Associate Planner

Associate Planner

Under general supervision, the Associate Planner coordinates, schedules, processes, monitors, and documents selected land use permits. Conducts research and draft legislative action documents.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs professional level work in the field of current or advanced planning, zoning, design review, and economic development.
• Assists staff in the enforcement of local ordinances and in the interpretation of City codes and master plans.
• Reviews and approves or denies plan checks for building projects.
• Interprets project compliance with City plans, ordinances, and codes.
• Compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies; prepares technical and complex reports; performs technical research and gives reliable advice on planning and economic development related issues.
• Reviews development proposals and other requests made to the Development Services Department for conformance with appropriate regulations; prepare reports and make recommendations.
• Checks commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for zoning clearance; processes permit applications.
• Performs environmental assessments; provides detailed written comments on mitigated negative declarations and special studies performed by outside consultants and for outside agencies.
• Advises and confers with architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public regarding City development policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Administers the sign code; reviews and approves sign permit applications.
• Performs inspections and related field work.
• Responds to phone calls and inquiries from the public and other agencies; provides assistance to walk-in customers at the counter.
• Researches and drafts ordinances for review.
• Attends a variety of meetings, including Planning Commission meetings and predevelopment meetings.
• May make presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, standing and ad hoc committees, developers, community groups, and outside agencies.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of municipal planning; incorporates new developments as appropriate into programs.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Business Administration, or related field AND three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, public policy, or community development; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of: applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances; records maintenance and retention policies and procedures; planning purpose and functions involved with growth management, development codes, land use, transportation, shoreline, critical area and coastal management programs, capital facilities, environmental and community development; comprehensive plan updates and amendments; State Growth Management Act; conflict management strategies and methods; project management practices and methods; general office policies, procedures, and equipment; customer service principles, practices, and etiquette.

Skill in: performing accurate mathematic calculations; reading and accurately interpreting site plans, maps, and blueprints; calculating dimensional requirements and building measurements; understanding and explaining codes and ordinances; maintaining accurate records and filing systems; interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public; organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines; completing multiple tasks simultaneously; typing and entering data with speed and accuracy; preparing clear and concise communications, reports, and technical documents; analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses; establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships; communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Benefits: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances; Life Insurance policy; Employee Assistance Program; Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan; Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave; Gym Membership reimbursement; Deferred Compensation (voluntary).