Community Development Specialist

Distinguishing Features of the Class: This is a professional position responsible for assisting in the planning, coordination, and implementation of community and economic development activities for the City. The work involves preparation and review of development proposals, grant administration, research and analysis, and coordination with municipal departments, boards, and external agencies. The incumbent may serve in an advisory capacity on planning and development matters and represents the City in interactions with the public and stakeholders. Work is performed under general supervision with leeway for the exercise of independent judgment. Does related work as required

Typical Work Activities:

Research available grants, complete applications of same that will benefit the City relating to Community Development, Economic Development and administers same through completion;

Recruit new businesses and retain current businesses in the City;

Serve as secretary to the Zoning Board and Planning Commission which involves research, creation of documents, taking notes, typing, filing minutes and serves in an advisory capacity to same;

Prepares various planning and development studies including land use, neighborhood analyses, demographics, surveys, transportation planning and environmental studies;

Prepares complex development plans and proposals, using understanding of state and local land use laws including site plan review, SEQRA, subdivision regulations, zoning and related laws and regulations in project review to further the City’s goals;

Meets with public, elected and appointed officials on planning and development projects, programs and strategies, project reviews, intermunicipal agreements, consultant contract administration, etc.;

Attends meetings of boards, commissions and committees as a City representative in project reviews, grants and other related projects and programs; represents the City in discussions with developers, other municipalities, granting and reviewing agencies;

Works with Code Enforcement Office/Zoning Officer to make periodic ordinance amendments and updates as needed for review and adoption. Periodic updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan for review and adoption;

Coordinates departmental project review and comprehensive planning activities with other City departments;

Prepares marketing plans and analysis to promote the City for economic development purposes;

Prepares annual departmental budget for review.

Full Performance knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics:

Thorough knowledge of community and economic development principles and basic municipal planning regulations. Good knowledge of research methods, grant funding processes, and municipal operations. Ability to prepare reports and interpret laws and regulations. Ability to communicate effectively and maintain professional relationships. Ability to coordinate multiple assignments and maintain accurate records. Personal characteristics include sound judgment, initiative, attention to detail, and professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a bachelor's degree in planning, business or public administration, or related field and two (2) years of experience in planning, community development or administration; or
2. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an associate degree in planning, business or public administration or a related field and four (4) years of experience in planning, community development or administration; or
3. Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma; and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, community development or administration.

*Note: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.