered in the planning process.
Knowledge of factors that determine the development, location, form, growth, or decline of urban areas.
Knowledge of the impact of land use on community development.
Knowledge of principles related to the movement of people within and outside of urban areas and transportation as a factor in community growth and physical structure.
Ability to gather and analyze data.
Ability to analyze planning problems.
Ability to identify and define planning goals and objectives.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those involved in the work of the unit.
Ability to organize and execute designated planning projects and studies.
Ability to prepare technically correct, and realistic land use plans.
Ability to keep current with literature in the field of planning and with current trends of thought and significant developments in present day planning activities. Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret basic law and regulations.
Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit.
Ability to provide guidance and instruction to technical and other employees. Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret, and use land use information.
Ability to prepare maps, charts, graphs, and plans.
Ability to provide professional advice and guidance on planning matters.
Ability to prepare correspondence.
Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative planning reports, studies, and surveys containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to maintain records, reports, maps, plans, 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.
