Associate Planner

Salary: $29.54 - $39.71 Hourly
Location : Lincoln County, OR
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-79 (361)
Department: Planning & Development
Opening Date: 05/19/2026


Position Summary
Lincoln County's Planning Department is looking for an Associate Planner to add to their team to administer and interpret the County's land use and development code answering questions from the public, advising on compliance, and assisting in the preparation of various applications. This position is also responsible for researching, developing, and analyzing comprehensive plans; assists other county and local governments on such matters; provides specific recommendation on land use.
$29.54 - $39.71 per hour*

*Lincoln County follows Oregon Pay Equity laws in reviewing education and experience for wage offer.
Lincoln County offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage
• 11% County contribution to 401(k)
• County funded Health Savings Account (HSA)
• $40,000 County Paid Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Kite Festival in Lincoln City
Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities
JOB FUNCTIONS

Answer public requests for information concerning current zoning and the comprehensive plan:

• Discuss proposals for land divisions, conditional uses, variances, and zone changes.
• Provide explanations regarding standards of application, procedures, and criteria.

Review applications for land divisions, conditional uses, variances, and zoning amendments for completeness:

• Coordinate with affected county departments when reviewing land use requests.
• Prepare notices of Pending Actions for staff review and Planning Commission requests.
• Prepare written staff reports for staff reviews and Planning Commission requests.
• Gives public presentations for land use applications before the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners.

Review site plans and building permit applications for compliance with county code and development policies:

• Review and finalize land partitions, conditional use permits, variances, and other land use actions for compliance with conditions of approval.
• Administer provisions of county code related to floodplain management
• Ensure compliance with county development standards

Prepare revisions of comprehensive plan and land use code:

• Conduct research and develops recommendations regarding specific comprehensive planning topics for presentation to Commissioners, Planning Commission, or a task force.

Respond to citizen inquiries and public agency requests:

• Explain reasoning behind land use planning decisions.
• Explain possible recourse interested persons may have.

Administer code enforcement procedures:

• Respond to citizen complaints.
• Work closely with Code Enforcement Officer.
• Inspect property for code compliance.
• Resolve conflicts between property owners.
• Refer cases to County Counsel for legal action

Moonshine Park in Lincoln County
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION

Bachelors with major coursework in planning or a related field.
EXPERIENCE

Two years of work experience in land use planning.
LICENSE

Oregon Driver's License required within 30 days of hire.
Substitution Note: A Master's degree may be substituted for one year of experience, or any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the above-described duties as determined by the County.

Knowledge of:

• Considerable knowledge of statewide land-use goals and guidelines.
• Principles and procedures of comprehensive land use planning.
• Research methodology and statistical techniques.

Skill or ability to:

• Understand social, environmental, and physical relationships of land use planning.
• Convey information, ideas, and facts both orally and in writing to supervisors, colleagues, and individuals, inside and outside the county, using language and a format the audience will best understand.
• Utilize computers and other technology to communicate in written and verbal forms (e.g., word processing, texts, emails, spreadsheets, department-specific software).
• Effectively relate well with others, including supervisors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the county. Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and working to maintain constructive working relationships.
• Take personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Show up to work on time, and follows instructions, policies, and procedures. Meet productivity standards, deadlines, and work schedules.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Lincoln County is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and essential functions expected of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
WHY LINCOLN COUNTY? Yaquina Bay Bridge
Lincoln County sits in the Central Oregon Coast, boasting miles of stunning beaches. Travelers from all over the world have made Lincoln County a must-see location. From the Kite Festival in Lincoln City, Founder's Days in Newport, and the La De Da Parade in Yachats there is never a celebration too far away! Our vibrant arts community, incredible restaurants and hotels, and unmatched natural beauty make this a truly amazing place to call home.
Lincoln County is one of the 36 counties in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2020 census, its population was 50,395. The county seat is Newport where our Health and Human Services Department is headquartered. Lincoln County consists of Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Siletz, Newport, Toledo, Waldport, and Yachats. Each town along our beautiful coastline offers something a little different and unique from the others and the drive along Highway 101 is a postcard in living color.
CHECK OUT THESE LOCAL TRAVEL RESOURCES:

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Lincoln County offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision which is paid at 90% by the County and 10% by the employee. Other fully paid benefits include life, AD&D, long-term disability insurance. Other optional insurances are available. A 401K retirement plan is also provided. The County's current contribution rate is 11%.
Regular and Trial Service employees working between 20 - 39 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible for pro-rated employee benefits.