Planner I



Planner I

Salary

$44,664.00 - $54,720.00 Annually

Location

Kenosha, WI

Job Type

Regular - Full Time

Job Number

201400278

Department

Community Development and Inspections

Opening Date

05/29/2014

Closing Date

6/15/2014 11:59 PM Central

General Overview of Position

 

This recruitment is open to all qualified individuals and will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill any other such openings in this classification which occur within the next 12 months. This is a non-represented position.

No person can be employed who has a relative already employed by the City of Kenosha in a position covered by the Civil Service Ordinance or who has a relative in any elected office/position in City of Kenosha government, as defined in Section V of the Civil Service Ordinance. "Relative" includes any member of the immediate household; or anyone whose relationship by blood or marriage is as close or closer than first-cousin, including "step" relationships; or any grandparent or grandchild.


Under direction of the Deputy Director, assists in writing and revising the regulations which support and implement the City's Comprehensive Plan. The incumbent participates in the preparation of plans relating to land use, zoning and economic development. Duties include preparing recommendations for land use and zoning, prepares Zoning Ordinance amendments, and reviews site plans for conformance with City regulations. Additional responsibilities include planning and assistance for City owned properties impacted by environmental issues.  Incumbent will undertake special studies and reports and perform other work as requested or assigned. 

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

  • Collects and analyzes data from surveys; devises approaches for development; 
  • Reviews building and site plans and plats; evaluates  proposals to determine cost-benefit to City; researches records.
  • Prepares various regular and special reports, applications,  environmental reviews; maintains accurate and up-to-date land use and zoning records.
  • Prepares Zoning Ordinance amendments; analyzes rezoning requests for City-wide and neighborhood impact; interprets zoning and development regulations.
  • Educates the general public on City planning, zoning and development regulations, rules and statutes; responds to citizen inquiries.
  • Works with consultants on preparation of plans.
  • Supports the monitoring, reporting and planning for City-owed properties impacted by environmental issues.
  • Provides professional assistance to the Historic Preservation Commission and administers the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance.
  • Prepares reports on various subjects including long-range neighborhood and comprehensive land use and redevelopment plans and economic studies.
  • Prepare and review Zoning and General Code of Ordinances which support the implementation of the Downtown Strategic Development Plan.
(NOTE:  The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed by persons in positions covered by this classification specification.  This list is not all inclusive.  The omission of a particular job duty does not mean that the duty is not one of the essential functions of the position.  Management reserves the right to assign employees in this classification to duties not listed above, if the duties are fairly within the scope of responsibilities applicable to the level of work performed by employees in positions covered by this classification specification./This classification specification does not create an employment contract between the City and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and the department change over time.)

Requirements

Required Education, Training and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Public Administration or closely related field;
  • One (1) year of comprehensive planning experience is highly desirable; or, an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban, environmental and regional planning with some emphasis on growth management.
  • Knowledge of the laws, ordinances and codes relating to land use plans and development regulations.
  • Knowledge of computer technology and applicable software such as Geographical Information Systems.
  • Knowledge of modern research techniques and statistical methods.
  • Knowledge of brownfield and environmentally impacted site issues.
  • Knowledge of historic preservation principles, programs and requirements.
  • Ability to prepare and present oral and written reports based on research and special studies.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to use drafting equipment.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, the public and other agencies.
  • Ability to read and understand plats, maps, blueprints and similar relevant documents.
  • Skill in the use of basic office equipment.
  • Ability to handle reasonably necessary stress.
Physical Requirements:
  • Task involves frequent walking; standing; some lifting and carrying objects of moderate weight (12-20 pounds); and/or the operation of vehicles, office, shop keyboard, or hand tools in which manipulative skills and hand-eye coordination are important ingredients of safe and/or productive operations.
Environmental Requirements:
 
  • Task may require infrequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Sensory Requirements:
  • Task requires color perception and discrimination.
  • Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
  • Task requires visual perception and discrimination.
Other Requirements:
  • Possession of a valid driver's license and a good driving record.
  • May be required to provide a personal vehicle for use on the job.

Method of Selection

Applicant's education, training and experience will be analyzed.  Written, oral, proficiency and/or other exams may be given to determine if the applicant has the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.  Appointment will be made in accordance with City policy, and the Civil Service Ordinance, Rules and Regulations.

CITY OF KENOSHA SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
For Regular Nonrepresented Full-Time Employees
Excludes Community Service Officers (CSOs), Department Heads, and Library employees

Salary/Wages       
The salary range is divided into five (5) to eleven (11) steps based upon position. Step increases are based on the achievement of satisfactory performance evaluation until the maximum salary is reached.  Appointees serve a six (6) or twelve (12) month probationary period followed by periodic performance reviews.
 
Overtime and/or compensatory time off are provided to non-exempt employees under the guidelines set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and City policy.  
 
Direct Deposit       
Payroll is made by direct deposit for all employees. Employees must designate a checking or savings account (of their choice) at the time of hire. Salaried employees are paid on the 15th and last day of each month. Hourly employees are paid weekly on Fridays for the hours worked in the previous work week (Sunday - Saturday).
 
Insurance              
The City offers a high deductible health plan (HDHP) to eligible employees and their qualifying dependent(s) as of the first of the month following 60 days of full-time employment. All employees are required to pay a five percent (5%) monthly health insurance premium, which will be waived if the employee participates in an annual Health Risk Appraisal (HRA). Employees and qualifying dependents are responsible for any deductibles, co-payments, or other out-of-pocket costs associated with care received under the provisions of the plan(s).
 
The City provides dental insurance to eligible employees after 60 days of full-time employment. Dental services are provided through one dental group – Dental Associates, which has one location in Kenosha County. You must select one provider location upon enrollment, and can only seek dental treatment through that location once enrolled. Qualifying employees do not pay a premium for this coverage.
 
The City holds an open enrollment period each calendar year. If the employee waives coverage of health and/or dental insurance upon hire, they must experience a qualifying life event as prescribed by the Plan's summary plan description in order to enroll for either health or dental insurance at any other time during the plan year. Employees who do not experience a qualifying life even must wait for the open enrollment period to elect coverage. Insurance benefits are subject to unilateral changes by the City.
 
Pension                
Employees who meet Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) eligibility requirements are enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).  Employees in the (general) category are required to contribute one-half of the yearly pension contribution percentage as determined by WRS. The City contributes the other half of the total required amount into the employee's retirement account. The current contribution rate for nonrepresented (general) employees is 13.1%. The total contribution is calculated based on gross wages paid to the employee for each pay period.

The current contribution rate for protective employees with social security is 17.77% (this includes a .67% Duty Disability premium) - all nonrepresented protective service employees pay the required pension contribution amount of 6.55% (the same as general employees).  The City contributes 10.55% to the employee's WRS pension account. The total pension contribution amount is calculated based on gross wages for each pay period.

The current contribution rate for protective employees without social security is 22.17% (this includes a .67% Duty Disability premium) - all nonrepresented protective service employees pay the required pension contribution amount of 6.55% (the same as general employees).  The City contributes 14.95% to the employee's WRS pension account. The total pension contribution amount is calculated based on gross wages for each pay period.
 
Life Insurance       
Term group life insurance coverage is provided to employees who participate in the WRS through the Wisconsin Public Employers Group Life Insurance Program. Coverage amount is based on annual salary rounded to the next highest $1,000. The premium for Basic Plan coverage is paid by the City for active employees. Additional coverage and/or supplemental levels of coverage are available to employees at their own expense. Coverage becomes effective on the first of the month following thirty (30) days from the date of hire.
 
Deferred Compensation               
Full-time employees may elect to defer part of their income into a 457(b) retirement plan through ICMA-Retirement Corporation, Nationwide Retirement Solutions or the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program. Deferred income is exempt from State and federal income taxes until it is withdrawn at retirement or upon termination of employment.
 
Sick Leave            
General and regular full-time employees shall earn sick leave at a rate of eight (8) hours for each month of employment during which they work the majority of their scheduled hours for a total of 96 hours (12 days) per calendar year. Employees may accumulate a maximum of 960 hours (120 days) of sick leave while employed by the City.

Protective service regular full-time employees do not accrue sick leave and may be eligible for sick leave with full pay for up to one year, which is subject to review.
 
Vacation               
Vacation leave is provided to regular full-time employees who have completed the required number of years of continuous service as provided below:
 
Years of Service                         Days/Hours per Year
Less than 1 Year                         7 days (56 hours)                      
After 1 Year                                12 days (96 hours)
After 10 years                            17 days (136 hours)     
After 15 years                            18 days (144 hours)
After 18 years                           20 days (160 hours)
After 25 years                          25 days (200 hours)
                             
Employees shall be allowed to carry over a maximum of eighty (80) hours of unused vacation leave into the next calendar year, which must be used by June 30th or it shall be forfeited without pay.
 
Holidays                
Regular full-time employees are eligible to receive holiday pay for the following designated holidays:
 
New Year's Day                              Independence Day (July 4th)     Christmas Eve Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day             Labor Day                                   Christmas Day
Friday before Easter                      Thanksgiving Day                       New Year's Eve Day
Memorial Day                                 Day after Thanksgiving
 
Regular full-time employees employed as of March 1st shall be entitled to two (2) floating holidays which must be used before December 1st of the same calendar year.
 
Duty-Related Death Benefit          
One year's salary is paid to the named beneficiary of an eligible employee who is killed in the line of duty.
 
Other Benefits       

Health and Wellness Clinic – Employees (and covered spouses) who elect health insurance coverage and complete the annual HRA may utilize the City's onsite Health and Wellness Clinic,  which is staffed by a Nurse Practitioner and medical assistant. Services provided by the Clinic may be subject to a co-payment, as prescribed by City policy and IRS guidelines.
 
Health Savings Account – The health insurance plan offered by the City qualifies for a Health Savings Account (HSA) as defined by the IRS. Johnson Bank has waived the fees normally associated with opening and maintaining an HSA for all City employees who are enrolled in a qualifying insurance plan. Payroll deduction (pre-taxed) is only available to those employees who hold their HSA with Johnson Bank. Enrollment for this benefit is administered by the Finance Department.
 
Critical Illness, Accident & Universal Life/Long-Term Care Insurances – Supplemental policies for Critical Illness, Accident and Life/Long-Term Care Insurance are offered to current eligible employees during the City's annual open enrollment period. 
 
United Healthcare Vision – Eligible employees may elect to enroll in a supplemental vision "insurance" plan. This plan provides benefits (after applicable co-pay) including a comprehensive exam, eyeglasses with standard single vision, etc. This plan also provides a hearing aid discount. Open enrollment for this benefit is held on a yearly basis and is administered by the Finance Department.
 
Tuition Reimbursement Program – Regular full-time employees who have completed their probationary period may be reimbursed for 80% of tuition up to $3,000 ($1500 for Fire Protective Service) per calendar year for satisfactorily completion (a grade of "B" or greater) of approved courses through an accredited institution in the pursuance of an Associate, Bachelor or Master Degree. Please refer to the City's Personnel Policies and Regulations for program information.

01
No person can be employed who has a relative already employed by the City of Kenosha in a position covered by the Civil Service System Ordinance or who has a relative in any elected office or elected position in City of Kenosha government. "Relative" includes any member of the immediate household or anyone whose relationship by blood or marriage is as close or closer than first cousin, including "step" relationships or any grandparent or grandchild. Based upon the definition of a "Relative," do you have any relatives employed or serving in the capacity as an elected official with the City?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have a Bachelors Degree?
  • Yes
  • No
03
What major field of study is your degree in?
04
What is the highest level of education you have achieved?
  • Some High School
  • High School Diploma/GED/HSED
  • Some College
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Doctorate (PHD)
  • None of the Above
05
Do you possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Have you been convicted of a driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating while intoxicated (OWI), or reckless driving within five (5) years from reinstatement or evaluation of overall driving record?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you have a working knowledge of the following? Check all that apply.
  • brownfield and environmentally impacted site issues
  • laws, ordinances and codes relating to urban, environmental and regional planning
  • computer technology and applicable software such as Geographical Information Systems
  • historic preservation principles, programs and requirements
  • none of the above

Required Question

Agency
City of Kenosha
Address
625 - 52nd Street
Room 205
Kenosha, Wisconsin, 53140
Phone
262.653.4130