The City of Mason City, Iowa, seeks a City Planner to join the Development Services Department. Mason City is the historic, cultural and population center of North Iowa. Known worldwide as a destination for history buffs and architecture lovers, Mason City boasts two buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, including the only surviving Wright-designed hotel. The Rock Crest/Rock Glen neighborhood is the largest concentration in the world of Prairie School structures focused on a specific landscape. Mason City also celebrates its musical heritage - Mason City is the hometown of Meredith Willson, composer of "The Music Man," and the nearby Surf Ballroom hosted the last concert by Buddy Holly, Jay "The Big Bopper" Richardson, and Richie Valens, before their fatal plane crash on "The Day the Music Died."

The City seeks a planner with a planning degree and at least five years experience. The City Planner will participate in a variety of current and long-range planning, land use, historic preservation, and zoning functions. 

The full job description and online application is here: 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/masoncityia/jobs/4910252/city-planner?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Apply by 5/5/2025, 4:30 PM CDT

Summary

Performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical, and professional work in the current planning programs of the city related to the implementation of land use and municipal plans and policies.

Essential Duties

• Provides technical and professional advice; makes presentations to boards, commissions, civic groups, City Council, and the general public. Provides information on land use applications, ordinances, codes, plans and related planning programs, services or regulations to architects, engineers, developers, contractors, owners, community groups, and interested persons.
• Reviews and processes development and related land use permit applications, site plans, variances, conditional uses, etc.; examines applications for compliance with established plans and ordinances, and applicable local, state or federal regulation; solicits input from appropriate staff; schedules hearings and actions, monitors through the approval process, enforces compliance with regulations; prepares reports and related data as required.
• Administers the Flood Plain Management Ordinance; reviews and approves flood plain permits.
• Reviews and approves sign permit applications.
• Develops short range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates activities with other departments and agencies as needed. Provides technical assistance for long-range planning projects.
• Provides staff support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and the Historic Preservation Commission as needed and assigned. Prepares planning reports and supporting data, including recommendations or various land use proposals.
• Evaluates environmental information and recommends mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts of development.
• Assists city staff in the enforcement of local ordinances and in interpreting city codes and master plans. Responds to local citizens inquiring about local planning and zoning regulations and ordinances.
• Administers the updating of the Zoning Map using appropriate drafting software.
• Attends all Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Historic Preservation Commission meeting. Attends City Council meetings and workshops related to planning issues. Serves when assigned as a member of a planning task force composed of City, County, Regional, or State groups.
• Must be able to follow and understand safety rules and regulations.
• Attends work regularly at the designated time and place.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience.

1. Graduation from high school or GED from an accredited institution of higher learning
2. Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a bachelor's degree in land use planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related fi eld. Master of Urban Planning preferred.
3. Five years of prior planning experience in the field is required
4. Equivalent education and experience
5. Knowledge of the planning function at the local government level is preferred
6. Experience with flood plain management is a plus
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word and Excel, and experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to appointment. Must maintain compliance with City’s Administrative Policy on Operation of City Vehicles.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities.

1. Thorough knowledge of zoning laws and comprehensive plans including their formation, process of adoption, and enforcement; extensive knowledge of planning programs and processes; working knowledge of personal computers and GIS applications.
2. Skill operating the listed tools and equipment;
3. Ability to perform job responsibilities in an accurate and efficient manner.
4. Ability to carry out assigned projects to completion; ability to problem-solve and identify creative and tactful solutions.
5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, consultants, architects, developers, contractors, owners, governmental agency representatives, community groups, and the public; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and present to large groups.
6. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with sensitive and restricted information.