Planner I
Shreveport-Caddo MPC
Experience:
Entry level
Contact person:
Diane Tullos
Phone:
(318) 673-6498
Fax:
(318) 673-6461
Email:
Diane.Tullos@shreveportla.gov
Location:
Shreveport, LA
Notice of Position Opening
Planner I (Two positions available)
The Shreveport/Caddo Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) is an independent agency enabled by Louisiana State statute to manage the orderly development of the City of Shreveport, Louisiana and extra jurisdictional territory up to five miles beyond the city limits. The agency is governed by a nine member citizen board comprised of appointees of the local governing bodies. The board delegates the authority for current and long range planning along with zoning enforcement operations of the agency to the board appointed Executive Director.
The MPC is in the process of completing a new Unified Development Code (UDC) that will replace the existing ordinances adopted in the 1950s. In anticipation of the adoption of the proposed UDC, the Executive Director has already begun the process of restructuring the application and development review process. It is expected that further restructuring will be needed with the commencement of the implementation phase of the approved UDC.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The position of Planner I is an entry level professional planner position in the Current Planning Division. The primary responsibility is for the intact and processing of development applications that will be submitted to the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). As part of the application review process, site development plans are evaluated and staff recommendations for board action are developed. This position will also be involved in a variety of planning related activities in the Long Range Planning Division on an as needed basis. Planner I personnel serve at the discretion of the Executive Director, under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director. This position receives considerable immediate oversight and advice from AICP certified Senior Planners employed by the MPC.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
- Performs professional work related to a variety of planning assignments.
- Processing of submitted applications, verifies the accuracy of legal property descriptions. Prepares staff reports, and assists in making recommendations to the Executive Director regarding MPC and ZBA agenda items.
- Coordinates with GIS Division regarding the preparation of maps and other data necessary for processing of development applications.
- Participates in monthly Development Review Team meetings in order to receive final application comments from the relevant City and Parish Department representatives.
- Researches and prepares assigned zoning and subdivision ordinance amendments.
- Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of re-zonings, ordinance text amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals.
- Assists or acts as a liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in the development of neighborhood plans as needed.
- Reviews or assists in the review of development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans and regulations.
- Collects a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topic such as census information, land use, other publically accessible data.
- Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues.
- Conducts field evaluations and assessments.
- Provides information to the public regarding development regulations.
- Available for occasional evening and weekend meetings.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
The Planning I position requires a bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, GIS, public policy or related field and one year of professional planning experience. Educational accreditation beyond the minimum educational requirement may be considered in lieu of the required planning experience. Combinations of education and experience equivalent with the minimum requirement (in the required fields) may be considered at the discretion of the Executive Director. Applicant’s that have the ability to obtain AICP Certification are preferred. Must have strong communication and customer service skills as well as experience with research and compiling data for reports associated with development review. Experience working in a governmental entity is preferred.
SALARY RANGE
$42,000 - $47,000 annually
DEADLINE AND FORM OF RESPONSE
A letter of interest, resume, six professional references, and salary history will be accepted by e-mail or postal service until the COB onTuesday, December 22, 2015as follows:
Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, Executive Director
Shreveport/Caddo Parish MPC
505 Travis Street, Suite 440
Shreveport, LA 71101
Contact Person: Diane Tullos
Phone: (318) 673-6498
Fax: (318) 673-6461
Please note: If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail confirming receipt of your documentation within 24 hours of sending, please call the number provided.