Planning and Inspection Director

Position Summary

This position is responsible for leading the Planning and Inspection Department, including the supervision of department staff and the coordination of development review processes for submittals presented to the Planning Commission. The role involves interpreting and enforcing property development and building codes for the public, developers, and contractors. It also includes conducting technical reviews of subdivision plans, recommending and implementing long-range planning initiatives aligned with the Town’s goals, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Additionally, the position serves as a key liaison to staff, citizens, and the development community regarding municipal planning, zoning, and building code matters, and performs a variety of administrative and technical tasks to support orderly and compliant development within the Town. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Plans, organizes, and directs all activities within the Planning and Inspection Department including assigning work, resolving employee concerns, and making recommendations regarding hiring, performance, discipline, and termination.
• Supervises and evaluates department staff; provides guidance and direction on daily operations and planning matters.
• Coordinates the review and approval process of land development applications, including subdivision plats, site plans, and construction drawings; ensures compliance with applicable regulations.
• Conducts thorough technical evaluations of zoning, land use, and development proposals; identifies code deficiencies and recommends corrective actions.
• Oversee the interpretation and enforcement of building codes, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and related municipal codes.
• Reviews land development submittals and construction documents for consistency with planning and zoning requirements.
• Assists in the preparation and implementation of comprehensive plans, transportation studies, annexation reports, and land development ordinances.
• Prepares written reports and provides verbal presentations to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Board of Mayor and Aldermen; ensures proper documentation and archiving of related materials.
• Acts as a liaison to staff, developers, property owners, and the public regarding planning, zoning and code enforcement issues.
• Responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests for information from citizens, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Prepares, analyzes, and tracks project-related documentation, including site plans, ordinances, correspondence, permits, and timesheets.  
• Coordinates the issuance and management of performance bonds, letters of credit, and other development-related financial guarantees.
• Participates in interdepartmental coordination to ensure infrastructure and planning considerations are integrated across town departments.
• Prepares and administers the department’s annual operating and capital improvement budgets.
• Utilizes computer-based software for planning functions, including GIS mapping and Microsoft Office; stays informed of technological advancements relevant to municipal planning.
• Stays current on professional trends and best practices in planning; attends training, workshops and maintains professional memberships.
• Maintains positive public relations through professional, timely, and courteous communication.
• Develops and presents computer-based graphics and planning materials; conducts research and surveys to support planning recommendations.
• Makes recommendations to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen regarding the acceptance of public infrastructure in new developments.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Town Administrator.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of land use planning principles, practices, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Strong understanding of development review processes, including interpreting site plans, plats, construction drawings, and zoning maps.
• Familiarity with civil engineering concepts as they relate to land development and building codes.
• Knowledge of administrative management, personnel supervision, and departmental recordkeeping.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement long-term department goals and innovative operational improvements.
• Skilled in supervising, training, evaluating, and developing departmental staff.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and GIS software for planning and analysis tasks.
• Capable of interpreting tax maps, assessor data, and technical reports.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills, including performing calculations using percentages and decimals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare clear reports and present information effectively to various audiences.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines independently or collaboratively.
• Skilled in handling sensitive situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to confidentiality and ethical conduct in all aspects of municipal operations.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, officials, developers, and the public.
• Familiar with workplace safety regulations, purchasing procedures, and personnel policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in municipal planning, community development, or a related field, including supervisory experience.
• Applicants with a combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills may be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge of municipal planning principles, zoning regulations, development review, and code enforcement practices.
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.
• Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's License.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

• The employee will operate a motor vehicle, cell phone, computer, iPad or other tablet, fax machine, copier, and other modern office equipment.
• The employee will have proficiency in computer software, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and various technical equipment.
• The employee will operate and comprehend measuring equipment and devices, including GIS data.
• The employee will convey or exchange administrative, financial, legal, engineering and construction related information.
• The employee typically works indoors in an office setting.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee must regularly talk or hear. The employee often is required to handle or feel objects, operate modern office equipment. The employee must regularly sit for extended periods, reach with arms and hands, and walk. The employee must have the ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus in all conditions. The noise level in the work environment is typically low to moderate. The employee will generally work indoors in a climate-controlled office environment. 

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The Town of Atoka is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.