Details
05/07/2025
Planner
City of Upper Arlington
Pay Range: $68,000-95,000
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
As part of the Community Development Department team, reporting to the Senior Planner, this position provides city planning and zoning-related services to assist Upper Arlington residents, businesses, contractors, and developers, plus the Board of Zoning and Planning, City Council, and others as required. Primarily reviews permit applications for compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance (zoning code); helps administer Board of Zoning and Planning meetings; assists customers at the permit counter; performs zoning inspections and other duties as needed. Will assist in the upcoming Master Plan update and implementation of other recently-adopted neighborhood planning efforts, as well current and future redevelopment efforts.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: For purposes of 42 USC 12101:
Responds to Upper Arlington residents, businesses, contractors, developers, and other public officials and boards inquiring about city planning and zoning regulations and ordinances, and how it relates to or impacts their property and future plans.
Researches, writes, and presents staff reports for the Board of Zoning and Planning, City Council, and other agencies; ensures all applications are complete prior to public consideration; may include drafting meeting minutes.
Studies, researches, and drafts legislation of various planning and zoning matters and related issues; analyzes, interprets, and applies City codes as required; drafts reports, correspondence, memos, and other documentation.
Reviews all building, sign, fence, and swimming pool permit applications to ensure compliance with zoning code requirements; processes and issues permit and license applications, and collects fees.
Experience in neighborhood and/or comprehensive planning, including citizen engagement efforts, meeting management, document organization, and drafting/reviewing zoning documents.
Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance, which includes evening meetings typically twice per month. Able to effectively represent the City at various meetings and events throughout the year.
Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable safety standards that pertain to essential functions.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
8. Performs other duties as required. (5%)
Typical Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in City and Regional Planning, Geography, or a related field; Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning desired; and two (2) years of progressively responsible related experience; or any combination of training, education, or experience which provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle insurance policy; Certified Planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or within two years of eligibility.
Supplemental Information
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (* indicates developed after employment).
Knowledge of:
**Applicable laws, regulations, City policies, procedures, and requirements including Ohio Ethics law and Public Records law;
General Safety standards;
City and Regional Planning;
Sustainability;
Public relations and social media;
Best practices in diversity, equity and inclusion practices, strategies, systems, and policies as it relates to area of work; and
*Local geographic area.
Skill in:
Proficient use of applicable technology and software;
Conflict resolution and de-escalation tactics; and
In the use of architecture and engineering tools (Arc GIS).
Ability to:
Interpret and carry-out a variety of instructions in written, oral, picture, or schedule form;
Multi-task and meet deadlines;
Interpret extensive variety of technical material;
Exercise independent judgment and discretion; compile and prepare reports;
Respond to routine inquiries from public and/or officials;
Prepare and deliver presentations to Boards and commissions;
Demonstrated awareness of and an ability to effectively use communication that overcomes socio-cultural and lingual barriers, to be aware of verbal and nonverbal forms of communication, and listen and adapt approach to fit audience;
Effectively use and understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications;
Develop and maintain effective working relationships, team-oriented spirit and positive attitude;
Provide high level of customer service to both internal and external customers;
Resolve complaints; and
Travel to and gain access to work site.
EQUIPMENT USED: The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive.
Standard business office equipment, motor vehicle, drafting tools/equipment, measuring equipment, and GIS. Optional work from home available one day per week after completion of probationary period.
INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS:
The employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); is exposed to possible injury from unclean or unsanitary conditions; works with moving mechanical parts of equipment of machines; is exposed to extreme weather conditions; works in or around crowds; occasionally required to climb or balance; may be required to work in moderate noise; occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; frequently lifts, pushes, pulls, or carries objects 25 lbs. or less.
Note: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered light work.
CITY VALUES:
Incumbent must model the following established city values: Teamwork/Collaboration, Integrity, Service, Leadership, Communication, Growth, and Professionalism & Ethics.
