Job Information
Job Category
Land Use, Rural Planning, Urban Design
Company Name
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
Position Level
Entry
Job Description
Distinguishing Features of Work The City of Wichita is now seeking a Senior Planner-Advanced Plans to join its team and help develop and implement plans that improve the quality of life for all citizens in our community. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and research skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and be passionate about making Wichita a better place to live, work, and play. The Senior Planner is responsible for working closely with residents, community groups and businesses to design, implement and review civic plans for the area. This includes hosting forums and events to gain input from citizens, developing surveys, researching, and reporting outcomes and managing an annual work plan. The Senior Planner will also develop strategies and policy initiatives, track progress and provide presentations in varying public forums. Ideal candidates must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and be able to think creatively to carry out the vision of their community. Previous experience in a leadership role within an urban planning department, as well as a professional degree in relevant fields such as city planning, public administration, or policy, are required. Examples of Work Performed- Manages planning processes – including the preparation of neighborhood, area, and corridor plans.
- Meets with and advises applicants, architects, developers, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City and County planning and development policies and standards.
- Manages and provides analysis of zoning, CUP, PUD, vacation, annexation, or platting cases.
- Provides public presentations in a variety of settings.
- Prepares planning research analysis, and staff reports for a variety of audiences – including advisory boards, elected officials, staff, and members of the public.
- Reviews development proposals and applications for compliance with appropriate regulations and policies; negotiates solutions that balance the community’s values and private property owner concerns.
- Prepares land use control regulations, often based on previous examples.
- Coordinates professional and technical personnel in the gathering of information, data analysis, plans preparation, and resulting policy recommendations.
- Assists citizens with questions and issues regarding processes and programs.
- Meets with neighborhood, community, and development groups as part of the planning process.
- Uses GIS software to look up information, assist stakeholders, create maps, and analyze data.
- Ability to use and learn proprietary software programs to complete projects.
- Facilitates the implementation of comprehensive plan elements into specific initiatives/projects for public or private action.
- Develops grant applications.
- Monitors, administers, and evaluates third party contracts.
- Draft RFQ’s and FRP’s when warranted.
- Participate on local and/or regional boards, representing the Planning Department as needed.
- Writes legal notices, creates property owner notification letters, prepares agendas, and writes minutes for various meetings.
- Completion of work assignments may require the operation of a vehicle.
- The examples of work performed are not intended to be all-inclusive.
- The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional duties as needed.
- Considerable knowledge of current land use trends and of landmark court cases on planning issues.
- Considerable knowledge of research methods and sources of information relating to metropolitan growth and development.
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of metropolitan planning.
- Knowledge of municipal government administration.
- Knowledge of computer keyboards and ability to access, interpret, and record information through use of a video display terminal and electronic keyboard.
- Ability to effectively plan, organize, and supervise the work of others.
- Ability to lean and reach as needed to read and interpret plans and specifications from a print that may be as large as 36 by 48 inches with information printed as small as twenty characters per inch.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other Departments, representatives of outside agencies, City/County officials, and the public.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written forms.
- Ability to collect site photos, conduct site visits, and hold site meetings on a regular basis.
- Must be able to transport files and materials.
- May require ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license.
- An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
Required Skills / Experience / Education
Required Experience and Training A bachelor's degree and at least two years of planning experience is required. A bachelor's degree in Planning and one year of experience or masters degree is preferred. A Master's degree in planning and at least 5 years of planning experience is preferred. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship. Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check.US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Will security clearance be required?
No
Salary Range
$56,841.00-$101,063.00
Other Benefits
CITY OF WICHITA FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 1. VACATION - Most employees with less than five years employment earn 10 days of vacation per year. After five years, accrual rates increase at varying rates to varying maximums, depending on work schedule and/or union representation. Employees can accumulate and carry forward up to 240 hours each year. 2. HOLIDAYS - There are eleven paid holidays. Employees also receive one Personal Holiday that is granted after the first six months of employment. 3. SICK LEAVE - Sick leave accrual begins at one-half day per month. After five years, sick leave accruals are one work day per month. Employees can accumulate and carry forward all unused sick leave each year. Employees who use 24 hours (3 days) or less of sick leave in a calendar year earn a "Well Day." An additional "Well Day" can be earned following a year of perfect attendance. 4. HEALTH INSURANCE – UMR / United Healthcare provides two levels of medical and prescription drug plans. Both medical plan are PPOs and do not require selecting a physician or referrals for specialty care. Both medical plans include Teladoc virtual care (primary care/mental health benefits at no charge), Dario healthy living programs, and VSP Vision benefits. Pre-tax premium deductions are offered. The City contributes 80% of the premium cost towards medical, prescription drug and vision insurance. 5. DENTAL INSURANCE - Two Delta Dental plans are offered – Preferred and Traditional. The Delta Preferred plan requires using a dentist from a smaller network for a lower premium. The Delta Traditional plan allows use of any dentist, although benefits are higher using a dentist from the large Delta network. Benefits under both plans are the same (with the exception of some Orthodontic benefits) Pre-tax premium deductions are offered. 6.LIFE INSURANCE – Low-cost voluntary term life insurance is available. Employees pay one-third of the cost. The amount of Basic Life coverage is two times annual pay up to a determined maximum amount. Dependent coverage is available at $20,000 spouse / $10,000 child(ren) for an additional $0.14 per pay period. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The plan is through MetLife. 7.SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE – Additional voluntary employee-paid term life insurance is available from MetLife at low group rates. Participation in Basic Life is required. The Life Insurance plans are portable. 8. LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE– The voluntary employee-paid group disability plan from MetLife provides 60% of pre-disability income for injury or health related disabilities. Premiums are determined by income and age. 9.VOLUNTARY ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT – Voluntary employee-paid AD&D from MetLife offers coverage for accidental death and dismemberment. 10.RETIREMENT - The City offers two retirement plans - Wichita Employees (WER) Plan 3, and Commissioned Police & Fire Plan C-79. The WER plan is a defined contribution plan; Police & Fire is a defined benefit plan. Both are contributory - employees and the City share the cost. 11.FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS – Employees may elect to make FSA pre-tax deductions for dependent care and/or unreimbursed medical expenses, reducing the cost of these expenses by eliminating taxes on the amount deducted. 12. LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE – This plan from UNUM offers facility and home care benefits for employees, spouses, and some other family members. Several options for benefit amount and duration, and specific plan features, are available. 13.MORE BENEFITS & SERVICES Deferred Compensation Investment Program Employee Discounts and Wichita Employee Association (WEA) Bereavement Pay Employee Emergency Assistance Fund Voluntary Shared Leave Program Training Programs Longevity Pay Credit Union Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Injury Leave (on-job injury) Community Volunteer EventsJob Start Date
06/03/2024
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Travel
None
Primary Language Required
English
Job Location
Location Address
217 W 3rd St
Wichita, Kansas
67202
Contact Information
Hiring Contact Name
Brian Thompson
Phone Number
(316) 268-4425
Website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wichita/jobs/3520492/senior-planner-advanced-plans?salary=100000&sort=PositionTitle%7CAscending&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs