Associate Planner
Department: Community Development
Salary Range: $65,016 to $75,744/year, plus excellent benefits
To Apply: Online at https://stanwoodwa.org/191/Human-Resources
(Application can also be downloaded from website)
Closes: Monday, September 13, 2021, 5:00 PM PST
Position Summary: Performs professional work in the fields of current planning, long-range planning and/or environmental analysis. Assists and may be responsible for the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and practices to accomplish planning objectives; reviews zoning regulations, land use, environmental and natural resources, transportation, and public facility elements. Position is responsible for accomplishment of tasks as assigned, strong communication skills with the public and employees, and sound organizational practices to ensure optimum services to the community. Maintain high customer service standards.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Reviews plans for submittal to ensure applications are technically complete prior to acceptance by the City, including all exhibits and fees.
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Provides information and assistance to the public by telephone, letters, and “over the counter” concerning procedures related to land use permits and their required submittals, building permit applications and compliance, and permits in progress.
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Implements effective and trackable procedures for reviewing and processing of approved development plans, construction plans, and construction performance to ensure compliance with City codes.
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Provides basic and comprehensive information and interpretation of applicable City land use and development codes to the public and the development community.
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Reviews and recommends changes to the City Comprehensive Plan and land use codes, provides professional policy guidance to the Planning Commission in writing, revising, and updating the Comprehensive Plan.
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Reviews parcel and subdivision/short plat maps and building plans for compliance with appropriate regulations; works with property owners and the development community on acceptable property development and land use.
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Assists in processing land use permits such as shoreline, zoning, conditional use, variances, rezones, and comprehensive plan amendments, site plans, subdivisions and short plats; and assists in preparing reports and recommendations. Attends public hearings before the City Planning Commission and City Hearing Examiner.
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Coordinates project activities with other staff, City departments, county and state agencies and the Planning Commission. Compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies. Prepares planning reports.
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Prepares and processes public notifications for project applications, including but not limited to completing mailings, posting of project sites and various other locations, forwarding to official City newspaper, and sending to various other agencies and departments.
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Provides support to the Planning Commission by preparing agendas, packets, coordinating schedules, attending meetings, taking minutes and other support as required.
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Inputs and edits spatial and attribute data, conducts simple to complex spatial analysis, prepares maps using ArcView, ArcGIS or other GIS software.
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Provides information to the Communications Manager to update the Community Development Department’s City webpage.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES
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Serves as a resource to the Mayor, City Administrator and Community Development Director.
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Serves on various committees, as appointed, and maintains professional associations with building industry organizations and rating bureaus. Attends professional development workshops and conferences.
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Participates in department’s team functions and assists in developing programs to enhance customer focused community services, Building Division functions and other initiatives.
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Establishes and maintains effective and cooperative working relationships and teamwork with City staff, public officials, business representatives and the public in a courteous, fair, tactful, timely and helpful manner even during stressful situations.
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Ensures a customer service attitude is an integral part of the planning process.
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Assists other City departments, as needed.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and TRAINING
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Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in Urban or Regional Planning, Geography, Environmental Studies, Public Administration or closely related field; and
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Two (2) years of professional planning experience; and
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Proficient use of desktop/laptop computers, associated software programs, and relevant
office and field equipment, including some familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and database programs.
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Any equivalent combination of related education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Knowledge of local planning, zoning and development codes and municipal governmental procedures.
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General knowledge of the modern trends in literature in the field of planning.
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Knowledge of Shoreline Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, Growth Management Act, and municipal land use, zoning, annexation and subdivision statues.
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Knowledge of PC computers and word processing/database software.
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Knowledge of essential principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and graphic design.
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Understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances and standards pertinent to municipal planning, development and environmental quality.
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Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
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Ability to work comfortably with commissions, elected officials, and ad-hoc citizen groups in a conference environment as well as in public assemblies and meetings.
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Ability to handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry people.
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Ability to provide quality customer service to the public, demonstrating a professional and can-do attitude while administering City regulations.
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Ability to perform at a level commensurate with length of service.
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Ability to produce a quality work product in a timely and efficient manner.
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Ability to manage multiple tasks at one time and follow through on commitments.
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Ability to use good judgment in making decisions.
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Ability to work as a member of and support a team, treating others fairly and consistently and exhibiting a positive attitude.
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Ability to follow rules provided by the City’s Code of Conduct and Personnel Policy.
The City of Stanwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer
and values diversity at all levels of its workforce