Salary: $86,599.00 - $115,204.00 Annually

Location : Wasilla, AK

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: FY2024-00020

Department: Planning

Opening Date: 11/03/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and professional City Planner to join one of the fastest growing commercial hubs in the State of Alaska. With growth comes automation and streaming the permit process to ensure the highest level of success by creating reasonable regulations with a commonsense approach to growth. This position will be the driving force for managing all phases of zoning administration, collaborating and assisting the Planning Commission, updating comprehensive growth plans in coordination with other departments, and working with Economic Development team.

Ultimately, the ideal candidate would have experience in organically driving a local planning department and automating the department to streamline the permitting process, create metrics for managing, and engaging the residents, community, and business sections. Responsible to improving efficiency, reduce paperwork, and enhance the overall experience for residents, businesses, and developers. Responsible for all phases of zoning administration in addition to assisting the Planning Commission with the development of the comprehensive land development plans and programs for the City of Wasilla. Provide support to the Planning Commission and City administration through administering the Wasilla Land Development Code.

Weekly schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm with the option to telework after the probation period has been completed. This position is at will and serves at the discretion of the Mayor.

Job Duties

Essential Functions:
Duties that may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Evaluate existing permitting process (CitizenServe) and identify areas for improvement, standardization, and automation.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to the development of short- and long-range planning tools to engage citizen groups, regional partners, businesses, residents and staff.
Provide information to developers, engineers, architects, and the general public on planning and zoning policies and procedures and explain to property owners how to comply with City procedures regarding land use and construction.
Conduct research efforts to stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies to permitting automation, laws, regulations, and statutes relating to planning and zoning and enforce zoning regulations and local ordinances.
Compute data related to planning issues. Review commercial, industrial, and multi family site design applications and preliminary or conceptual drawings to ensure projects meet applicable laws and prepare findings of fact and recommendations for and advise the Planning Commission, City council and other governing boards and planning-related groups.
Collaborate with the legal partners to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations and ordinances.
Create legal ordinances and documents which implement City Council and Planning commission actions and monitor activities to ensure compliance.
Build and supervise the Planning team. Supervision includes training, work assignment and review, performance evaluation, and making hiring and termination decisions.
Prepare Planning Commission agenda. And provide technical assistance to the commission by preparing findings of fact and referencing appropriate sections of the Wasilla Municipal Code.
Engage with the community, residents, and business sections to garner feedback on current processes and seek to improve them.

Secondary Functions:

Direct all processes used in the preparation of advertising and public notices required for plan reviews or permit requests.
Performs variety of planning functions including, but not limited to, code enforcement, emergency planning, grant writing, permit administration, and budgeting.
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective relationships with public agencies, officials, developers, citizen groups, the general public and other city employees.
Knowledge of planning principles, techniques and the socio-economic, environmental, and legal implications of planning and zoning code administration.
Ability to apply advanced planning principles and techniques to projects with a high level of independence, analysis, judgment, and discretion.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to planning and development.
Knowledge of statistical analysis, forecasting, and data gathering techniques and procedures related to urban, regional and community planning.
Knowledge of the site planning and public input processes associated with land use planning.
Ability to gather and analyze data, develop reports and recommendations, and present information orally and in writing.
Ability to operate PC compatible computer programs (MS Windows Office Suite) related to the planning function.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to interpret topographical, soils, and related mapping systems along with the ability to read and comprehend maps and planning graphics.
Skilled facilitator and communicator working in a small environment.
Homeland Security orientation tests (Incident Command Systems) will be required as a term of employment taken on-line: Entry level ICS-100 within fifteen days of date hire and ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800 within 45 days of date of hire; complete ICS-300 training as it becomes available.

Experience and/or Education:

Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning, or a related field and a minimum of four (4) or more years' experience in municipal planning is required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
Prior experience and knowledge in land use planning and zoning code administration preferred.
Strong understanding of local, state, and federal regulation related to permitting and land use
Experience with e-permitting system CitizenServe or comparable highly recommended
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify process inefficiencies and developer effective solutions.
Proficient in relevant software and technology platforms, including GIS, database management, and project management tools.
Ability to adapt to changing environments and work effectively in a fast-paced deadline-driven environment.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Certification by the American Planning Association as a Certified Planner (AICP), preferred.
Valid State of Alaska driver's license.

Additional Information

Physical Demands (with or without reasonable accommodation):
Ability to climb stairs, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in an office setting although outside meetings will be required. This position requires attendance at regular and special meetings of the Wasilla Planning Commission and, as necessary, attendance at Wasilla City Council meetings, and/or other meetings. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures and City Code.

Scope and Accountability/Supervisory Responsibility:
Collaborative engagement and frequent contact with the general public, elected officials, department heads, and city employees. This position is highly independent and receives little review of finished product.

The City of Wasilla offers a comprehensive benefit package of retirement, health and life insurance, including paid leave. Voluntary supplemental benefits are also available through payroll deduction. Please see the information below for more information.

Retirement is provided through the State of Alaska PERS (Public Employee's Retirement System). Employees who first became members on or after July 1, 2006 participate in PERS Tier IV, the Defined Contribution Plan. Participation in PERS is mandatory and the current contribution rate is 8% of gross wages. Defined Benefit (Tier I, II, III) current contribution rate is 6.75% of gross wages. Employees in this Defined Benefit are eligible to participate in the Voluntary Savings Account. The City of Wasilla matches 5% of employee contributions for Tier IV employees and a 22% Cost Share for Tier I-III employees. Upon reaching 5 years of employment with the City of Wasilla, an employee will become fully vested.
State of Alaska Supplemental Benefit System (SBS) annuity plan is provided in lieu of Federal Social Security (deductions for Medicare will still be required). Participation in this program is mandatory. The current employee contribution is 6.13% of gross wages and is matched by the City. Information can be found online through the State of Alaska Division of Benefits and Retirement at
Health insurance is provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Monthly premiums are currently paid 100% by the city for employees and dependents. Coverage begins on the first of the month following 30 days continuous employment. Currently there is not an out-of-pocket premium cost. Deductible for individual/family is $300/$600 and Out of Pocket maximum is $2300/$4600. The plan deductible runs on the fiscal year, July 1 through June 30.
Life insurance is offered and 100% paid for employees and dependents through Symetra Life Insurance Company. Employees receive a $50,000 policy and each eligible dependent receives and $2,000 policy. Additional coverage is available for purchase. Coverage begins on 1st of the month following 30 days continuous employment.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is free to employees and their entire household. The EAP includes valuable work/life balance tools ranging from fitness and nutrition, eight counseling sessions, and legal services. MagellanHealth.com/member 1-800-478-2812.
Employees with 0-3 years of service with the City of Wasilla will accrue 144 hours/year (12 hours/month).
Non represented employees recieve 11 paid holidays.

01

Do you have your AICP Certification?

02

What is your experience and knowledge of comprehensive planning, zoning, use permits and platting?

03

What do you perceive the role of the City Planner to be?

04

How would you respond to a situation where the City Code and public sentiment/testimony were in conflict with one another.

Required Question