Senior Planner - Community Development

Incorporated in 1957, the Town of Clarkdale operates under the council-manager form of government. The Town Council consists of the Mayor and four Council Members, all elected at large to serve staggered four-year terms. A Vice Mayor is chosen internally by a vote of the Council every two years. The Town Manager is appointed by the Town Council. The Town Council also appoints the Town Attorney and Town Magistrate.

The Town employs approximately 58 employees and its Fiscal Year 2025 budget is $43 million with a five-year capital improvement plan budget of $19.3 million. Clarkdale provides residents with an array of municipal services, including planning, permitting, zoning, economic development, special events, parks and recreation, public safety, utilities, and public works. The organization also provides financial, human resources, risk management, information technology, and emergency management functions for the Town.

The salary range for this position is $52,441 – $83,907. Candidates with experience may start at the midpoint of $68,173. This is an FLSA exempt, full time, with full benefits.

DESCRIPTION: Under guidance of the Assistant Town Manager/Community Development Director, leads the administration, research and analysis of planning, zoning, subdivision, design review and land use development issues. Processes General Plan amendments, zoning and site plan applications and prepares reports and staff recommendations for presentation to the Planning Commission, Design Review Board and Town Council. Coordinates with other Town departments relative to development and zoning issues.  Performs advanced planning duties associated with both the current and long-range planning functions of the Community Development Department.

CLASSIFICATION: Employees of this class are expected to function as a team leader on complex projects that require gathering, analyzing, and presenting technical data in a municipal setting.  This is an exempt, full-time, classified position with full benefits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES: Essential functions and duties may be modified at any time at management’s discretion. Typical duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Receives and reviews zoning, development, variance, and subdivision requests;
• Prepares staff reports on items coming before boards and commissions for work sessions and/or public hearings and presents the same to Boards, Commissions, and Town Council;
• Leads the preparation and publication of agendas, statutory notifications, Board and Commission packets;
• Answers questions and provides information to the public, staff and outside agencies regarding zoning, land use, and the general plan, and exercises discretion in the performance of tasks;
• Prepare studies and reports on planning, zoning, and land use issues;  
• Prepares text amendments and conducts public hearings as required by Arizona Revised Statutes and Town procedures;
• Provides technical assistance and make recommendations to developers, engineers architects and the public;
• Works directly with the Community Development Director in managing projects, attending meetings, following up with applicants, developers, and outside agency representatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning Geography, Architecture, or any closely related field with a minimum of two (2) years full time experience, or any combination of education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required.

Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certificates

• Must possess a valid drivers’ license (with the ability to transfer an out-of-state license to Arizona immediately) and maintain an acceptable driving record;
• AICP certification a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of community planning and urban design.
• Ability to conduct planning studies and formulate recommendations based on thorough analysis of such studies;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, outside agencies, developers, Town Council, appointed Boards and Commissions and the public;
• Knowledge and ability to apply Arizona Revised Statutes to planning issues for conformance to state law;
• Ability to meet and work under prescribed deadlines;
• Familiarity with ArcView GIS and/or Adobe publication software;
• Knowledge and familiarity with internet search engines, sites, and research tools;
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  This classification involves work that requires:

• Vision sufficient to read plans, diagrams, regulations, computer screens and computer print outs, and other documents encountered in the course of work;
• Hearing sufficient to hear conversations in person and over the telephone;
• Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings, and over the telephone;
• Mobility sufficient to safely work in all environments as may be encountered in a variety of indoor settings;
• Dexterity sufficient to safely operate office equipment including computers;
• Strength sufficient to lift, carry, and move up to 10 (thirty) pounds in weight;
• Endurance sufficient to sit, walk, and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is generally performed within an inside office environment, however working in outside weather conditions is not unusual;
• Work may require travel throughout the Town to manage projects, or to attend meetings, training events, etc.;
• The noise level is varied but usual to that of an inside office environment, however outside work can produce varied and potentially loud noise levels particularly when equipment is operating;
• The employee may be required to walk over uneven flooring or outdoor terrain;
• The employee may be required to work outside normally scheduled hours and/or assigned to report to a specific location for training and/or meeting attendance;
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.

The Town of Clarkdale is a drug-free, smoke-free work environment.

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION AND CLEARING OF A POST OFFER, PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING PROCESS (AT THE TOWN’S EXPENSE) IS MANDATORY BACKGROUND CHECK.

THE TOWN OF CLARKDALE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE).

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the Town and requirements of the job change.