Assistant Planner

Posting number: 2026-01470E Department: PLANNING DEPARTMENT Division: KENAI RIVER CENTER Job classification: Assistant Planner Posting type: Open Categories: Planning and Development, Natural Resources, Office and Administrative Support Summary Under the general direction and supervision of the Senior Manager of the River Center, the Assistant Planner is responsible for administrative and permitting functions regarding land use controls, environmental issues, and resource management. Examples of duties Bachelor’s degree in planning, biology, geography, or a related field and one year of experience equivalent to an assistant position in a related planning role. Experience can be substituted for the education requirement on a year for year basis. Knowledge of state and local codes and ordinances related to planning, zoning and environmental analysis, the relationship & responsibilities of federal, state, and local government agencies in the planning and regulation of land. Familiarity with research, statistical and investigation procedures and geographic information systems. Must be able to interpret maps, permits, agency regulations, legal documents and have the ability to research project files. Experience in basic accounting; knowledge in the areas of purchasing and inventory; and familiarity with various copying equipment and phone systems. Must be skilled in the use of computers and programs including MS Office products. Must be able to work with minimum supervision in a multi-agency operation and make independent judgments and decisions. This position requires a use of personal vehicle and a valid Alaska driver’s license to perform all job functions. Qualifications Gather and maintain permit, and natural resource and demographic data and other related statistics. Participate in the research, analysis, and interpretation of all planning & zoning subject areas, including: coastal zone management, floodplain development, habitat protection district, material sites, and local option zoning districts. Manages the River Center public information counter, including providing assistance to walk in customers, responding to phone inquiries, and acts as a multi-agency lead assistant for other agencies at the River Center. Reviews applications and processes routine floodplain and habitat protection district permits. Reviews requests and prepares reports for zoning determinations and marijuana and liquor licenses. Maintains agency permit records and manages the corresponding SharePoint databases. Assists with grant management, to include budget and bid document preparation Processes the initial review and preparatory work for the following applications: tax credits, tax exemptions, material site permits, and material site reclamation plans. Responsible for maintaining and updating existing resource inventories, such as educational handouts and books, and assists in the development of future inventories. Conduct field inspections and site visits related to permitting and tax credit programs. Conduct a review of preliminary plats to determine if any zoning plat notes are required. Manages all monthly property transfer reports, and sends a zoning notice outlining the development and permitting requirements for each property. Provide administrative functions for Kenai Peninsula Borough staff at the River Center, to include scheduling appointments, travel reservations, and conference room reservations. Collects, sorts and distributes multi-agency mail and permit applications. Prioritizes items for supervisor and agencies requiring immediate attention. Accepts and reviews agency-wide applications for completeness and establishes a file. Researches and provides maps, ownership information, multi-agency statutes, codes and policies to identify type of action required for local, borough, state and federal agency approvals. Determines and distributes agency review schedule. Responsible for all inventory and purchasing for the River Center. Inputs purchase orders, and verifies and handles payment of all invoices. Researches, compiles and analyzes data for reports and budget preparation. Maintains an internal accounting system including accounts payable, purchase orders, budgetary accounts and transfers, basic cost control and analysis. Prepares bulk and certified mailings for public notices, annual reports and other department and agency materials. Other Functions Other related duties as assigned. Other Requirements Vehicle Requirements : Vehicle must be shown to be safe and reliable and must be able to meet the criteria established in the Kenai Peninsula Borough’s Vehicle Policy within 30 days of hire. Examination : Related skills tests as required. Supplemental information While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to communicate orally and to use hands and fingers dexterously to operate office equipment; regularly required to sit, walk, stand, reach and lift light overhead objects; and occasionally bend and stoop while filing or examining maps. The employee must occasionally transport up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. #J-18808-Ljbffr