SENIOR PLANNER

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Senior Planner prepares and updates citywide, area, and neighborhood plans, redevelopment plans, and studies for the development and redevelopment of districts and project areas within the city.

Project Planning and Implementation  

• Serve as project manager, leading and supporting the preparation of comprehensive plans, corridor and neighborhood plans, housing, anti-displacement, and Zoning Code update activities.
• Complete plan preparations, including writing work scopes, hiring and overseeing consultants, leading engagement, editing reports, making land use and urban design recommendations, organizing coordination and implementation efforts, and drafting final plan documents.
• Review and prepare reports related to proposed land use and zoning changes, urban design projects, and development proposals to ensure consistency with the Comprehensive and Area Plans.
• Undertake projects and initiatives related to plan implementation, including coordination and technical assistance as a Department of City Development (DCD) liaison to other City departments, and various governmental, community, and stakeholder groups.

Community Engagement and Education

• Lead engagement, communication, and community education processes for housing-related planning and zoning initiatives to encourage housing growth and choice.
• Develop engagement strategies and materials; lead community and neighborhood meetings.
• Summarize engagement results to inform plan and initiative recommendations, programs, and policies.
• Develop communications and educational content for online and print media.

Planning Administration

• Access, analyze, and convey demographic, economic, and land use data for planning efforts.
• Research and recommend changes to public policy and regulations to achieve land use goals.
• Maintain knowledge of best practices in the planning field, including legislation, case law, and professional practices and techniques.
• Present reports to public bodies such as City Plan Commission, Redevelopment Authority, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Common Council committees.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

The Senior Planner must be willing and able to:

• Travel to various locations throughout the city for meetings.
• Occasionally work evenings and weekends in the community.

1. Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, geography, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Three years of professional urban planning experience.
3. Ability to travel independently throughout the City of Milwaukee by public transportation, walking, bicycling, ridesharing, or driving at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

 NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Master’s degree in urban planning, architecture, geography, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge of Adobe, InDesign, or similar design software.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Familiarity with federal and state programs related to planning for housing (e.g., Pathways to Remove Obstacles from Housing).
• Experience leading community engagement and planning activities in communities with similar housing and economic contexts as the City of Milwaukee.

Technical

• Knowledge of urban planning theories, principles, and techniques, including public participation, communication, and community engagement and education.
• Knowledge of housing, economic development, land use planning, zoning, urban design, and transportation.
• Knowledge of automated mapping, ArcGIS principles and practices, and GIS theory and application.
• Knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.
• Ability to learn Milwaukee’s Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply work-related documents, laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations.
• Ability to lead planning or community development initiatives in neighborhoods throughout the city, including carrying out accessible, responsive, and innovative public engagement techniques.
• Ability to perform complex mapping and data analysis assignments, including synthesizing complex data and analyses into key takeaways and recommendations.
• Proficiency using standard computer software and programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail.
• Ability to learn and utilize job-specific computer systems and software.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Customer service skills to provide outstanding client service.
• Ability to collaborate with a range of people across responsibility levels.
• Verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups of individuals and make presentations in public meetings.
• Written communication skills to create clear and concise business communications. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse customers, including elected officials, policymakers, community organizations, business owners, developers, contractors, the public, and co-workers.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Judgment and Professionalism

• Ability to exercise sound judgment to make decisions.
• Honesty and integrity to meet professional standards for handling confidential information and sensitive issues.
• Ability to plan and prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines and adjust priorities.
• Problem solving skills to recognize and recommend solutions.
• Ability to carry out complex assignments with a high degree of independence.
• Ability to work efficiently, both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and excellent judgment when interacting with the public, elected officials, and City employees.
• Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.

The current salary range (Pay Range 2MX) is $94,758-$115,501 annually, and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $98,548-$120,121 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

In accordance with the City of Milwaukee Salary Ordinance, a Senior Planner with an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or a Senior Planner who is an Association for Preservation Technology International (APT) Recognized Professional shall be paid an additional 3%.

BENEFITS: 

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE – The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs are met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative dates or times for the selection process. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• Applications can be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO 201

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.