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Employer: City of Olympia
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2000012
Division: Community Planning and Development
Salary: $73,444.80 - $89,190.40 Annually
Location: Olympia, WA
Opening Date: 01/17/2020
Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description:

The Olympia Community Planning and Development Department seeks a qualified individual to fill the position of Associate Planner. The selected individual will be responsible for development review and administering a broad range of land use and development codes including zoning, environmental and design review. As a member of the Community Planning and Development Department, Olympia's planners work directly with other staff responsible for all aspects of the development review process.

Job Duties:

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

1.Responsible for completing a variety of activities relating to the City's planning functions.

2.Coordinate the preparation or administration of plans, land use regulations, design standards, information systems, or planning programs.

3.Conduct complex studies related to land use, transportation, shoreline, community and economic development, environment, or historic preservation.

4.Manage or conduct investigations, analysis, and preparation of documents and reports on planning issues, policies, and their application.

5.Provide staff support to appointed committees on planning and zoning issues or special studies.

6.Prepare and present reports to hearings bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain the impact of projects and developments.

7.Provide technical and administrative assistance as staff planner for Council and appointed Board Commission.

8.Respond to public inquiries with information on planning projects, processes and policies.

9.Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Experience/Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Knowledge of planning principles, practices, regulations, and techniques as related to land use, environmental impact, transportation, etc.
  • Knowledge of local government and political decision-making processes related to planning issues.
  • Knowledge of specialized area of planning such as community development, economic development, environmental planning, historic preservation, or forecasting regional development.
  • Skill in working with various stakeholders to achieve a solution to a project or proposal.
  • Skill in formulating and presenting appropriate planning options to various audiences.
  • Skill in preparing support documentation which clearly, precisely, and concisely presents planning recommendations.
  • Skill in working in a team discipline.
  • Ability to develop and write plans based on an analysis of data and on-going citizen and staff input.
  • Ability to organize and manage varied work programs, including monitoring the budget, work schedules, grant requirements, and progress reviews.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial planning policies or regulations.
  • Ability to direct or coordinate the work of planning and agency staff members.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with elected and appointed officials, staff of other agencies, Planning staff, and the community.

Education/Experience:

  • Four-year degree in Urban Planning or closely related field and three years related experience required.
  • Master's Degree in Planning preferred.
  • Additional related experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.
  • Education or training in Geographic Information Systems preferred.
  • American Institute of Certified Planners certification desired.

Special Requirements:

  • Valid Washington State Driver's License required.

Supplemental Information:

Contacts:

  • Planners have significant daily contact with the public for the purpose of information-sharing and problem resolution.
  • Due to the subject matter some contacts may be confrontational, requiring the Planner to explain City policies and procedures in a professional, concise, and respectful manner.
  • Planners also have daily contact with other City staff for the purpose of information sharing, work coordination, and problem resolution.
  • Additional contacts with public officials are for the purpose of information gathering and project definition.
  • Contacts with public officials are usually held in a public meeting forum and may be stressful and/or confrontational due to the subject matter.

Supervision:

  • May serve as Project Lead.
  • May assist in the training and/or supervision of less experienced staff members.

Accountability:

  • Planners are accountable for completing all assigned work in a timely, professional manner.

Working Conditions:

  • Planners generally work in an office with a significant portion of time spent performing duties out-of-doors completing site investigations.
  • Investigations require working on construction sites, rough terrain, in wetlands, boating and being in the proximity of heavy equipment.
  • Frequent travel and attendance at meetings and conferences, both during regular working hours and in the evening, are required.

How to Apply:

Submit a resume and cover letter by attaching them to your electronic application. The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and include specific examples of how you meet the Ideal Candidate Profile.

This recruitment is a continuous recruitment. To be considered for the first round of interviews submit your application by 5 p.m. on February 12, 2020. Only electronic applications are accepted.

Apply Today!