Associate Planner

Job Summary Under the general direction of the Planning Manager, the Associate Planner may work independently or collaboratively with other current and long range planners to perform a variety of professional planning duties to ensure compliance with various state and local regulations; provide technical expertise, data collection and analysis, and report preparation related to comprehensive planning; assist in the development and revision of the comprehensive plan and related policies and regulations; and perform planning and coordination tasks for special projects and programs. This is an AFSCME represented position. Essential Duties Perform a variety of professional planning duties involving current and long-range planning to ensure compliance with various state and local regulations. Provide daily customer service at the counter, over the phone, and in written correspondence. Make verbal presentations and prepare written reports for the Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, and City Council. Perform technical review of City of Lakewood land use permits. Types of permits may include Conditional Use Permits, Master Facilities Plan permits, Variances, and Shoreline or Critical Area permitting. Route land use projects to departments and outside agencies with jurisdiction for review and comment. Perform technical review of building permits to ensure zoning compliance. Perform database management. Provide technical expertise, data collection and analysis, and report preparation related to comprehensive and growth management planning; assist in the development and revision of elements of the City’s comprehensive plan, zoning, development standards, and other appurtenant regulations and policies under the state Growth and Management Act. Staff various committees and commissions as assigned and provide planning information and assistance to interjurisdictional committees and to various boards, committees, staff, and service providers. Organize, attend, and conduct community meetings to elicit public participation and present information, gathering information on sentiment, opinion, and suggestions, and analyzing and presenting results of public input. Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to assigned projects, committees, and activities; operate a computer, work within the City’s permitting database, use word processing and spreadsheet applications. Perform planning and coordination tasks for special projects and programs as assigned, working independently when necessary. Maintain regular, reliable, and punctually attendance. Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership. Perform related duties as assigned. Education, Experience, And Other Requirements Any equivalent combination of education and experience that would likely provide the candidate with the knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the job will be considered. A typical combination is a bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, or a related field and two (2) years of responsible municipal planning experience. This is a relevant combination of six (6) years. License & Certification Requirements Valid Washington State driver’s license with a driving record that meets an acceptable standard for safety at the point of hire and throughout employment in this position. Must be at least 18 years of age. Knowledge Of Land use codes, current and long-range planning, zoning principles and practices, and enforcement processes. Planning and building terminology. Growth Management Act (GMA). State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA). Shoreline Management Act. City planning practices, theories, methodologies, and terminology. Research methodology as applied to the collection and analysis of planning data. Source and availability of planning information, including demographic and economic data, environmental determinants of land use, land development trends and legal requirements. Population and employment forecasting. Land use capacity analysis. Oral and written communication skills. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. Public relations and interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Technical aspects of field of specialty. Basic research methods. City organization, operations, policies and objectives. Ability To Perform a variety of professional planning duties involving current and long-range planning. Develop plans and policies related to the City’s long range planning and other programs and services. Develop and prepare work plans, goals, objectives, and evaluation criteria. Ensure compliance with various City ordinances and regulations. Analyze City growth trends and assess City capacity. Collect, analyze and interpret planning data. Organize and conduct various research studies and prepare summaries. Analyze and interpret public input and recommendations. Lead and conduct public meetings. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Read, interpret, apply and clearly explain complex rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Make effective oral presentations at public hearings and meetings. Maintain records and prepare reports. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Work independently with little direction. Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines. Attend occasional evening meetings. WORK ENVIRONMENT Office and other indoor work environments; outdoor field work to collect data; subject to driving and to working evening hours. Physical Abilities Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities necessary to perform essential functions and communicate with others. Frequent fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc. Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities. Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position. Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office areas. Possibly longer distances on job sites. Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, and moving materials. Ability to lift/carry boxes up to 20 lbs. Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle for transportation to off-site locations. Must be able to work in the field gathering information and reviewing/inspecting systems, property, and project construction sites in all weather conditions and over rough terrain. May be subject to loud noises, nearby traffic, and/or heavy construction equipment zones. Ability to operate a motor vehicle for transportation to off-site locations. HAZARDS Working in confined spaces; driving a motor vehicle in traffic, construction zones, and adverse weather conditions; physical exposure to adverse weather conditions, extremely loud noise levels, and potentially hazardous conditions in construction equipment zones and/or high traffic areas. Benefits Summary for AFSCME MEMBERS This is a summary of benefits and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to Local 1938, Washington State Council of County and City Employees of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees collective bargaining agreement, City policies and plan booklets for details. WORK HOURS The normal work week is five consecutive days of not more than eight hours per day, exclusive of lunch period. City Hall is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where appropriate, alternative work schedules may be established, providing that not more than forty hours are scheduled per work week. SALARY INCREASES Step increases are granted annually upon successful completion of a performance evaluation until the maximum of the salary range is reached. HOLIDAYS New Year’s Day M.L. King, Jr. Day Presidents' Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Veterans' Day Thanksgiving the day after Thanksgiving Christmas day Employees accrue one floating holiday on their anniversary date, which must be used within the following 12 month period. Holiday pay is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week. PAID TIME OFF Paid time off leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during approved absences. Leave may be accumulated for succeeding years; however, the maximum accrual may not exceed 1,100 hours at the end of the calendar year. Accrual Rate During the 1st year 200 hours of leave per year After the 1st thru 2nd year 208 hours of leave per year After the 2nd thru 4th year 216 hours of leave per year After the 4th thru 9th year 232 hours of leave per year After the 9th thru 14th year 264 hours of leave per year After the 14th thru 20th year 296 hours of leave per year After the 20th thru 29th year 312 hours of leave per year After the 29th year 320 hours of leave per year Paid time off leave accrual is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week. SHARED LEAVE If an employee exhausts all paid leave because of medical reasons, they may be eligible to receive donated paid time off leave from other employees. MILITARY LEAVE Employees who are members of any federal military reserve unit or the Washington National Guard will receive up to twenty-one working days of paid leave during each year beginning October 1 and ending September 30, while engaged in active training duty or active duty. The City will maintain continuity of health benefits to employees' families when employees are ordered to involuntary active military duty. Military differential pay is available during active military duty of more than 30 days and for no longer than 24 months. JURY DUTY LEAVE Employees will be paid their regular compensation while serving on jury duty provided they forfeit the juror's daily stipend to the City. RETIREMENT PLAN Employees and the City make contributions to the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3. Under Social Security's Government Pension Offset, any Social Security spouse's or widow's or widower's benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from the City's retirement plan. SOCIAL SECURITY REPLACEMENT In lieu of Social Security, the City provides an alternative plan through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. The employee contributes 6.20% and the City contributes 4.77% of the employee's salary. The employee's investment choices range from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high risk) opportunities. Employees are immediately 100% vested in the plan. Under Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision, any Social Security retirement or disability benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from this replacement plan. Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available to employees through payroll deduction. This is an optional investment program. The City matches an employee's contribution up to 3% of the employee's base monthly pay rate. VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT The Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125) is an optional tax savings program which is offered to employees annually. It allows employees to reduce taxable income by using part of their salary on a pretax basis to pay for out of pocket health care expenses and dependent care costs. The effective date of health insurance coverage is the first day of the month following hire. MEDICAL INSURANCE Three medical plans are offered to employees and dependents through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC): the Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a health savings account), the Regence HealthFirst Plan ($250 deductible), and the Kaiser Permanente Plan ($200 deductible). Premiums are pro-rated based on FTE status for part-time employees. Employees may be eligible to opt out of medical insurance coverage to receive $3,600 annually (pro-rated each pay period). Part-time employees may be eligible to opt out to receive an equivalent pro-rated amount. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, confidential resource available to employees, dependents and household members. The EAP provides professional counseling assistance in addressing a variety of concerns ranging from substance abuse to relationship issues. Premiums are paid by the City. VISION INSURANCE The Vision Service Plan (VSP) provides for annual eye examinations for employees and dependents. A $25 deductible benefit is provided for lenses, frames and contact lenses. DENTAL INSURANCE Washington Dental Service (WDS) Plan E insurance is provided through AWC. This is an incentive based plan – 70% to 100% of the cost for Class I and Class II benefits (routine exams, basic cleanings, x‑rays, fillings, etc.) is covered. Class III benefits (crowns, inlays and onlays) are paid at 50%. The plan pays a maximum of $2,000 per individual annually for covered benefits. A separate orthodontia plan provides a one time orthodontia benefit of $1,000 for eligible children. The City pays the entire premium cost for full‑time employees and their dependents. Premiums for part‑time employees and their dependents are pro‑rated based on the employee's FTE status. LIFE & LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE The City provides the following insurance coverage for employees through Standard Insurance (a copy of each plan certificate will be provided during orientation). The insurance is effective the first of the month following hire, unless an employee is hired on the first day of the month, in which case the coverage is effective immediately. Survivor Income Life Insurance A monthly survivor income benefit is paid to an employee's eligible spouse and children upon the employee's death. Prior to any reduction for Social Security survivor's benefits, a benefit amount equal to 30% of the employee's insured earnings is paid to the spouse or children, and 60% is paid if both spouse and children survive. BASIC LIFE INSURANCE/ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT A benefit equal to the employee's annual salary rounded up to the next thousand. LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD) Effective after 90 days of continuous disability. The maximum amount of the LTD benefit is 60% of earnings or $5,000 per month, whichever is less. VOLUNTARY SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE Employees may elect to apply for $30,000 to $300,000 in supplemental term life insurance coverage. Spouses may also be insured. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee. VOLUNTARY SHORT TERM DISABILITY (STD) Short term disability insurance provides benefit payments to help replace lost income when an employee is disabled due to a non‑occupational accident or illness. Pregnancy or its complications are covered provided enrollment in STD insurance is prior to conception. Benefits are payable for a maximum of 13 weeks. This benefit is offered to employees at the time of hire and annually thereafter. Additional Voluntary Insurance Plans Additional insurance plans are available to employees through AFLAC, such as accident/disability, cancer, dental and hospital intensive care. 01 Yes No 02 Yes No 03 Yes No Required Question #J-18808-Ljbffr