$70,000 Annually
Open until Filled
The purpose of the City Planner/Grants Administrator is to perform professional planning, zoning coordination, and grant-writing tasks for the City of Vidalia, Georgia. The position is responsible for zoning plan reviews, staff reports, pre-application meetings, and public participation processes. The employee serves as an area specialist in housing, design, transportation, sustainability, the environment, historic preservation coordination, infrastructure, GIS capabilities, and real estate. The position also conducts long-range planning, research, analysis, and maintenance of the City's Master and Comprehensive Plans.
This position leads, coordinates, manages, plans, organizes, and directs operations related to updating and reviewing the Comprehensive Plan, with emphasis on land use and the Comprehensive Plan Work Program. The position also prepares grants in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles associated with grant administration. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Planning and Zoning Director.
Essential Functions
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements does not exclude duties that are similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Manage the public participation process for planning and zoning applications, including legal advertisements, notification letters, and required signs.
- Manage pre-application meetings for planning and zoning applications, including preliminary review of all applications.
- Advise and confer with architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and members of the public regarding City development policies, standards, and guidelines.
- Assess commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for zoning compliance.
- Perform Land Development Manager functions, including land-disturbance and subdivision reviews, zoning inspections, and the collection and release of bonds.
- Serve as a planning-area specialist in housing, design, transportation, historic preservation coordination, infrastructure, GIS, sustainability, environmental matters, and real estate. Serve as the lead reviewer of land-use plans and resolve related issues and conflicts. Conduct research and prepare statistical reports concerning land use and physical, social, and economic conditions.
- Conduct long-range planning activities, including maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan and support for Master Planning projects.
- Complete zoning plan reviews for complex commercial building permits, land-disturbance permits, plats, and other land-development or zoning applications. Prepare staff reports for zoning cases, including variances, rezonings, planned unit developments, development of community impact applications, and plats.
- Research and draft ordinances for review.
- Perform advanced professional work involving a variety of planning assignments. Develop requests for proposals and manage complex planning studies, including an Asset-Based Community Development Strategy consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and small-area planning.
- Interact with regional planning agencies and partner organizations, including the Heart of Georgia Regional Commission, Council for Quality Growth, Economic Development Office, Development Authority, and Department of Community Affairs. Ensure the accuracy of land-use GIS data, the zoning and land-use matrix, and current land-use and comprehensive planning documents.
- Maintain current knowledge of applicable codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations. Stay informed about professional trends and advances, read professional literature, maintain professional affiliations, and attend workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
- Develop and implement program goals, objectives, and budgets. Monitor, report on, and adjust them as needed.
- Collaborate with department directors and outside agencies to identify needs and potential grant opportunities.
- Prepare and submit timely grant applications on behalf of the City for federal, state, or local assistance. Ensure compliance with grant guidelines and deadlines, meet timelines and deliverables, track applications, and prepare progress and financial reports.
- Review grant opportunities carefully to confirm eligibility and application requirements.
- Work with department directors and Finance Department staff to submit invoices for grant reimbursement. Track invoices throughout each grant life cycle to ensure financial compliance.
- Submit narratives, budgets, and required attachments through designated online portals.
- Coordinate with department directors to ensure that tasks and milestones are completed on schedule and in accordance with grant guidance.
- Maintain a current list of grant opportunities, including previous awards and opportunities aligned with established City goals.
- Develop grant-related budgets and request or draft letters of support.
- Present informational and action items to the Mayor and City Council.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in regional planning or a closely related field, supplemented by six years of experience and training involving comprehensive planning, zoning, development, regulatory compliance, or civil engineering; supervisory experience; and well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as land-use planning and zoning, urban design, or housing. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be accepted. A master's degree supplemented by two years of related experience may also qualify.
- Three or more years of successful grant writing, data analytics, and grant administration experience.
- Familiarity with federal, state, and private funding sources; proficiency in working with project teams; and familiarity with federal grant regulations.
- Possession of a valid state driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
Physical Ability
Tasks require the ability to exert moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Work may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects and materials weighing approximately 12 to 20 pounds.
Sensory Requirements
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and distinguish colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Environmental Factors
Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, including dirt, dust, pollen, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature extremes, or traffic hazards.
How to Apply
Submit a resume by email to mstone@vidaliaga.gov or by mail to:
Human Resources
302 East First Street, Suite C
Vidalia, GA 30474