Planner - Design Review Program

Planner

Knoxville-Knox County Planning (Planning) is looking for a dedicated planner to assist with the agency’s design review program. The position works closely with the Design Review Program Manager to administer local infill housing guidelines, review development applications for historic zoning, middle housing, and downtown projects, prepare long-range plans, and provide customer service.

About the position:

Our priority is finding the right candidate – a planner who will thrive on our team.  The successful candidate will have historic preservation and design review experience. Some background in working with the public is desired.

A regular day in this position might involve collaborating with teammates on a review of a new infill project in one of our historic neighborhoods, working on an update to design review guidelines, and answering questions from the public over the phone and by email.

Our workplace is modern and equipped with the latest hardware and software tools to help you be a successful contributor. You will work in a vibrant, growing, transitioning downtown setting and live in a community with abundant, world-class natural amenities, a major research university, and a wealth of outdoor and urban activities, southern history, and national events for cycling, mountain-biking, fishing, and other pursuits.

Work-life balance is understood, appreciated, and valued.

Typical job duties include:

• Assisting with initiatives and projects in historic preservation planning, infill housing, downtown design, development review, ordinance drafting, and other areas as assigned.
• Preparing staff reports and recommendations to the Historic Zoning Commissions, Design Review Board, and Planning Commission.
• Working with neighborhood groups to determine feasibility of historic overlay districts and architectural design guidelines.
• Conducting field investigations and maintaining county-wide inventory of historically and architecturally significant structures and districts.
• Providing technical support and professional guidance to others involved in historic preservation and rehabilitation work.
• Assisting in the coordination of Section 106 reviews for federal and local projects.
• Reviewing rezoning requests and development plans.
• Supporting long-range planning projects.
• Making formal presentations to the public, other professionals, and various commissions.
• Providing support to the agency’s customer service counter.

Specialized knowledge and experience should include:

• Knowledge of historic architectural styles and building technology.
• Familiarity with requirements and criteria for listing properties on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Knowledge of the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.
• Knowledge of local zoning, subdivision, and land use regulations.

Skills we are looking for:

• Creative thinking.
• Positive attitude.
• Strong commitment to public service and community involvement.
• Ability to work as part of a team and across divisions.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with colleagues in multiple jurisdictions and build productive relationships with citizens, public officials, and the media.
• High level of personal accountability.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Minimum qualifications:

Master’s degree in urban planning, historic preservation, or related field with a minimum of one year of relevant experience; or, bachelor’s degree, with four years of relevant experience.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree in urban planning or historic preservation.
• Membership in American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
• Three to five years of relevant experience.
• Meeting Professional Qualification Standards for Historic Preservation published in 36 the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 61.

Application Deadline:

Open until filled.

Salary:

Starting salary is commensurate with experience.

Planner - $58,105 +

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement with employer match, 13 paid holidays, family leave, and accrued annual and sick leave.

How to apply:

Send your resume, cover letter, and three references to:

Tina Piatt

Knoxville-Knox County Planning

Suite 403, 400 Main Street

Knoxville, TN 37902

[email protected]

It is our policy to contact only those candidates selected for an interview, so be sure to reach out to confirm that your materials were received. Also, a cover letter is an important part of the application packet – we are unable to review incomplete submissions. Our review will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Visit our website to check position status and to learn more about our agency.