David N. Hockett, AICP

2565 21st Avenue

Marion, Iowa 52302

Phone:  319-447-9557

Cell:      319-361-2670

E-Mail:  dhockett@gmail.com

 

OBJECTIVE:

To undertake a challenging and rewarding position that will allow me to utilize skills obtained in past and current educational and professional planning environments.

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Assistant Planning & Development Director – City of Marion, Iowa -- December 2004 – Present

Assistant Planner – City of Marion, Iowa -- July 2000 to December 2004

¨       Administers and enforces the Marion Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance as well as participate in short and long-range planning studies related to land use, annexation, transportation and infrastructure to achieve the goals and objectives of the community.

¨       Maintain and update the Marion Future Land Use Map and Marion Zoning Map with assistance from the Marion Engineering Department.

¨       Reviews applications for residential, commercial and industrial development / platting; evaluates alternatives and conformance with City policies, ordinances, the Comprehensive Plan and state and federal laws; schedules public hearings and actions, monitors through the approval process, enforces compliance with regulations, prepares reports and related data as required.

¨       Establish development timelines and alternative timelines based on information submitted by the applicant to ensure projects continue to move forward through the review process in a timely manner.

¨       Confers with and provides information to property owners, contractors, developers, engineers, architects and the general public regarding conformance to standards, plan specifications and codes; explain codes, requirements and procedures and evaluate alternatives

¨       Conducts thorough review of site plans, landscape plans, central business district improvements, parks / trails, signage, variances and conditional uses for compliance with the established zoning and land development regulations.

¨       Assists the Planning and Development Director in review and analyze potential fiscal impact of annexation requests.

¨       Provides professional and technical advice and support to the Historic Preservation Commission (CLG), Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, City Council, and to various other committees, boards and commissions, as assigned by the Planning and Development Director.

¨       Assists the Planning and Development Director in various state and federal grant applications, preparation and administration.

¨       Successfully administered four (4) Certified Local Government (CLG) Historic Preservation Grant Projects.  Coordinated completion of grant application and proposed budget, upon acknowledgement of Grant award assisted in review of and selection of professional consultant, and all aspects of generating public involvement and awareness of historic preservation activities.

¨       Drafted new application forms and guidelines/instructions for rezoning, variance and conditional use requests to ensure that adequate and complete information was being submitted by the applicant.

¨       Assists the Administrative Assistant in maintaining records of projects, daily activities and other pertinent records and reports.

¨       Provide training as needed to other City Departments, builders and developers regarding ongoing amendments to the Marion Zoning Ordinances

 

Staff Planner (Internship) – Minnesota Valley Council of Governments (MVCOG)

August 1999 to June 2000

¨       Served as intern with the MVCOG through Minnesota State University. Mankato (5/99–5/00) and then through the MVCOG (5/00-6/00)

¨       Drafted, updated and provided technical assistance in the interpretation of numerous planning and zoning, general administrative, economic development and human resources issues.

¨       Prepared salary schedules and conducted salary surveys.

¨       Researched and prepared grant applications

¨       Assisted in development and presenting of training programs on local government issues.

 

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Minnesota State University, Mankato – Master of Arts, May 2000

Degree Program:  Urban Planning

Thesis Paper:       St. Peter Vision Plan and Design Recommendations”

 

Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville – Bachelor of Science, May 1998

Major:  Geography        Minor:  Economic Development

 

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Computer:  Proficiency in the use of personal computers and office equipment / software including Microsoft Office products and software.  Limited exposure to GIS, however I possess the ability to quickly adapt to new systems and software applications.

 

Research & Analysis:  Ability to make complex computations with speed and accuracy.  Ability to conduct research and compile technical information for reports and studies including analysis of alternatives generated by staff and applicants.

 

Communication:  Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.  Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individual from other city departments / organizations, and citizen customers.

 

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS & VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:

            Member:           American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

             American Planning Association (APA)

 

Volunteer:       Coaching (youth sports) – Marion Parks and Recreation Department