Planner II (Urban /Community/Graphics/Mobility/General/Architecture (DPW EMPLOYEES ONLY)

Full Job Description

THIS IS A PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR DPW EMPLOYEES ONLY!

A Planner in this class serves as a non-supervisory member assigned to the Planning and Development Department. This class, in coordination with the Planning Director, is responsible for community planning in coordination with city wide planning and goals, and identifying community needs, resources, and problems. Planners assist citizens to make decisions on goals, policies, priorities, plans, programs, and methods of implementation designed to create a physical, economic, and social environment in which the human activities desired by the members of the community may flourish. This class covers only those positions / specialties for which the paramount is knowledge of planning principles, concepts, techniques, and practices; e.g. urban design, architecture, and historic preservation. Parenthetical specialty titles defined below further identify the duties and responsibilities performed by a Planner and the special knowledge and skills needed.

Requirements

Planners (General and Strategic Planning / Urban Design) may perform a range of duties including, but not limited to:

• Designs, promotes, or administers plans or proposals affecting urban design, land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation
• Reviews and amends Master Plan and other city plans
• Consults with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, review, or address issues regarding land use or community plans
• Provides technical support and expertise to contractors, planning officials, neighborhood groups, and other stakeholders regarding general and strategic planning and urban design matters; reviews and advises on proposals, recognizes problems and identifies possible solutions; answers inquiries relating to urban design
• Determines and prepares design criteria and specifications for various short and long-range plans and projects relating to neighborhood plans, business and industrial area plans, historic district plans, and citywide plans
• Identifies and utilizes best practices in city planning, rehabilitation, and urban renewal
• Prepares various drawings and plan layouts with drafting and graphic software in accordance with architectural and urban planning methods
• Proactively shapes and manages the City's urban design roles and responsibilities as established by the Master Plan, City policy, and departmental mission, policy, and practice
• Advises planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives
• Compiles, analyzes, and presents reports on related data using oral, written, and graphic forms of presentation
• Reviews plans and proposals by examining specs, estimates, and expenditures for feasibility, completeness, and conformity to accepted design practices, policies, and procedures; recommends approval, denial, or action to plans and proposals
• Discusses with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use
• Conducts field investigations, site surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use; prepares reports and recommendations based on completed studies for project viability
• Keeps current and informed on trends including statistical, redevelopment, demographic, land use, housing, urban design, and planning matters
• Monitors local, State, and Federal changes in regulation to determine the effects of regulatory limitations on new or existing planning and urban design projects; makes necessary changes as a result of changes in zoning and city ordinances, building codes, or environmental regulations
• Reviews sites, plans, and ongoing construction to ensure compliance with proposals or certain regulations
• Advocates for sustainability to community groups, government agencies, the general public, or special interest groups
• Mediates community disputes or assists in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects; performs community outreach to consult, engage, and advise the public, community groups, and citizens on urban design and land use planning
• Responds to complaints and inquiries in a professional and proactive manner
• Creates and provides educational information and programs
• Coordinates the work of all city planning projects and involved stakeholders
• Identifies opportunities or develops plans for sustainability projects or programs to improve energy efficiency, minimize pollution or waste, or conserve natural resources; utilizes LEED and other best practices for sustainability plans and programs
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned

Planners (Architecture / Landscape Architecture) may perform a range of duties including, but not limited to:

• Prepares scale drawings or architectural designs and specifications, using computer-aided design (CAD) or other tools to illustrate proposed projects
• Plans or designs structures such as landscapes, residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations
• Integrates engineering elements into unified architectural designs
• Designs and plans layouts of structural architectural projects
• Directs activities and monitors the work of other architects, landscape architects, planners, engineers, surveyors, and contractors regarding planning projects
• Prepares information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time for new or existing construction projects
• Conducts periodic on-site inspections of construction and landscape work to monitor compliance with plans, specifications, and contractual obligations
• Prepares contract documents for building contractors; administers construction contracts
• Designs or plans construction of green building projects or landscapes to minimize adverse environmental impact, conserve energy, and minimize water consumption
• Researches latest products, technology, or design trends to stay current in the field
• Analyzes data on conditions such as site location, drainage, or structure location for environmental reports or landscaping plans
• Confers with clients, engineering personnel, or architects on landscape projects regarding the preparation of plans, project requirements, schematic drawings, and preliminary cost estimates
• Presents project plans or landscape designs to public stakeholders, such as government agencies or community groups
• Integrates existing land features or landscaping into designs
• Reviews pertinent legislation, regulations and programs and assesses impact on City; proposes regulation revisions as requested or required; may process permit applications as requested or required
• Prepares special research studies and accurate analytical, statistical, and comprehensive reports; maintains project administration files impact of proposed projects, including impact studies, carrying capacity, feasibility studies, etc.
• Reviews technical documentation and project plans to ensure adherence to defined industry best practices and standards as well as local, State, and Federal guidelines and regulations
• Provides technical advice and expert assistance to City management, field personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders
• Serves as liaison on behalf of the City to community and neighborhood groups, professional organizations, and other City departments
• Develops marketing materials, proposals, or presentation to generate new work opportunities
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned

Planners (Historic Preservation) may perform a range of duties including, but not limited to:

• Performs site surveys of buildings, structures, landmarks, and districts to assess potential preservation status; determines eligibility for National Register of Historic Places
• Analyzes and reviews buildings, development projects, construction plans, materials, and designs for regulatory and contractual compliance adhering to "106" reviews as described and required by the U.S. Secretary of Interior and the State of Michigan Historic Preservation regulations
• Reports complaints and conducts site inspections to determine violations and enforce related ordinances, codes, and policies
• Monitors changes to local, State, and Federal regulations with respect to Federal Section 106 in order to assess potential impacts on historic designations and projects; proposes regulation revisions as requested or required
• Performs feasibility, impact, and cost studies dealing with a variety of complex urban design and/or historic preservation issues, policies, and projects
• Undertakes research in primary and secondary sources in various repositories on the history of historically-significant cultural resources, communities, events, and areas in the City
• Attends meetings and conferences; serves as liaison with other City departments, relevant County, State and Federal agencies, public outreach groups, contractors, attorneys, architects, engineers, and citizens
• Advises neighborhood groups and City citizens on historic restoration, preservation, and renovation best practices; consults with groups seeking historic designation of individual properties or whole neighborhoods; responds to inquiries from citizens, mediates disputes, and provides technical assistance and expertise regarding codes, tax credits, and other related matters
• Responsible for the review and presentation of applications and materials related to the City's Historic Preservation Program; notifies property owners of impending reviews of nominations; administers review of nominations; maintains the Detroit Register of Historic Places
• Presents reports for Historic Review and Planning Commissions as requested or required
• Prepares and administers grant applications, proposals, and RFP's for historic preservation or district designation
• Investigates best practices in historic preservation trends; participates in education programs on historic preservation and the history of Detroit; creates brochures and informational materials regarding historic districts
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education
For all entry-level Planners, it is a requirement to have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major course of work in urban design, city planning, environmental planning, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, or other related field of study.

For all intermediate and advanced level Planners, it is a requirement to have completed a master's degree from an accredited college or university, major course of work in urban design, city planning, environmental planning, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, or other related field of study.

Experience
For entry into the Planner position, no work experience is required; however, the minimum education requirements must be met.
One year of experience in city planning, architectural design, or urbanization is preferred but not required.

For selection, appointment to a Planner level II or higher, in addition to the minimum education requirements, more progressive levels of experience are required based on the following:

Planner II – at least two (2) years of experience

Equivalency
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Possession of a certification sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) may be required.

Additional Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 01/29/2026

• At the intermediate level, knowledge requirements might include detailed, intensive knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of city planning, historic preservation, community and land development, urban design and architecture, and revitalization programs
• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process, as it relates to planning
• Business and management principles involved in general and strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
• Budget preparation and control (cost estimation)
• Construction project management methods, practices, and techniques
• Principles and practices of contract administration and project management
• Mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering as applied to architectural design and construction
• Landscape architecture design and construction, including grading, site planning, streetscapes, draining, irrigation, horticulture and planting, lighting, and park furniture and playground equipment design
• Principles and practices of community involvement and participation
• Computer Aided Design software such as AutoCAD programs
• Secondary policy research, data collection, analysis, forecasting and benchmarking
• Zoning and land use principles and practices
• Specific statistical and analytical techniques applied in the collection of community planning data and in the preparation of planning reports and zoning maps
• Methods and procedures to maximize efficient use of available natural and community resources
• The application of drafting and design theory to architectural and landscape architecture planning design activities
• Quantitative analysis, planning-related computer applications, and software
• Principles and methods for describing the features of land and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life
• Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar

• Skill in:
  Preparing detailed urban plans, reports, and other written materials
• Interacting with the public, department personnel, developers, business leaders, consultants, and others with tact and diplomacy
• Making clear and compelling presentations to various boards, commissions, community groups, trade groups, developers, and the general public
• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing meaningful data and maps
• Analyzing comprehensive architectural plans, specs, and drawings; analyzing construction problems, evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations
• Resolving complaints, critical thinking, and project management
• Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions
• Planning and urban design software including AutoCAD, SketchUp or equivalent, GIS, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Preparing designs, plans, cost estimates, and project specifications and related materials suitable for construction
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
• Talking to others to convey information effectively
• Preparing RFPs, evaluating proposals, negotiating terms, and managing and administering contracts
• Prioritizing multiple assignments, projects, and business needs
• Relevant arithmetic related to statistical, algebraic, trigonometric, or geometric techniques in practical situations

• Ability to:
  Prepare designs, plans, cost estimates, and project specs suitable for construction and public bidding
• Analyze comprehensive architectural plans, specs, and drawings; analyze construction problems, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations
• Manage and develop urban design programs
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing such as census data, surveys, maps, blueprints, periodicals, financial reports, safety manuals, procedure manuals, architectural plans, design drawings, building inspection reports, environmental reviews, federal register, ordinances, statutes, guidelines
• Manage complex situations and deal with difficult people, angry citizens, or upset applicants to resolve their issues within the confines of laws, rules, policies, and processes
• Interpret, explain, and apply appropriate policies, regulations, and procedures to petitions and applications
• Apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry to practical situations, budgets, and spreadsheets
• Analyze and interpret complex information and processes, exercise independent judgement, and make policy recommendations
• Observe, compare, or monitor and determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards
• Exercise good judgement, tact, and diplomacy in all public contacts
• Utilize planning and urban design software including AutoCAD, SketchUp or equivalent, GIS, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Administer construction contracts and provide oversight to private consultants
• Identify when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong and apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, citizens of the City, industrial groups, and the general public
• Prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports and figures
• Make clear and compelling presentations to various boards, commissions, community groups, trade groups, developers, and the general public
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
• Effectively communicate information and ideas both orally and in writing
• Work as part of a team

Notes:

1. A review of the applicant's attendance records and work performance will be considered in the promotional process.
2. Person applying must meet the position qualifications, including licensing and certifications.
3. Completion of an evaluation process is required.
4. If you have previously applied for this position, you must re-apply to be considered for this vacancy.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position.