Safety/Security Status: None

SUMMARY:

When assigned duties as a Comprehensive Planner:

Performs responsible and independent professional planning work in support of the Bentonville Community Plan and related long-range initiatives. Conducts research, analysis, and project coordination for planning studies, policy development, and implementation initiatives. Prepares reports, maps, and presentations, and presents findings and recommendations to City boards, Planning Commission, City Council, and community stakeholders.

Serves as staff lead for assigned program areas, which may include neighborhood planning initiatives, advisory committees, community development programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and public engagement efforts. Coordinates with City departments, partner organizations, and community stakeholders to advance adopted plans and strategic initiatives. Provides planning support for redevelopment opportunities and economic development initiatives, including preparation of site information and Requests for Proposals for strategic City properties.

LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Supervision Level: Medium - Independent work with moderate supervision.

Staff Supervised: n/a

Assets: Computer, laptop, iPad and desk phone

Annual Budget: Comprehensive: $400,000

Safety: Sensitive

Security: Sensitive

Technology: “ESRI” GIS, Bluebeam Revu, Civic Plus, Central Square Trakit, Acrobat Pro, Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, One Note, Teams, Word, Excel, Power Point), Executime, Bamboo HR Management and Miro collaboration workspace.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change in order to meet City needs or operational requirements. In-person attendance at work and the ability to deal courteously & diplomatically with the public, supervisors, co-workers and other departments and organizations are essential elements of this position. Other duties may be assigned.

Shared Responsibilities (All Comprehensive Planners)

All Comprehensive Planners are expected to contribute to the following core functions of the Comprehensive Planning Division:

• Plan Development: Conduct research and prepare components of long-range plans, special area plans, economic development strategies, and planning studies.
• Plan Implementation: Coordinate implementation initiatives that advance adopted plans, including collaboration with City departments, community organizations, and partner agencies.
• Regulatory and Policy Updates: Draft and recommend amendments to zoning ordinances, land development regulations, and related planning policies.
• Data Analysis and Research: Collect and analyze demographic, economic, and land-use data and prepare GIS mapping and technical summaries that support planning decisions.
• Reporting and Presentations: Prepare planning reports, studies, and presentations. Present findings and recommendations to City boards, Planning Commission, City Council, and community stakeholders.

Position A – Primary Responsibilities

When assigned to Position A, the planner serves as the primary staff lead for the following program areas:

• Great Neighborhoods Program: Coordinate and advance neighborhood planning initiatives, including program development, implementation strategies, neighborhood outreach and education, and coordination with residents, stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Public Art Advisory Committee: In consultation with the Comprehensive Planning Manager provide staff coordination and project support for public art initiatives, including agenda preparation, coordination with artists and stakeholders, and implementation of public art projects.
• Public Engagement and Communications: Coordinate public engagement efforts such as workshops, stakeholder meetings, surveys, and outreach events. Assist with communication of planning initiatives through city newsletter, website updates and digital media.

Position A – Secondary Responsibilities

• Support Community Development programs, including CDBG plan and project implementation.
• Assist with Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives.
• Provide staff support to the Tree and Landscape Committee as needed.

Position B – Primary Responsibilities

When assigned to Position B, the planner serves as the primary staff lead for the following program areas:

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program: Assist with preparation and administration of grants supporting community development initiatives, including compliance with federal requirements, the preparation of Annual Action Plans and five-year Consolidated Plans, coordination with subrecipients, and reporting activities.
• Tree and Landscape Advisory Committee: Provide staff coordination for the Tree and Landscape Advisory Committee, including agenda preparation, technical coordination, and implementation of urban forestry and landscape-related initiatives.
• Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives: Support economic development and redevelopment initiatives by preparing site information, coordinating Requests for Proposals for strategic City properties, assisting prospective businesses or developers with planning information, and identifying opportunities consistent with the Community Plan.

Position B – Secondary Responsibilities

• Support Great Neighborhoods Partnership plans and initiatives.
• Assist with Public Art Advisory Committee Coordination.
• Support public engagement and communication efforts.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with minimal supervision. The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, community development, or a related field and two (2) years of related experience in community development and/or training; or Master’s degree in urban planning, community development, or a related field and one (1) year of related experience in community development and/or training.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of planning and/or public administration and laws.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with “ESRI” GIS.
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro and Bluebeam Revu.
• Proficiency with operating phones, computers, televisions, printers, copiers, and A/V equipment.
• Experience interacting with members of the public in a calm and courteous manner.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and comprehend codes, maps, development plans and plats.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing while maintaining composure under pressure.
• Ability to write reports, ordinances and presentations for public consumption that conform to prescribed style and format.
• Effectively present information to management, city officials, organizations and agencies, and public groups.
• Effectively respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.

Mathematical Skills

• Apply concepts of basic math, algebra and geometry.
• Calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Interpret an extensive variety of federal, state and local regulations.

Certifications, Licenses and Registrations

• Valid Driver’s License
• At least one of the following:
  • Certified Arkansas Planning Official
  • Arkansas Certified Public Manager
  • Graduate of Community Development Institute from University of Central Arkansas
  • Congress for New Urbanism Accredited (CNU-A)
  • Other certification considered beneficial to the essential duties and responsibilities, as determined by the Planning Director

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to sit, talk and listen.
• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regular exposure to an interior office environment.
• Regular exposure to a quiet to moderate noise level.
• Occasional exposure to outside weather conditions.

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description, but which are commensurate with similar levels of responsibility.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.