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Associate Planner

Employer: City of Lake Stevens
Job Title: Associate Planner
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2019-00010
Division: Community Development/Planning
Location: Lake Stevens, WA
Opening Date: 07/03/2019
Closing Date: 07/21/2019
Salary: $66,475 - $84,112 per year (DOE)

Job Description: 

Position Purpose:This classification is the second level in the professional planning series. The incumbent is part of a collaborative work team that performs a broad range of current and comprehensive planning projects under the direction of the Manager or designee. This position is characterized by independent action and initiative necessary to carry out the duties of this position.Responsibilities include the timely and efficient processing of development applications, the preparation of studies and reports and the preparation of new and revised development codes; and preparation of maps and maintaining data for the City's Geographic Information System. This class is distinguished from the Planner by the lower level of complexity of work and the support nature of planning responsibilities rather than project management and the level of expertise exercised in completing assignments and more routine tasks. The position has a higher level of complexity and independent nature of responsibilities in relationship to the Assistant Planner classification. The Planning Manager and Director will review the work of the Assistant or Associate Planners with more immediate supervision as compared to the Planner and Senior Planner.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. The 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.

Job Duties: 

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Processes development applications to assure compliance with applicable development regulations, zoning, subdivision, land use and environmental policies in a timely matter. Field visits and studies may be required.
  • Coordinate project proposal reviews with other agencies and City departments; organize, participate in, and lead meetings.
  • Prepare, file and maintain records throughout the life of a project. Ensure adequate project history for compliance with a variety of federal, state and local codes and provide base information to update existing records and map system.
  • Prepare and present staff reports and recommendations to the Director of Community Development, Hearing Examiner, City Council and other boards and commissions.
  • Respond 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.
  • Research and prepare background data and draft correspondence and reports to supervisor and others, as requested, on both current and long-range planning projects.
  • Undertake special studies, reports and projects as assigned.
  • Investigate and respond to citizen complaints on zoning and land use issues and perform code enforcement activities under the direction of the Planning Director.
  • Prepare graphics and maps for written reports and/or presentations and maintaining the department mapping data using a variety of software including the City's Geographic Information System.
  • Work with the City Clerk's Office in the maintenance of department records and preparing documentation in response to requests for public record.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience/Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills: 

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk; and hear. The incumbent frequently is required to sit for extended periods of time and type on a keyboard for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.Work is performed in a typical office environment subject to working outside of normal working hours to meet critical time lines or to provide support in department emergency response events. While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is subject to multiple interruptions by telephones and walk-ins by employees and citizens; may be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Typical business office machinery and equipment include, but not limited to, personal computer including database program, spreadsheet and word processing software, printer, telephone, scanning equipment, fax machine, copy machine, calculator and projector.Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.Evening or variable hours to attend meetings is required.

Qualifications:

Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning or related field;

Experience:

  • Two (2) years' experience in a related field, including experience preparing maps and other presentation materials using GIS software.
  • Or: Any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job may be substituted for these qualifications.

Knowledge of:

  • 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.

Skilled in:

  • 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.
  • Understand land use and environmental review requirements and their application in the overall permit process.
  • Maintain mapping database and prepare maps using the city's Geographic Information System (GIS) software.
  • 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.
  • Maintain a customer service orientation, be courteous and diplomatic in the exchange of information and present a positive image of the city in a variety of circumstances.
  • Analyze situations accurately and adopt 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.
  • Speak effectively in public in front of boards, commissions and City Council.

License or Certification Requirements:

  • Valid State of Washington Driver's License; and a driving record which meets the city's requirements.
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), preferred.
  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning or related field, preferred.
  • Experience with long range planning, desirable.
  • Multilingual is desirable.
  • Completion of position-relevant background check.

How to Apply: Apply online: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakestevenswa