City Of Philadelphia Office Of Human Resources

3E02

CITY PLANNER 1

General Definition

• This is planning work at the advanced training level in the area of assignment. Work involves researching, analyzing and evaluating city planning data, reporting findings, and proposing methodology, plans and procedures for projects within city planning policies and objectives. Employees in this class are typically assigned minor elements of large projects, which require the exercise of independent judgment. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher-level city planner. Assignments require evaluative thinking and are carried out in accordance with standard planning practices and general work instructions. The results of completed assignments form important segments of projects being undertaken by commission staff.

Typical Examples Of Work (Illustrative Only)

ALL ASSIGNMENTS

• Assists with researching, compiling and analyzing data relevant to the area of assignment; continues to learn approaches and methodology to be used to gather data; reviews federal, state and local regulations, legislation and ordinances applicable to area of assignment; researches sources of funds for planning activities in the area of assignment.
• Attends staff, commission, community and intra-agency meetings regarding city planning programs and policies.
• Performs related work as required.

• STRATEGIC PLANNING AND POLICY ASSIGNMENT

  • Conducts studies in such functional areas as transportation, community facilities, and residential, commercial and industrial land uses as part of the maintenance of the comprehensive plan or the preparation of district plans for large areas of the city; proposes material to be included and sources of data; compiles and analyzes data to determine existing conditions and to isolate trends; prepares land use, traffic and other plans and/or reports; presents recommendations to staff of planning commission.
  • Compiles and tabulates departmental capital budget requests; reviews special budget requests and/or the entire capital budgets of the less complex departments; notes questionable items and may obtain clarification if required; recommends items to be included and their scheduling; discusses capital budget requests with staff members to determine conformance with plans and policies.
  • Keeps abreast of latest developments in the field by reading publications and reports and conferring with individuals and groups; answers inquiries of public about commission activities.
  • Assists with transportation planning studies; works on strategic planning studies, policy and analysis related to street lighting, highways, etc.

  COMMUNITY PLANNING ASSIGNMENT

  • Assists planning representative for an assigned city area; develops contact and rapport with neighborhood community groups; provides technical assistance to community groups; meets with community groups to determine their position or reaction to proposals; the staff or Commission of the community position; gathers and analyzes the data concerning the area under study; performs Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and analysis; reviews proposed site development plans to determine relationship to neighborhood plans, urban renewal plans, and City goals; recommends modifications to development plans; prepares detailed sketches and plans to illustrate plan modifications; prepares detailed land use and site design plans; assists in preparation of urban renewal reports such as blight certifications and development area plans; prepares memos and reports; presents planning recommendations and reports as a public speaker at meetings with staff, other agencies or at Commission hearings.

  DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND ZONING ASSIGNMENT

  • Receives and reviews zoning applications; researches previous appeals and examines previous applications and makes recommendations to supervisor; prepares zoning maps; conducts field inspections; prepares zoning data sheets and letters. Also reviews plans for conformance with City standards and code compliance.

  URBAN DESIGN ASSIGNMENT

  • Assists with the preparation and testing of site and building controls and design guidelines for specific development parcels, development projects and special districts; reviews building designs, site plans, streetscapes and landscapes for conformance with zoning controls, development controls and design guidelines; reviews designs for public and private spaces including consideration of such factors as pedestrian usage, landscape standards, lighting, adjoining land uses, transportation linkages and access, signage and public art.
  • Prepares prospectuses and requests for proposals for individual development sites; prepares redevelopment strategies for neighborhoods and specific development districts including preparation of recommendations on land and other uses

  ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING ASSIGNMENT

  • Assists with environmental planning studies; works on planning studies concerned with the physical environment, such as land, climate, vegetation, wildlife, land use, water supply, sewage and septic systems, solid waste, drainage, air, noise, and water pollution, and energy resources.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge Of:

• the scope and objectives of city planning
• physical, social and economic structure of the city
• city planning problems
• the techniques and processes of planning research
• the methods and techniques of planning analysis
• the theories, principles and trends in city planning
• the principles and methods of municipal zoning as they relate to city planning
• the application and interpretation of standard statistical measures

Skill In:

• Microsoft Office Suite
• GIS Mapping software
• Adobe Creative Suite

Ability To:

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, civic, community and industrial groups and the general public
• analyze complex problems and reach sound conclusions
• formulate original plans and reports presenting solutions to planning problems, which are in accordance with accepted planning principles
• present ideas effectively in oral, written or graphic form
• graphically present planning

Minimum Acceptable Training And Experience

(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 10/11.)

Education

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university in a planning related field*. AND

Experience

• One year of technical city planning experience in the area of assignment.

OR

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources, which has included the completion of a bachelor's degree as an educational minimum.

Physical And Medical Requirements

1. Ability to meet approved minimal physical and medical standards.

PAY RANGE:

• Class Established:

  • 4/60

• Latest Spec. Revision:

  • CSC: 10/11, Ad Board: 10/11

PF/jl

End Of Job Class Specification - 3E02