City of Danville, Illinois
Classification No. 225.0
Department: Engineering & Urban Services Division: Urban Services
Position Reports To/Supervised By: Urban Services Manager
Position Summary:
The general purpose of this position and/or contribution to the department is:
Involves the application of professional planning knowledge and skills to enhance the quality of life and improve the welfare of the community by creating a more convenient, equitable, efficient, and attractive urban environment. Under direction of the Urban Services Manager this position will perform professional level duties related to advanced planning activities and neighborhood development; prepare plans and reports for the CDBG program; work with all segments of the community including City departments, external agencies, the business community, neighborhood associations and other local stakeholders and the general public to develop plans, policies, procedures, and regulations related to community wide and neighborhood level planning and development; seek grant opportunities and prepare grant applications in support of plan implementation efforts; assist with the creation of and provide support to the City’s neighborhood associations; function as the historic preservation planner for the City and oversee the City’s Historic Preservation Program; and assist as needed with the implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and with the creation and implementation of other community plans and with various DATS led planning projects.
Qualifications:
The following are considered as minimum qualifications. Extensive related experience will be considered in lieu of these position requirements if they represent similar skills, knowledge, and levels of responsibility.
Education: Candidate must possess a two (2) or four (4) year degree in urban and regional planning, geography, urban design or a related field.
Experience: Candidates for this position must possess the following experience, or experience deemed to be equivalent to the following:
- One to three years of progressive practical experience in this field or in a closely related field.
- Experience working in or with local or state government
- Experience working in a team environment
- Experience working with committees/groups
- Experience writing grant applications
Required Skills: The following skills are basic to the functions of this position. Candidates should possess these skills or be able to show their ability to develop these skills within 30 days of their start date.
- Knowledge of urban spatial structure and the way in which cities function.
- Knowledge of plan-making and project evaluation.
- Ability to envision alternatives to the physical and social environments in which we live.
- Ability to work with the public and articulate planning issues to a wide variety of audiences.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Strong organizational and technical skills.
- Understanding of local, state, and federal government programs and processes.
- Ability to interpret complex rules and regulations.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and ESRI Geographic Information Systems Software.
- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator), and Sketch-Up, is preferred.
Required Licenses:
The person holding this position must have the following licenses or be able to obtain the same within 30 days of their start date:
- Illinois Class D Vehicle Operators License
- Professional planning certification (AICP) is preferred at time of hire, but should be achieved within 2 years of start date
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following examples are illustrative of the work duties and responsibilities of this position: In addition to this list, the employee is expected to carry out any work assignment made by his/her supervisor.
- Assist with the development and preparation of the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plans and CAPER reports for the CDBG program.
- Oversee the implementation of the City’s Neighborhood Wellness Initiative.
- Create, update and implement specific neighborhood and housing plans.
- Seek programs and funding to improve the condition of the City’s housing stock and neighborhoods.
- Develop and support Neighborhood Associations in the City’s neighborhoods.
- Function as the historic preservation planner for the City and oversee the City’s Historic Preservation Program.
- Provide staff support to the Historic Preservation Commission and City Council.
- Assist with the implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
- Assist with the creation and implementation of other long range community plans.
- Prepare special planning studies and reports and disseminate data and information to the public.
- Seek grant opportunities and prepare grant applications in support of plan implementation efforts
- Prepare other plans, studies, reports and projects as assigned by the division manager or department director.
- Develop databases and prepare maps and graphics from the databases utilizing GIS software
- Coordinate with other divisions, departments and organizations to accomplish multi-disciplinary goals.
- Participate in public meetings and hearings explaining the City’s planning proposals, and the socio-economic and environmental effects of them.
- Assist with various DATS led planning projects
Physical Demands: The physical demands shown on the accompanying Chart 1 are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Environmental Demands: The work environment characteristics shown on Chart 1 are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Information: Employees of the City of Danville are expected to be honest, courteous and helpful to the public and handle matters in confidence. The City Council has adopted a “Code of Ethics” that is applicable to all employees and officers of the City.
Residency Requirements: Employees and Officers of the City of Danville must establish their principal residence in Illinois, within the City of Danville corporate limits within six months following successful completion of their probationary period.
Probationary Period: New employees must serve a 90-day probationary period. Successful completion of the probationary period is based on the employee’s ability to carry out the essential duties and responsibilities of the position as determined by the individual’s supervisor and/or department head.