Current Planner

This position provides professional planning support for Development Services programs and functions. 

Work is performed and duties are carried out in accordance with established policies, procedures, and Borough core values: Accountability, Customer Focus, Dedication, Integrity, Responsiveness and Teamwork.

O1 - O5 - DOE

High school diploma or equivalent.  Relevant post-secondary education or specialized training that provides the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the essential functions of the position may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis. 

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the occupational field, sufficient to understand the major duties of the position, and to be able to answer questions and resolve problems.  Relevant professional experience could include performing duties such as processing or preparing land use permits, zoning administration, researching and facilitating the resolution of land use issues (rights-of-way, setback, access, etc.), use of geographical information systems, environmental planning, utility planning, infrastructure planning, transportation planning, project management, preparation of written recommendations or reports, community engagement, or interpretation and application of laws, regulations, technical standards, or professional guidance.

 Relevant skills include research and analysis of complex issues and data, strong organizational skills, demonstrating strong analytical skills and ability to interpret and apply Borough codes and state/federal regulations to make informed decisions. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to convey complex ideas effectively, draft comprehensive reports, and present confidently in public forums.

Possession of, or ability to readily obtain within six (6) months of hire, a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Alaska for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.  Must be 19 years of age with one (1) year of driving experience.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification desired.

For Current Planner (Floodplain) position, you must obtain certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) within three (3) years of hire date. 

Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) courses, ICS 100 and IS 700 within ninety (90) days of hire and ICS 200 and IS 800 within one (1) year of hire.  

Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

• Processes large-scale development permits.
• Prepares and presents technical reports at public hearings; answers questions from the public.
• Accepts, processes, and adjudicates applications for Borough permits, variances, conditional use permits, nonconforming structure determinations, planned unit developments, multifamily permits, etc.
• Coordinates internal reviews and responses for proposed land uses, leases, projects, and facilities.
• Interprets and applies applicable federal, state and Borough codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Maintains files and records; makes reports of field inspections; researches, prepares and presents special reports, ordinances, procedures, and position statements.
• Prepares legislation for Planning Commission and Assembly; schedules and facilitates public meetings.
• Responds to public inquiries concerning Borough policies and procedures, planning topics, and other concerns in a timely, accurate and professional manner; provides interviews to the news media as requested.
• Advises and/or provides staff support to assigned commissions and committees.
• Completes special projects and planning studies as assigned.
• Develops and maintains assigned division web pages.
• Performs project management duties as assigned; plans, organizes and directs all activities required for the full implementation of project goals and objectives; ensures that projects meet targets, required public involvement, budgets and timelines; prepares required reports and evaluations.
• Develops and manages external contracts, including proposal development, evaluation, scope development, negotiations, invoicing and task supervision.
• Performs research and statistical analysis of planning related issues and prepares reports, graphics and maps necessary to convey research effectively.
• Provides staff support for various boards associated with the department's work; arranges meetings; prepares agenda items.
• Participates in division, department and Borough committees, meetings, professional associations, groups, training sessions, and team activities.
• Performs related duties.