Principal Planner I

Full Job Description

This position is an integral member of DMD that will assists in upholding all the Comprehensive Plan, Indy Rezone (the Indianapolis Zoning Ordinance), and other related plans and planning initiatives.

Position is responsible for preparing land use and development plans.

Incumbent follows established standard policies and procedures, and land use planning principles Limited independent judgment is utilized. Position reports to Principal Planner Comprehensive.

Agency Summary

The purpose and mission of the Department of Metropolitan Development works to shape the city’s identity by strengthening people and places, building upon our history, and fostering visionary development.

The DMD agency envisions the city as a growing, vibrant, and beautiful city where people and businesses thrive in an inclusive, world-class community.

The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Participates and provides assistance in the current planning and development review functions of the Current Planning Division. 
• Reviews and evaluates land use petitions. Performs complex and sensitive professional planning research and analysis. 
• Supervises and assigns public hearing petitions and projects to Planners ensuring efficient review and compliance before the Metropolitan Development Commission, Boards of Zoning Appeals, Plat Committee, Hearing Examiners and Hearing Officers.
• Applies urban planning expertise and provides guidance consistent with local, state and federal laws, codes and regulations to the review and production of advanced, highly complex planning activities.
• Uses planning knowledge to provide recommendations on ordinance amendments, Rules of Procedure and improvements to other internal policies and processes.
• Provides strategic guidance to the resolution of customer service issues and disputes presented by the public, development community, city agencies and elected o?cials regarding development requirements and procedures.
• Provides information, technical assistance and professional guidance to developers, attorneys, the public, Metropolitan Development Commission, other city agencies, City-County Council, City Management and sta?. 
• Makes oral and written presentations to the Hearing Examiner, Metropolitan Development Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Plat Committee, and other boards and commissions and community organizations as directed by the Planning Administrator. 
• Evaluates and reports on operations and activities of assigned responsibilities and assists with maintaining, recommending improvements and revising department procedures as needed. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required with a preference in urban planning or related field.

Three (3) years of experience working in a planning and zoning agency is required; two (2) years of experience may be substituted with an applicable master’s degree in planning or related field.

Must have thorough understanding of land use terminology, zoning principles and practices, current land use law and contemporary land use concepts, and regulatory techniques.

Working knowledge of Microsoft software and ArcMap is required, as well as research procedures and methodologies.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Master’s degree preferred. Accreditation from the American Institute of Certified Planners or similar accreditations preferred but not required.