Senior Planner

Senior Planner

The City of Liberty Lake is seeking a qualified and enthusiastic employee to serve our City as a Senior Planner. The Senior Planner performs professional work in the fields of current planning, long-range planning, environmental analysis, and geographic information systems. The position requires specialized knowledge within the field of professional planning and requires in-depth knowledge in the specific areas of land use planning and long-range comprehensive planning. The position may supervise, provide direction, and/or review the work of professional and technical staff and consultants. Please review the Job Description for more details regarding this position.

This position generally starts at a step 1: $91,351.03 per year

COMPETENCIES:

A. Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, techniques, terminology, and application of urban planning.

B. Considerable knowledge of Washington State Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, floodplain management, and municipal land use laws.

C. Knowledge and experience in permitting and construction processes.

D. Knowledge of principles, methodology and practices of data collection and analysis.

E. English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Ability to communicate complex and technical concepts both orally and in writing.

F. Must be proficient with computers and applications, including Microsoft Office, Internet applications, etc. Knowledge and experience in database management programs, geographic information systems, including ArcView, and permitting software, such as PermitTrax, is desired but not required.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

A. Interpret information, answer questions, and provide information to property owners, investors, real estate developers, and other interested parties pertaining to zoning, subdivision code, environmental codes, land use applications and permitting processes, the comprehensive plan and other planning and development related information.

B. Respond to telephone calls, process mail and e-mails, answer routine matters, and refer others to the appropriate person for response.

C. Prepare research and reports for the Director of Community Development, City Commissions, and City Council.

D. Provide staff support to Planning Commission.

E. Reviews land use applications and site plans for compliance with local codes, standards, and policies, and state regulations, as applicable.

F. Leads and coordinates assigned land use application through review and adoption stages, developing and presenting staff reports, and additional data analyses, as may be required.

G. Coordinates the process for review and approval of land use matters, permits, variances, and other related procedures. Coordinates hearing examiner cases for permits by reviewing and routing application requests and informing interested parties about the public hearing and final actions.

H. Prepares legal notices and site notices on pending actions.

I. Writes and produces brief descriptions or summaries of proposals, issues or requests; including facts, applicable requirements and analysis of proposal related to criteria, standards, regulations, policies and procedures.

J. Conducts a wide variety of planning studies requiring data collection, analysis and preparation of clearly written reports and recommendations on land use issues.

K. Coordinates SEPA documents with appropriate agencies and serves as the Department SEPA coordinator.

L. Attends Planning Commission, City Council and other public meetings and open houses, and make oral presentation of proposals facilitate discussions, prepare minutes and other meeting materials.

M. Assists in preparing revisions to the Zoning Code, Comprehensive Plan and other regulatory and policy documents, including collection of data.

N. Attends city, federal, state, and local planning meetings relative to planning assignments to review and coordinate development and planning activities.

O. Performs field inspections and other related duties as needed.

P. May coordinate GIS system by compiling, assembling and analyzing ArcView GIS data. Maintain existing GIS databases and prepare GIS documents required to support current and long range projects.

Q. Performs other duties as required by Director of Community Development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Experience:

A. Five (5) years of professional land use and/or long-range planning experience.

Required Credentials:

A. Bachelor's Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Community Development, or similar field. A Master's Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Community Development or similar field may substitute for up to one (1) year of required experience.

B. Possession of a valid driver's license.

Required Expertise & Skills:

A. Ability to apply and interpret development codes & standards, zoning regulations, building codes, and environmental policies and regulations.

B. Must have the ability to read and interpret maps.

C. Must be able to analyze and diagnose problems, as well as research and interpret code. Must be skilled in problem solving.

D. A key value of the City is customer service. This position requires considerable knowledge, ability and skill in the principles and practices of excellent customer service as practiced in both the private and public sectors. It requires the ability to effectively meet and deal with the public; the ability to handle stressful situations; the ability to greet and respond to customers in a friendly, pleasant and professional manner using appropriate inflection, grammar and syntax; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies and the general public; the ability to maintain a professional, courteous, and pleasant demeanor in difficult and stressful situations; and the ability to diplomatically deal with difficult people. A willingness to expend extra effort to help the public find answers or information relative to their inquiry or complaint is expected.