This is entry level professional urban planning and regulatory work including data collection, analysis and maintenance. Work requires knowledge of general principles and practices of urban planning, which is usually gained through degree granting schools or equivalent training and experience.

Contacts with others require skills in understanding and influencing people and are important in implementing urban planning projects, discussing and resolving work-related issues and problems, and presenting and defending recommendations and decisions. The work is standardized in that tasks are covered by procedures or precedents, but some latitude is permitted to consider the most appropriate method, technique or procedure to follow and involves differing situations requiring the use of judgment in searching for solutions or new applications within one’s known experience.

Work is performed primarily in an office environment though the employee may be required to make field visits to project sites in order to evaluate project or gather statistical data. Operates vehicles and standard office equipment including computer. The physical demands consist mainly of sitting at a workstation for extended periods of time, occasionally lifting and moving light objects or file boxes, and visiting field sites. The work is performed under limited supervision where the work assignments are subject to established procedures and practices and is reviewed in progress and upon completion for adherence to proper procedures.

Examples of Work

• Conducts field studies and interviews, collects data, conducts statistical research and analysis, and develops required reports.
• Prepares recommendations on comprehensive plan amendments, certificates of appropriateness, re-zoning, zoning and concurrency applications and/or other regulatory reviews.
• Assists in the preparation and update of all elements of the comprehensive plan and related and/or supported documents by collecting data, conducting research and drafting elements of the proposed plan.
• Reviews requests for street name and address changes or assignment.
• Provides technical assistance to customers and other employees.
• Performs professional land use, site plan, zoning and related planning reviews.
• Develops special land use and zoning statistics.
• Develops recommendations and reports to include spreadsheets, graphs and statistical analysis.
• Coordinates preparation of Land Use and Zoning Committee and Planning Commission agenda packet.
• Prepares plans and applications for grant funds.
• Compiles data and prepares reports and/or oral presentations.
• Prepares correspondence and technical reports as required.
• Maintains and updates special projects, maps, charts and related files.
• Operates a motor vehicle and standard office equipment including computers and Microsoft office programs and online GIS mapping tools.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville’s competencies.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of urban planning and regulatory techniques.
• Knowledge of analytical and statistical methods.
• Knowledge of local zoning codes, ordinances, rules and regulations.
• Ability to research, collect and evaluate planning data and prepare written reports.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply planning-related laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to prepare and submit grant applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and use word processing, spreadsheet, database, and related software applications.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.