CD Specialist- Planner 1

$52,000 - $58,000/Yr

City Of Fort Wayne - Fort Wayne, IN

Full-time - Entry Level

Fort Wayne, IN

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The City of Fort Wayne is seeking a CD Specialist- Planner 1 to join the Planning & Policy Department. This entry-level professional planner will work under the direction of the Planning Director and Senior Planners to assist in preparing plans, programs, and policies that implement the City's Comprehensive Plan. The role is focused on supporting Community Development initiatives and requires engagement with community stakeholders, data collection and analysis, and the drafting of policies and plans that promote a vibrant and prosperous Fort Wayne. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment, initiative, and professional expertise in conducting day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with City safety rules and regulations, as well as federal, state, and local laws. The essential duties of the position include conducting planning research and analysis, drafting policy guidance, and implementing strategies related to land development, active transportation, housing, and other community development issues. The planner will document existing conditions, frame issues, and organize priorities for planning areas and stakeholders. Utilizing GIS and other planning tools, the incumbent will prepare thematic maps and illustrations to communicate complex information clearly. Additionally, the planner will write drafts for plans, assist in editing and formatting final documents, and research various planning topics relevant to the Comprehensive Plan. In terms of information and communication, the planner will create digital and print materials for public outreach, write memos and reports, and assist with presentations to various groups. The role also involves maintaining professional relationships with staff and stakeholders, attending meetings beyond standard business hours, and providing logistical support to planning project teams. The incumbent will be responsible for managing their performance in accordance with the job description and performance expectations set by management.

Responsibilities

• Assist with drafting policy guidance and implementation strategies related to land development and design, active transportation, housing, annexation, historic preservation, and public resource allocation.
• Document existing conditions, frame issues, and organize priorities for planning areas and stakeholders.
• Use GIS and other common planning tools to prepare thematic maps that illustrate statistical and spatial analysis.
• Prepare illustrations, maps, and other graphics to communicate complex information clearly.
• Write drafts for plans and assist with editing and formatting final plan documents.
• Research planning and community development topics such as housing, active transportation, infrastructure, public safety, environmental sustainability, and health as it relates to the Comprehensive Plan.
• Collect and manage information in the form of publications, survey responses, focus group summaries, and data related to local development, economy, and demographics.
• Assist with statistical analysis of community development subjects including demographics, transportation, public health, and economic activity.
• Create digital and print materials for public outreach and communication related to planning projects.
• Write memos, reports, and correspondence that present clear analysis of complex issues tailored to various audiences.
• Assist with presentations to groups of elected, appointed, volunteer, and other stakeholders interested in community development initiatives.
• Respond to citizen and organization concerns or questions with direct answers or references to appropriate sources.
• Maintain and expand personal knowledge of the planning and community development profession through professional growth programs and workshops.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with staff and others involved in planning projects.
• Attend occasional meetings and events beyond standard business hours.
• Create and maintain GIS databases and digital maps.
• Provide support to commissions and committees staffed by the Community Development Division.
• Assist with preparation of communication materials related to public engagement, newsletters, annual reports, and other marketing activities for the Community Development Division.
• Provide logistical support to planning project teams, coordinating meetings, documenting discussions, and organizing project files.
• Assist with community engagement exercises and events using new tools and processes that complement traditional surveys and focus groups.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in urban planning, public administration, or a related professional field of study.
• Familiarity with sound planning principles and practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Ability to interact with the public, City incumbents, and outside agencies with patience, tact, respect, and professionalism.
• Broad knowledge of the principles and procedures of urban planning, including state and municipal laws pertaining to planning.
• Ability to work on several projects or initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills and group facilitation skills for community workshops.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Computer skills including Microsoft 365 Products and Apps, Adobe Creative Cloud (especially Acrobat), and experience using ESRI ArcGIS software products.

Nice-to-haves

• Active pursuit of a bachelor's degree or evidence of planning-related coursework as part of a degree in another subject.
• Experience with community engagement and public outreach initiatives.