Definition The Strategic Urban Planner (Planner II) works within Columbus Recreation and Parks' Capital and Strategic Planning Section. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to managing the Department's review and disposition of zoning and parkland dedication; leading efforts to revise and improve the City's Parkland Dedication mechanisms to ensure adequate greenspace for future residents; coordinating with City staff and the development community during the planning phase of public and private development projects that have an impact on the Department's Level of Service and Quality of Parkland and Operations. Under direction, is responsible for performing fully skilled City or neighborhood planning, community development, historic preservation, or zoning work; performs related duties as required. Examples of Work (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.) Formulates plans to meet the social, economic and physical needs of neighborhoods and develops strategic alternatives to meet these needs; Conducts land use, building condition, and related studies by inspecting properties in designated areas; Collects, organizes and analyzes information including physical surveys, data, opinion surveys and other forms of research to identify trends, issues and opportunity; Reviews plans and proposals to determine compliance with adopted plans, City Codes, policies and guidelines; Participates in multi-department meetings to discuss and evaluate development proposals: Conducts a community-based planning process that provides a maximum opportunity for appropriate and representative community participation; Develops appropriate guidelines, recommendations and policies that effectively address identified planning or preservation issues; Facilitates the adoption of completed plans, policy documents, guidelines and other work products; Utilizes geographic information systems for research and analytical purposes and to create mapping visuals and other materials; Analyzes, interprets, and evaluates proposed development plans for zoning compliance; Reviews, researches, processes, and coordinates rezoning and zoning variance requests by conducting field studies and by reviewing zoning and permit histories and area plan recommendations; Makes professional recommendations regarding rezoning and zoning variance requests and makes written and oral presentations to various boards, commissions, and/or City Council; Works with applicants, neighbors, City departments, civic groups, and other political jurisdictions to resolve contentious development issues; Provides technical assistance, training, and expertise to the development industry, community organizations, governmental agencies, historic architectural commissions, and design review and area commissions; Represents the office, section, department or City at various meetings, forums and committees. Minimum Qualifications Possession of a master's degree in city and regional planning, geography, architecture, architectural history, real estate and urban analysis, historic preservation or a closely related field. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree and two (2) years of professional or internship/learning experience in the field of city or regionalplanning, historic preservation, or urban development. Test/Job Contact Information Recruitment #: 24-2011-V3 Employment Type: Full-Time (Regular) Should you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact: Whitney Washington Columbus Recreation and Parks Department 1111 East Broad St. Columbus, Ohio 43205 P: (614) 645-5179 E: WHWashington@columbus.gov The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer