Associate Planner-Design Review

Salary: $61,172.80 - $72,637.76 Annually
Location : Boise City Hall, ID
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 23 -07596
Department: Planning & Development Services
Opening Date: 05/14/2026
Closing Date: 6/5/2026 12:00 PM Mountain


Summary Statement


The City of Boise is seeking an Associate Planner - Design Review to support well-designed commercial, industrial, multi-family, and mixed-use development throughout the community. This role is a strong fit for a planning or design professional with experience in design review and a background in planning, architecture, urban design, landscape architecture or a related field.

In this position, you will have a direct role in shaping the built environment of one of the region's fastest-growing communities. You will review development proposals, building plans, site plans and landscape plans; work with applicants, design professionals, residents and decision-makers; and present recommendations in public hearing settings. This role also offers the opportunity to contribute to updates to the City's adopted design review guidelines, helping ensure Boise's design standards remain clear, effective and aligned with community priorities.
To ensure internal equity and alignment with the approved budget for this position, offers are made within the posted hiring range. Although the hiring range is fixed, employees receive an exceptional benefits and total rewards package that enhances the overall value of employment with the City of Boise.
Why the City of Boise?

The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:

• Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family
• PERSI retirement plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
• 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
• 10 weeks paid parental leave
• $500 annual wellbeing incentive
• Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Bachelor's degree in planning, geography, urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration or a related field
• Two years of experience in urban planning, urban design, architecture or a similar field
• Or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Valid state-issued driver's license.

Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check

Disclaimer: This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours' notice will be provided prior to closing.

Applications received for this recruitment may be used to fill similar vacancies within the City of Boise as they occur.

Essential Functions


Researches, reviews and issues decisions for administrative level applications such as changes to existing buildings and sites, landscape modifications and change in use requests.


Provides assistance to the public through answering telephone calls, emails, in-person meetings and assisting walk-in customers with questions, interpreting zoning regulations, following city code processes and procedures, approving walk-in building permits, etc. Conducts general parcel research through the archived city records, GIS system, subdivision plats and assessor's records. Reviews and provides feedback for development permits.

Prepares and presents project reports to the design review committee, planning and zoning commission and city council, including researching previous entitlements, setbacks, uses, compliance with design guidelines, neighborhood plans, zoning ordinance and the comprehensive plan.


Reviews building plans to ensure compliance with design review and zoning requirements. Researches plat approval and zoning requirements, including previous entitlements, setbacks, height, parking and location within a floodplain or foothills.


Performs site inspections for projects to ensure compliance with all design review and planning approvals prior to the issuance of occupancy permits through the building department. Assists in the research, drafting, document layout and public processing of planning studies, including master plans, design guidelines, overlay zones and similar items. Prepares reports (at the staff and hearing levels) that analyze the project's compliance with the city's goals, policies and ordinances.


Handles moderately complex issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff. Is capable of performing all duties of an Assistant Planner and provides team support and training, as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Requirements
Knowledge of:

• The principles and practices of planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas
• Theories, principles, standards and practices of architectural design, including the ability to differentiate architectural styles and concepts
• Planning, research, zoning and community renewal activities
• Pertinent ordinances, codes and regulations and city goals for future development
• Current literature and developments in planning methods used in developing information for general plan modifications
• Application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental and/or social concepts to the planning process
• Community trends and market analysis techniques
• Math concepts, including statistical analysis techniques and formulas relevant to the planning process
• Planning terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning
• Construction methods and commonly used building materials
• Plant species, planting practices and growth habits of landscape materials commonly used in the region
• Research techniques, report writing and computer software applications related to the work.

Ability to:

• Analyze planning issues related to the entitlement process, subdivision of land, site planning and architectural design
• Interpret policies and develop operating guidance related to urban planning laws, regulations, executive orders and other technical material
• Provide customer service assistance and formal recommendations relating to urban planning policies, procedures, guidelines and/or regulations
• Plan and implement new initiatives and promote technological advances relating to urban planning
• Analyze development plans and review building architecture in relation to adopted guidelines and regulations
• Effectively read and analyze architectural floor plans, perspective renderings, elevations, building sections, site plans and landscaping plans
• Analyze landscaping and site design in relation to adopted guidelines and regulations
• Work independently in the preparation of plans and special studies
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Interpret the intent of a policy and apply it
• Perform basic math
• Use word processing and spreadsheet software applications at an appropriate level for efficient job performance
• Organize and make oral presentations in public situations
• Read and interpret plans and blueprints
• Communicate effectively in the English Language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Master's degree in planning, architecture, urban planning, public administration, landscape architecture or a closely related field and four or more years of experience in architecture, professional planning, urban design or a similar field.

Experience in the public sector.

Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Registration as an architect or landscape architect and knowledge of state statutes and planning case laws.

Skills, including photography, site plan sketching and the ability to use design-related computer programs.
Working Conditions


The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds and frequently pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds. The noise level is frequently moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk and hear. Work in this position also includes close vision. Employees will sit, stand and walk.


Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions and outdoor weather conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.
This position works: scheduled evening meetings/public hearings as required.
Top talent deserves top-notch benefits. The City is among the best in the Treasure Valley when it comes to the benefits and perks we offer our employees.

Most positions are eligible for the general benefits listed here; firefighters, police officers, senior managers, command staff, and directors may be offered other benefit plans.

Healthcare:

• ZERO premium medical coverage option for you and your family
• Low-cost dental and vision options.
• Post-employment health savings account.

Retirement and Investment Plans:

• PERSI retirement benefits
• 401(k) or 457b pre-tax investment options with employer match.
• 457b Roth after-tax investment options with no match

WellBeing Program:

• Up to $500 cash per year for participants.
• Alternative transportation incentives.

Paid Leave - City employees receive generous paid leave:

• 10 hours of vacation per month, and this increases the longer you stay with the City
• 12 paid holidays every year
• 8 hours of sick leave per month
• 10 weeks Parental Leave

Life & Long Term Disability:

• Basic Life insurance at no cost to you
• Long Term Disability insurance at no cost to you

Other optional benefits:

• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Supplemental Disability Insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free local bus pass
• Corporate discount programs
• AFLAC
• Employee Assistance Program for short-term counseling on work, family, finances, and personal issues.

Please visit our website for further details
01


Do you possess a valid state-issued driver's license?

• Yes, I have a valid driver's license.
• No, I do not currently have a valid driver's license.

02


Are you at least 19 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

03


Which best describes your professional experience reviewing development projects for compliance with adopted design review guidelines, architectural standards, zoning requirements or similar development standards?

• I have 5 or more years of related experience.
• I have 3-4 years of related experience.
• I have 1-2 years of related experience.
• I have less than 1 year of related experience.
• I have no professional experience in this area.

04


Which best describes your experience preparing and presenting staff reports, recommendations or technical information in public meetings, public hearings, boards, commissions, councils or similar formal settings?

• I have extensive experience preparing and presenting complex planning, design, development or policy recommendations in public hearings or formal public meetings.
• I have prepared and presented staff reports, recommendations or technical information in public hearings or formal public meetings.
• I have presented information in internal or informal meetings, but not in public hearings or formal public meetings.
• I have prepared written materials but have not presented in a formal public setting.
• I have no experience preparing or presenting in these settings.

05


Please describe how your education, training and professional experience align with the Associate Planner - Design Review role. In your response, highlight any experience you have with design review, architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, development review, plan interpretation, public presentations, staff reports, customer service or work with boards, commissions, councils, applicants or community members. Please also explain what interests you about this opportunity and working for the City of Boise.
Required Question