The City of Wilmington, a leading Delaware employer, is responsible for managing land development, building code enforcement, and zoning regulations to ensure the city's sustainable growth and quality of life through the Department of Land Use and Planning. The Department of Land Use and Planning reviews development plans, issues permits and conducts inspections to ensure compliance with city ordinances and building codes. Additionally, it is involved in long-range planning efforts, such as creating and updating the city's comprehensive plan, which guides future development and land use decisions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planner II should have working knowledge of urban development and should be comfortable planning and developing certain aspects of a project under the supervision of a Senior Planner. This individual reports to the Planning Manager and should be able to read reports and draft departmental correspondence. Additional responsibilities include:

• Represents the Director, Deputy Director, and/or other City officials at public meetings.
• Testifies as an expert witness before City Council and quasi-judicial boards.
• Acts as liaison with outside consultants.
• Works on revisions to the Comprehensive Plan; prepares amendments and revisions to the zoning ordinance and other legislation, and design studies; prepares grant applications; provides technical assistance both within and outside City government.
• Provides staff support to the City Planning Commission and Design Review and Preservation Commission.
• Conducts planning activities at the direction of the Deputy Director and performs related work as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning or Public Administration, or similar degree is preferred.

• Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of planning and management and their application in all areas of government. Working knowledge in the use of computer programs including Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of GIS and/or other mapping and graphics tools.
• Skills: Experience and skill in the professional application of planning principles in public policy alternatives in preferably more than one specialized field, such as comprehensive planning, land use regulations, housing, transportation, public facilities, historic preservation, economic development, environment, or human services. Good oral and written communication skills.
• Abilities: Ability to function effectively as part of an overall management team. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• License: Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

CANDIDATE EVALUATION

Evaluation for this position includes a review of the application materials, certification of qualified applicants, a work sample, and a panel interview (in-person or virtual).

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation and a pre-employment physical.

• Physical Requirements: Field and normal office environment. Frequently required to sit, stand, and walk depending on job duties. Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds independently.
• Vision: Requires the ability to see close vision and adjust focus as necessary.
• Working Conditions: Normal office environment. May typically be in the field to perform construction inspection or provide mark-out services.
• Location and Schedule: This position may require weekend work, nights, or being on-call as part of the regular job responsibilities. Work involves travel between sites (City/County, Turner, and Public Safety buildings) as necessary. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or based on business needs, located at the City/County Building, 800 N. French Street, 3rd Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

Compensation encompasses both salary administration and a comprehensive benefit package:

• Salary Administration: New employees are hired at the starting salary up to the median salary/step four based on qualifications and internal equity within the classification. Merit increases are given after a satisfactory performance review.
• Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is available from day one. Visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov/Benefits for details.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• This position is open to all internal and external applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.
• To apply, visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov. Computers are available in the Department of Human Resources, City/County Building, 800 N. French St, 4th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801. Call 302-576-2460 to schedule an appointment for computer use.
• The City of Wilmington is an equal opportunity employer.
• City Residency required within 12 months of employment.
• The City Code provides preference for eligible internal candidates, veterans, and current city residents.
• The City of Wilmington is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Delaware Persons with Disabilities Employment Protections Act, the City provides reasonable accommodation when requested without causing undue hardship. If accommodation is needed, please call 302-576-2466.

THE CITY OF WILMINGTON COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The City of Wilmington is committed to providing a robust healthcare portfolio to meet the needs of our employees and their families and is pleased to offer coverage on your first day of employment. Helping you understand the benefits we offer is important to us. Please refer to our Employee Benefits website to view all healthcare plans, vendor information, resources, and benefit rates.

Medical Insurance: Highmark BCBS of Delaware. City of Wilmington offers 2 medical plans, PPO II (Preferred Provider Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization).

Download the WFD Physical Agility Test Release Form and Physician Authorization Form

Dental Insurance: MetLife. City of Wilmington offers three dental plans, Dental Plan 1, 2, and 3.

Vision Plan: Unum (Powered by EyeMed). City of Wilmington offers two vision plans, Basic Vision coverage which is available if you enroll in medical insurance. Basic Vision Coverage which is no cost, and the Buy-Up Vision coverage is available at an additional cost.

Additional Benefits: The City of Wilmington also offers other valuable benefits such as Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability. Employer Provided HRA’s, Flexible Spending Accounts (medical reimbursement and dependent care), additional whole and term life insurances, short term disability and critical care insurance are also available at an additional cost to the employee.

Opt-Out Cash Back Incentive Program: Employees who choose to enroll in medical or dental coverage other than the City’s and can provide proof of this medical coverage may be eligible to receive additional income.

Wellness: We enjoy staying healthy together! Therefore, we have an engaging calendar of wellness events throughout the year for employees, retirees and their families. To learn more, check out our Employee Perks page.

Sick Leave: Accumulates at the rate of one day for each completed month of service, beginning after the first full month of employment.

Vacation: At least eight (8) hours* of vacation per month after the completion of the first six (6) months* of continuous employment until the next January 1. Each January 1 thereafter, employee will be credited with at least ninety-six (96) hours* of vacation for the calendar year, until the completion of five (5) years of continuous service.

Holiday: Eligible employees receive holiday pay from date of hire, View City Holidays

Life Insurance: The City agrees to provide term life insurance for each eligible employee for a maximum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) at no cost.

Pension: Eligible employees are able to participate in the State Pension Plan you will contribute 6% of your bi-weekly base pay.

Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional employee contributory plan available.

Live Near Your Work Program: Homebuyer Assistance program to provide up to $4,000 in homebuyers assistance for newly hired employees, first time homebuyers, and those employees choosing to purchase a residence in one of the City’s unique and culture-blended neighborhoods.

Tuition Reimbursement: The City encourages employee self-development and continuing education and provides a reimbursement program for eligible employees annually for qualified college or certification courses taken that year.

Teleworking/Remote Work*: Eligible employees qualify for a hybrid schedule upon approval through the city’s teleworking policy. The City is committed to increasing employee productivity and improving talent recruitment by providing employees with work alternatives that enable eligible employees to meet their work and family needs.

PSLF Program Eligible Employer: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click PSLF Loan Forgiveness.

*Benefits for employees under collective bargaining agreements or appointed positions may vary.