Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture
College of Letters & Science

The City of Mandan, North Dakota Principal Planner

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The City of Mandan, North Dakota is currently accepting applications for the position of:

Principal Planner – Grade 25

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Position Details

Salary: $63,752 to $97,973/year (DOE)

Status: Full-time/Exempt

Department:  Engineering & Planning

Closing Date: Sunday, November 29, 2020

*Applications without a resume will be disqualified. 

1. DESCRIPTION OF WORK

  • 1.1. General Statement of Duties: This position performs professional planning duties in support of the positive development of the City of Mandan.
  • 1.2. Supervision Received: Under direct supervision of the Planning and Engineering Director.
  • 1.3. Supervision Exercised: Position has authority to direct the Planning and Engineering Department Administrative Assistant.

2. EXAMPLES OF WORK

  • 2.1. Leading role in assisting applicants, coordinating, compiling and organizing presentation information for Planning and Zoning Commission meetings. Presents the information compiled and includes their recommendation for each item. Items include platting, zoning, annexations and related variance requests. Takes items to City Commission for consideration after Planning and Zoning.
  • 2.2. Acts as the city’s staff expert in Planning and Zoning related requests for information and advisement. Impart knowledge and opinion onto requestors of such information.
  • 2.3. Assists the Planning and Engineering Director to develop appropriate master-planning for all of the city’s infrastructure improvements, both new and existing. Participates in planning of city’s infrastructure expansion and reconstruction projects and other duties as assigned by the Planning and Engineering Director
  • 2.4. Develops and recommends rule and policy changes related to all Planning and Zoning items. Constructs ordinances, resolutions, development agreements and other agreements as needed.  Traverses a political and complex environment with conflicting values and needs while striving to fulfill the adopted plans of the City.
  • 2.5. Engages in and acts as the main point of contact for planning studies, typically led by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), as assigned by the Planning and Engineering Director.  Facilitates implementation of a variety of plans, including the Mandan Land Use and Transportation Plan, Downtown Subarea Study, and Fringe Area Road Master Plan.
  • 2.6. Performs, as required, clerical duties such as printing, compiling data, data input, photocopying, phone answering, scanning and filing.
  • 2.7. Provides staff support to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of City Commissioners by reviewing applications, preparing reports and findings, and providing formal recommendation in written, oral, and presentation formats. Acts as City liaison for variety of committees and subcommittees surrounding land use, transportation, downtown revitalization, and general community health and wellbeing.   Provides input and direction to consultants working on a variety of plans and studies.
  • 2.8. Responsible for processing a variety of application types to include annexations, special use permits, preliminary and final plats, zoning map/text amendments, variances, and street vacations.  Creates, manages, and maintains the City’s land use maps including zoning, future land use, and subdivisions, and assists other departments including Assessors and Building with mapping as needed.
  • 2.9. Provides guidance to future applicants on application timing, additional submittals, and explanation of rules and regulations relevant to the respective future application, as needed.  Processes a variety of administrative land use permits for applicants and ensure compliance with regulations at the time of application.
  • 2.10. Performs other duties of a comparable level/type as required.

3. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • 3.1. Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Urban or Regional Planning. Social Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or related field from an accredited college or university required. Master’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning or related field preferred.
  • 3.2. Experience: Experience working in a local government planning related field for a minimum of three years required. Experience working in a local government planning related field for a minimum of five years preferred.  AICP Certification is preferred, but not required.
  • 3.3. Required Knowledge and Abilities:
    • 3.3.1. Extensive knowledge of best practices of the planning process as it relates to land use and transportation.
    • 3.3.2. Extensive knowledge of best practices surrounding conventional zoning.
    • 3.3.3. Experience presenting at public hearings commissions and boards following the Robert’s Rules of Order.
    • 3.3.4. Extensive ability to communicate clearly and accurately in written and oral formats.  Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
    • 3.3.5. Knowledge of computers and job related software programs including Microsoft standard suite and mapping programs such as Geographic Information System (GIS).
    • 3.3.6. Knowledge of standard construction permitting procedures and general construction practices.
    • 3.3.7. Knowledge in mathematics, especially geometry, and ability to apply to problem solving.
    • 3.3.8. Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and laws.
    • 3.3.9. General knowledge of survey methods, tools, and instruments.
    • 3.3.10. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
    • 3.3.11. Ability to communicate with co-workers, supervisor, general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to provide and/or receive work direction.
    • 3.3.12. Valid North Dakota Driver’s license or ability to attain upon hire.
  • 3.4. Physical Demands/Work Environment: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table. The incumbent distinguishes between shades of color. The work is typically performed in an office.
  • Applicants who are residents of North Dakota and eligible to claim veteran’s preference must include Form DD-214. Claims for disabled veteran’s preferences must also include Form DD-214 and a letter less than one year old from the Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs indicating disability; claims for preference as the eligible spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran must include Form DD-214, a marriage certificate, and a letter less than one year old from Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs indication disability, or the veteran’s death certificate.
  • Applicants who may need additional job information or may require accommodation or assistance with the application or interview process should contact Human Resources at 701-667-3217.
  • Applicants are subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
  • In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
  • The City of Mandan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.