The Observation Deck

CIVIL SERVICE POSITION,
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
CITY PLANNER

The City of Lakewood is seeking a full-time City Planner for our Department of Planning and Development. This newly-created position serves as the City’s lead planner and assists the department director in leading the City’s long and short range planning efforts. Examples of functions include: supervising staff in duties related to empowered Boards, Planning Commission, the Heritage Advisory Board, the Citizens Advisory Committee; overseeing the development and implementation of various projects, studies and/or programs; coordinating, overseeing and facilitating the operations of commercial development and housing strategies; resolving problems and interpreting guidelines and regulations; reconciling various payments and expenditures; writing and reviewing various planning studies and reports; and assisting property owners, developers, etc., on matters relating to the City’s planning, community and economic development programs and policies. Maintains and updates the department website through coordination with other departments; reviews site information and prepares and submits new copy.

Carries out supervisory responsibility as assigned in accordance with policies, procedures and applicable laws including: interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; establishing deadlines; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; coordinating, developing and approving staff training; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Manages various programs, including: monitoring operations; maintaining comprehensive knowledge of and interpreting guidelines, rules, regulations, laws, etc., applicable to programs; reviewing program guidelines for modifications or corrective actions; developing new programs; providing information and recommendations to officials based on program regulations; and reviewing program bids and submitting recommendations regarding same.

Salary band: 33 $46,344 - $65,364

Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture or related field, Master’s degree preferred and three years of progressively responsible related experience; American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and/or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Associate (desirable); or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge of:

Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations and legislative issues.
Program development, implementation and evaluation.
Community agencies, organizations and resources.
Land use planning and zoning.
Economic and community development and development financing techniques.
Capital improvement planning.
Municipal budgeting.
City planning principles and practices.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

How to Apply:

Internal applicants should submit an Interest in Position Form obtained from the Department of Human Resources.

Interested external applicants should submit an Application form (obtained from the Department of Human Resources or on-line at http://www.onelakewood.net) to the City of Lakewood, Office of Human Resources, 12650 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107. Application deadline is Monday, December 10, 2012 at 5:00pm.

The City of Lakewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer

I thought this was what Bryce Sylvester went to school for?

So, we get rid of the Director of Health and Human Services, and add a new director
to Planning and Development.

This is a massive shift in the direction of Lakewood.

Well maybe.

Hello, Peter, Jim and all.

This is a matter Council discussed at length with the administration during this past Saturday morning’s hearing of the Finance Committee.

The administration presented the request for a City Planner position as a position created from the elimination of three positions. Much to her credit, Councilmember Madigan, the Finance Committee chair, pressed the administration to make that point crystal clear.

Lakewood’s director of human resources presented these details in support.

• At the very end of 2010 the Asst. Director of Planning and Development position was eliminated.
• In 2011 the Asst. Director of Safety, Building and Housing positions was eliminated and the duties absorbed by the Director of Planning and Development.
• In October 2012 the Department of Planning and Development had a retirement in the Project Specialist position which will be eliminated through attrition.
• The elimination of these 3 positions has allowed the city to create the new Civil Service position, City Planner.

Council unanimously approved the request during Monday’s session.

Yours in service,

David W. Anderson
Councilman, Ward 1
216-789-6463