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CITY PLANNER/PLANNING DEPARTMENT MANAGER - CITY OF DECATUR, ALABAMA

DECATUR, ALABAMA (Population: 55,683) Located in Morgan and Limestone counties in Alabama, Decatur is nestled in the Tennessee River Valley. “The River City” boasts a rich and colorful history and serves as the county seat of Morgan County. Decatur is among one of the largest cities in Alabama and its location on the Tennessee River makes it a major transportation hub in the southeast.

With a total area of approximately 68 square miles, Decatur’s business climate is as progressive as it is diverse. It is home to industrial giants such as United Launch Alliance, GE Appliances, Nucor Steel, Daikin America, Indorama Ventures (a parent company to AlphaPet), J.M. Smucker Company, Toray, Bunge Limited, Hyosung, Ascend, 3M and Alabama Farmer’s Co-Op as well as award-winning small retailers like Big Bob Gibson’s Barbecue and Morgan Price Candy Company and is experiencing significant industrial expansions, retail development, and residential growth.

In addition to its historic districts and Decatur’s unique shopping and dining experiences, the city is home to a thriving arts and educational community. From the state-of-the-art Alabama Center for the Arts to the heralded Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts, there are several areas of creative inspiration and artistic outlets. The Carnegie Visual Arts Center hosts a variety of exhibits, classes and events featuring all mediums of visual art. The Cook Museum of Natural Science, locally owned and operated, has a 62,000 sq. ft. state of the art natural science museum that houses live animals, an aquarium, interactive and immersive learning experiences, and variety of educational exhibits designed to cater to all ages. The Cook Museum of Natural Science has been recognized by USA Today as one of the top new museums in America.

Since 1968, the City of Decatur has been governed by a Mayor-Council form of government. The Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer of the city and is elected by general election to a four-year term. The City Council is the legislative body and consists of five (5) members, who are elected for four-year terms.

The City of Decatur provides a full range of services including Finance, Public Works, Community Development, Fire and Police Protection, Parks & Recreation, Sanitation services and general administrative services.

THE POSITION – CITY PLANNER/PLANNING DEPARTMENT MANAGER

The City Planner/Planning Department Manager is responsible for the management, supervision, and administration of the day-to-day operations of the City’s planning, zoning, and urban development department. As part of the City’s strategic initiatives, the City Planner will play a key role in planning for economic growth and development to include land use, residential growth, transportation, streets, and road design. The manager is also responsible for preparing the annual budget for the planning department, monitoring expenditures, and revising budgets as needed.

Initial top priorities for the City Planner will be to:

direct the revision and maintenance of the city zoning ordinance along with planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the City’s planning and zoning initiatives; and
Evaluate and measure progress toward the City’s Comprehensive Plan, to include maintenance and revisions.

The manager will consult with supervisors, department heads, finance department, Human Resources, the Mayor, City Council and other agencies and city officials to review departmental operations, discuss problems, coordinate activities, develop long-term plans, provide technical expertise, and receive advice/direction.

The successful candidate shall have:

A bachelor’s degree in urban/regional planning and development, public administration or other course of study or equivalent work experience and knowledge consistent with the competency developed through formal education and training. A master’s degree is preferred. Residency within the City is highly recommended and encouraged. Relocation assistance may be provided.

Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with ten (10) or more years’ experience or service with a similar position, including prior supervisory and management experience.

Must possess a current AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification and be willing to complete seven (7) hours of continuing education courses per year and one course on planning every three years. Other certifications in the field a plus.

Starting salary offer will be commensurate with qualifications and experience in the range of $91k to 109k. Relocation assistance may be available, provided residency is established within the City limits. Candidates should apply online by April 19, 2024, with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least five (5) professional references to the attention of Sarah McKee, Senior Vice President, GovHR USA. Tel: 847-380-3240, EXT 120.

The City of Decatur, AL is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are critical to their success. They seek to recruit the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and will base all selection decisions solely on qualifications.

Application Deadline: April 19, 2024

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