Assistant Planner
Assistant Planner
Position Purpose
This classification is the entry-level in the professional planning series. The incumbent is part of a collaborative work team that performs a broad range of professional planning support functions and assists with special projects under the direction of the Manager or designee. Work is characterized by exceptional customer service, timely and efficient processing of development applications, research and analysis projects of routine to moderate difficulty, preparation of reports, preparation of maps, and support on special/long-range projects. Assistant Planner is distinguished from Associate Planner in that incumbents in the latter class exercise a higher degree of independent judgement on assignments, project management, and a greater degree of accountability and decision-making authority.
Work is performed with general supervision. The Manager, in coordination with the Director, defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines; and assists incumbent with unusual situations which do not have clear objectives or precedents. Incumbent plans and carries out routine assignments and handles problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, procedures and/or accepted practices. Work is evaluated carefully for technical soundness, conformity to practice and policy, as well as thoroughness of research, analysis and recommendations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Responds to citizen inquiries regarding the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning, Subdivision and Land Use Codes at the counter, over the phone, in writing and at informal meetings. Researches and drafts revisions and amendments to City's development codes and regulations.
- Reviews development applications for compliance with applicable development, zoning, subdivision, land use and environmental policies and regulations
- Conducts field evaluations and assessments
- Coordinates project proposal reviews with other agencies, city department and city boards commissions
- Prepares, files and maintains records throughout the life of a project in compliance with a variety of federal, state and local codes
- Assists with the preparation and presentation of graphics and maps, noticing, staff reports and recommendations to the Director of Planning and Community Development, Hearing Examiner, City Council and other boards and commissions
- Researches and collects statistical/background data for senior staff as requested for current, long-range and special planning projects
- Utilizes social media, city website, and/or other programs and media to communicate project and departmental information to ensure consistent and timely communication
- Assists with addressing citizen complaints related to zoning and land use issues as needed
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work to be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment of the position.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Principles and practices of planning
- State and federal statutes relating to current planning, zoning, land division, Shoreline Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act and the Growth Management Act
- Municipal government policies, procedures, and structure; applicable local, state and federal laws, codes, regulations and ordinances
- Land use and environmental review requirements and their application in the overall permit process
- Principles and practices of research, analysis and data collection and interpretation
- Effective oral and written communication principles and practices
- Project management techniques and principles
- Detailed record-keeping techniques
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as: word processing, spreadsheets, statistical databases, Adobe, ArcGIS, etc.
- Modern office practices, procedures and equipment including personal computers and related software such as word processing, spreadsheet programs and web-based management systems
- Proper use of telephone etiquette and techniques and ability to assist in answering diverse inquiries
- Demonstrating effective interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
- Understanding and following oral and written directions
- Compiling, organizing, and summarizing complex, detailed material independently or from tape or oral instructions, letters, notices, bulletins or other material
- Maintaining a variety of complex filing systems, records, and reports
- Effective analysis, interpretation and documentation of research projects
Ability to:
- Maintain regular, predictable and reliable attendance during scheduled hours
- Maintain confidentiality and communicate with tact and diplomacy
- Participate as a contributing member of a service-oriented team
- Work independently as necessary
- Utilize social media, website platforms and other media to effectively communicate city-related information
- Analyze, research and interpret codes, regulations, standards, plans and specifications
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public; present a positive image of the City in a variety of circumstances
- Demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds
- Analyze situations accurately and adopting an effective course of action
- Organize work for maximum efficiency
- Effectively communicate complex and technical concepts orally and in writing to variety of audiences in a clear, effective and professional manner
- Attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind and creative problem-solving skills
- Work on several projects or issues simultaneously
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide with accuracy; compute rate, ratio, and percent; and create graphs and charts
Supplemental Information
- Valid State of Washington Driver's License; and a driving record which meets the city's requirements
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), preferred
- Multilingual is desirable
- Completion of position-relevant background check