Associate Planner I - Environmental

$48,513 - $54,510

Under the general supervision of the Department of Infrastructure and Development Director and City Planner, the Environmental Planner provides professional planning work in relation to both City infrastructure and private development projects; ensures compliance with all City, State, and Federal regulations regarding development and the environment, including but not limited to FEMA floodplain requirements and Chesapeake Bay Critical Area program requirements; works to reduce the Citys impact on the environment; and performs other duties as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Management - Holds self-accountable for assigned responsibilities; sees tasks through to completion in timely manner Assists in the development and review of concept, site, landscape and community plans. Applies appropriate regulations, policies and guidelines; Assists in the development and modifications of Master Plans, Zoning regulations and other policies, guidelines and plans regulated by the Planning Division; Implements Critical Area Program and is point of contact for Critical Area Commission; Reviews development plans for compliance with FEMA floodplain regulations; Collaborates with City Engineering staff on minimum control measures for MS4 permitting; Serves as the staff representative to the Citys Sustainability Advisory Committee, write minutes, send agendas and meeting reminders; Researches and prepares studies on planning issues, mainly environmental concerns; Maintain Sustainable Maryland, Bee City, Bird City, Tree City Certifications and renewals; Participates in charrettes, meetings with community groups, representatives of other agencies, developers and others regarding environmental issues; Provides environmental planning support to project managers, owners, and developers; Communicates with and explains relevant project information to others; Prepares and maintains reports and documents; Keeps informed on current department practices by attending workshops and educational programs or reading specialized literature; Coordinate with Planning and Development and Grant Application teams to apply for grant funds for planning, construction, and restoration; Works with City GIS Team to develop planning layers and continuously improve the GIS System; Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills Proficiency/Strategic Planning - Skillful in use of tools, hardware, software, and equipment Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills including written and verbal communication skills. Ability to handle customers and interact professionally with the public and other department's personnel. Ability to make recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues by using judgment that is consistent with standard practices, policies, procedures, regulation or government law. Maintain effective working relationships. Effectively communicate and maintain effective working relationships with other staff members and members of the public. Act as a representative of the City of Salisbury to the public. Effectively, efficiently and courteously report and communicate information to Department clients. Effectively and efficiently organize and track documents.

Leadership/Team Leader - Acts a role model and peer leader among teammates and colleagues Ability to handle situations and maintain a high degree of confidentiality. Excellent time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Prepares reports for presentation at Planning Commission or City Council. Acts as liaison between teams or sections, external departments and outside agencies, groups and organizations. Provides support at the Citys Sustainability Advisory Committee meetings by preparing agendas, sending notice and preparing minutes and decision letters.

Stewardship/Financial - Safeguards equipment, supplies and materi ls Coordinates with other DID staff to provide project review comments in a timely manner. Maintains and track computer records using spreadsheets and software programs. Ability keep records in acceptable manner, to plan and organize work. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Asana, the Internet, MUNIS, e-mailing systems, and other relevant software.

Development/Leadership Development - Participate in opportunities to earn or maintain professional credentials and certifications. Keeps informed on current department practices by attending workshops and educational programs or reading specialized literature. Seek and maintain professional certifications related to Environmental Planning.

Performance Expectations

Communication: Articulates thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively to exchange information. Listens to others and provides useful feedback. Work Ethic: Demonstrates personal accountability, effective work habits, integrity and ethical behavior. Position requires attendance at evening meetings or events. Teamwork: Works well as a leader of and part of a team through respectful and collaborative relationships with colleagues, customers, affiliates and stakeholder groups. Problem-Solving: Improves, designs, refines, finds and invents criteria to combine in order to resolve problems. This combines creative and critical thinking. Initiative: Takes charge before others do and/or without being instructed.

Education and Experience

Bachelors degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies or related field; Three years Planning experience (additional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis with required education); Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; and Valid State of Maryland Drivers License.

Physical Requirements

Work requires moderate physical effort in the handling of materials up to 20 pounds. Limited Field work involves risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, heavy equipment, vehicular traffic, machines, or chemical substances, etc. and observance of traffic signals when driving. May require working in adverse weather conditions. Office environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or