Principal Planner

Direct, coordinate, participate in and review professional planning activities and operations for highly complex and high impact planning projects within the assigned department; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public; and provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to assigned higher level management staff.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Description s are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban/regional planning, architectural design or a related field.

Six (6) years of managerial planning experience.

To include three (3) years supervisory experience.

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive planning program in assigned area
• Modern and complex principles and practices of planning in assigned area
• Methods and techniques of research and analysis
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures and equipment, including computers necessary for graphic presentation, mapping and database management
• Principles of municipal budget preparation and control
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations

• Initiate and implement highly complex planning theories and concepts
• Understand site design, terrain constraints, circulation, land use compatibility, utilities and other urban services for major development proposals
• Supervise, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff
• Interpret and explain City planning policies and procedures
• Prepare clear and concise reports
• Communicate clearly and concisely
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of City and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
• Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation