Assistant Planner

Performs a variety of entry-level professional and technical duties related to implementing division work plans and programs, and monitoring community compliance with established planning, zoning and development ordinances. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Deputy Community Planning and Development Director, but some leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative.

INFORMATION REGARDING COMPENSATION:
The full salary range for the position is $26.18 - $35.75
The general hiring range for the role is $26.18 - $29.26
The hiring salary will depend on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and education.This list is ILLUSTRATIVE only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by the incumbent of this class. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts research and feasibility studies; prepares a variety of reports related to project progress; reviews and updates ordinances affecting planning, zoning, signage, traffic, development and related areas; assists in project coordination with other divisions or governmental agencies.
• Prepares and updates various land use and planning maps; operates computer to generate computerized maps; utilizes computer to conduct various research and solve planning problems; assists in maintaining effective software; utilizes GIS to assist in creation of data/map layers.
• Meets with the general public to discuss planning, zoning and development issues, respond to inquiries related to planning policy and zoning/subdivision/land development codes; assists the public to define concerns and presents public questions to management; follows up with public to apprise of City policy and decisions.
• Reviews residential building permits, plans and specifications to assure compliance with City zoning ordinances, reviews subdivision applications (Short Plats and Lot Line Adjustments) for code compliance and prepares approval documentation; cooperates with builders and developers and assists by identifying actions needed to secure compliance.
• May conduct field inspections of completed commercial, multi-family and residential construction to further verify compliance; drafts plan correction notes and initiates sanctions for non-compliance.
• Participates in project review meetings with various City staff and developer representatives and assists in identifying problem areas related to zoning and negotiates options for compliance.
• Prepares staff input for planning and zoning commission and other citizen committee meetings; may present staff reports, findings and questions regarding agenda items.
• Monitors building setbacks, signage requirements, driveways, parking lots,  and related site compliance concerns and other related development standards.
• Assists in the preparation of comprehensive plan elements, neighborhood specific plans, topical plans and studies, and special planning projects, such as housing needs assessments, historic preservation, and/or transportation studies.
• Maintains Department databases for project application management and reporting.
• Takes meeting minutes in the absence of designated personnel.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Planning and zoning and subdivision law, theory and application
• Planning procedures affecting planning, zoning, and related operations of the City.
• Principles and practices of urban planning, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and urban design.
• Principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations such as, but not limited to, plan review.
• Research methodology, statistical analysis, and evaluation of research data. 
• Standard business software tools such as database management, word processing, spreadsheet, email, and Internet browser programs.
• Ethical principles and rules of conduct for professional planners.

Skill and Ability to:

• Research methodology, statistical analysis and evaluation of research date.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with the public, peers, elected officials, Planning and Zoning Commission and other City employees.
• Demonstrate effective customer service and interpersonal skills with the public, City employees, supervisors and managers, other public agencies, applicants, and vendors.
• Effectively communicate and follow written and oral instruction. 
• Evaluate and analyze customer needs to provide exceptional customer service.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with minimal direction.
• Ensure that records, documents, and related reports are maintained in accordance with state and city requirements.   
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other City employees, supervisors and managers, vendors, and the general public.
• Operate standard office software and GIS application.
• Interpret codes accurately and effectively.
• Enforce regulations with fairness, tact, and impartiality. 
• Analyze information quickly and accurately, and develop an appropriate course of action.
• Demonstrate patience, integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks. 
• Work independently, with minimal supervision, and make appropriate decisions in the absence of a supervisor.
• Work well under pressure and maintain a calm and professional demeanor, under stressful or adversarial conditions.

Physical Demands:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively.
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to review documents in electronic and hardcopy form.
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate computers and related equipment.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment and visit various work sites throughout the City.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a normal office environment with occasional exposure to outdoor temperatures, dirt and dust.
• The incumbent’s typical working conditions are moderately quiet with little exposure to excessive noise.
• Duties may require some evening and weekend work. 

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:

• General Office Equipment
• GIS Tools and Planning Software
• Plotter
• City Vehicle

Education and Experience: 

• Associates Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban/regional planning, environmental planning, or a closely related field is required.
• One (1) year of professional level planning experience, preferably in municipal government planning and development
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, acquired through education or professional experience.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work of an Associate Planner may also be qualifying.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.