Senior Planner (Public Utilities)

Posting number: 2026-03910

Department: Public Utilities

Division: Admin

Job classification: Senior Planner/ Public Utilities

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Planning and Development, Natural Resources, Utilities, Green-Collar/Environmental

SummaryREPORTS TO: Public Utilities Director
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Executive          
CLASSIFICATION: Regular Non-merit; Serves at the discretion of the Department Director.  
PAY GRADE: 122                                
SAFETY SENSITIVE: No
         
Purpose of Job:      
The purpose of this job is to research, prepare, and provide technical work for the Public Utilities Department of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing administrative support, preparing reports, assisting the public, preparing and administering grants, preparing planning studies, administering planning ordinances and regulations, administering capital improvement programs and projects, presenting findings to groups, and performing additional tasks as assigned.    
     
Job Related Requirements:           
Work Schedule:  Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

May be required to work on religious holidays.  

Regular and predictable attendance is required.  

Must work cooperatively with others.           
       
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy. Examples of dutiesBachelor degree in urban/regional planning, engineering, economics, public administration, or related field, with four years of strategic planning, master planning, capital planning, and/or community comprehensive planning required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Two years of supervisory experience.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Master's Degree preferred. QualificationsThe following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.  
 
Managerial and Administrative
Oversees the Water Conservation Office and Compliance section.  

Supervises assigned staff, handles employee concerns, directs work assignments, counsels and disciplines employees, and completes employee performance appraisals.

Prepares agenda items for the Department on pertinent matters; coordinates their submission to the Government.

Prepares, submits, and reviews the division's budget and assists with preparing the department's budget; monitors expenditures under the current budget.  

Acts on behalf of the Public Utilities Director when appropriate, including the preparation and delivery of public presentations on planning, water supply, drought, and conservation rates.

Participates as a key person on PUD's executive management team.        
                              
Coordinates work, meetings, and issues with other departments.        
 
Long-range Planning
Prepares twenty-year projections of demand for water and wastewater services based upon estimates of service area population and employment in the community.

Prepares and maintains the Service Delivery Plan (SDP); assists in yearly updates of water and wastewater demand down to the details of use category, meter size, and peaking factors.  In responsible charge of update and overhaul of SDP on five-year intervals.

Prepares and maintains two of the three SDP elements: infrastructure element and capital improvements element; duties include preparing special area studies, making recommendations, and preparing economic base, infrastructure, and utilities studies. 

Evaluates and analyzes water use and new connections; statistical data analysis; originates summary reports on important trends reflected in this analysis and its potential impact on the SDP.

Coordinates with the Planning Department on the ACCUG Comprehensive Plan; incorporates changes in the Comprehensive Plan into the SDP.

Identifies important GIS maps and databases needed to support comprehensive planning efforts in cooperation with the GIS/Graphics Division. 

Assists in the development and maintenance of a thorough database of pertinent information to support the planning function, including the reviewing, classifying, and evaluation of data.
 
Capital Programs and Projects  
Serves as project team leader on assigned capital projects.  

Prepares special reports on capital endeavors and programs such as the nonpotable reuse utility and biosolids reuse.

Prepares requests for proposals (RFP's); coordinates capital projects with consultants, including the creation and expansion of a nonpotable reuse utility, establishment of alternative energy sources (e.g., solar power) and biosolids treatment and reuse.

Create a water reuse system.  Lead the reuse program and individual capital projects thereunder from source to tap; recruit reuse customers and coordinate reuse opportunities with Economic Development.   

Research and advise decision makers on nonpotable and potable reuse opportunities and challenges.

Coordinates water supply development. Investigate means and methods to augment potable water supplies and make 
ACC more drought resilient. This effort could include acquisition and development of a water storage facility.

Lead PUD's efforts to establish a leak detection program spanning several divisions.          

Explore alternative energy generation at four facilities. Develop the next round of candidate energy conservation projects.

Manage planning and design consulting contracts for reuse, alternative energy, and leak detection.

Lead and Oversee PUD's Watershed Protection Program.
Participate as a steering committee member of the project teams for biosolids, AMI portal development, and water rate structure review.  

Coordinates projects with other departments of the Unified Government and with local, state, and federal agencies as needed.

Regulatory
Prepares and delivers departmental permit and other regulatory reports in a timely and effective manner, including the water loss audit and the NDPES-mandated watershed protection plan. 

Maintains comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations; appears in court as needed to support recommendations.

Strategic performance measurement.

Participates in setting and monitoring key performance metrics for PUD relating to water use, supply availability, water loss, energy utilization, conservation and water quality.   

Proctors the responsibilities and milestones of initiatives (both capital and operating) to improve performance of those metrics.

Public Interaction
Prepares and conducts presentations to the public, the governing body and other applicable organizations and groups; effectively communicating in potentially unstable environments/situations.

Provides instruction and direction to the general public and department visitors; receives, responds to or forwards departmental, governmental, or public correspondence by phone, mail, message, etc.

Attends various training workshops, conferences, and committee and public meetings that may require meeting at night or overnight traveling; records minutes of meetings as assigned.

Serves on the Water Adjustment Board as needed. 

Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Public Utilities Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Senior Planner. Knowledge of terminology and methodology used within the planning profession.

Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge of applicable legal and court processes.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of comprehensive planning.

Knowledge of management, human resource management and financial practices, policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.

Knowledge of the Geographical Information System.

Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain an assortment of records, reports, and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.

Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, supervisors, other employees, government officials and the public as they relate to the activities of the Public Utilities Department.

Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.

Ability to handle the required mathematical calculations.

Ability to understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.

Ability to plan, organize, and/or prioritize daily or long-range assignments and work activities.

Ability to communicate effectively by written and oral means.

Ability to prepare and deliver public presentations, reports, or other documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.

Ability to handle outside fieldwork.

Ability to supervise subordinate employees.

Ability to act independently with little or no instruction or supervision.

Ability to research and analyze related topics and to draw conclusions.

Ability to communicate well with the public and have the ability to work in problem-resolution situations. Supplemental information(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIREDTO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, printers, calculators, copy and facsimile machines, cameras, overhead and slide projectors, and other audio/ visual and office equipment. Must be able to use body members to work, move, or carry objects or materials.  This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of light work.

DATA CONCEPTION:  Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange administrative information. Includes receiving/giving assignments and/or directions from supervisors or to subordinates.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of reports, maps, letters, plans, legislation and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare letters, reports, and other documents using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to groups of people in management and the Mayor and Commission with poise, voice control, and confidence.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques, to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation, and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical, or professional languages including engineering, legal, and construction terminology.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine decimals and percentages, to interpret graphs, and to compute discounts, interest, profit and loss, ratio, and proportion.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with office and mapping equipment.

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, finger, and eyes accurately in using office equipment. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as a computer, calculator, copier, and audio/visual equipment. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating the other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT:  Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone.

ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.