Planner

The City of Kent is currently accepting applications for the position of Planner in our Economic and Community Development Department. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in planning or a related field, along with two (2) years of professional experience in municipal planning. Current planning in Kent involves review and analysis of land use development applications for compliance with zoning code, subdivision code and design guidelines; preparation of staff reports; presentation to the Hearing Examiner; and assisting the public by answering development related questions. Planners are valued for their ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people; manage multiple projects, often under pressure; prepare complete and accurate professional analysis; and find solutions to help facilitate development that supports the City's vision.

This is a regular, benefited position that is not represented by a union.

**Please note that you must attach your cover letter and resume to your application in order for your application to be considered complete. Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not substitute for attaching it to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position. If you experience technical difficulties, please contact our office Monday-Friday, between 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.**

Applications for this position will be accepted through Friday, January 31st.

The selection process for this position will include at least one panel interview. Interviews have not been scheduled, but candidates moving forward to this step in the process will be notified as soon as dates have been finalized.

SALARY:

$7,797.00- $9,506.00 per month, depending on qualifications

For a listing of benefits, please use the following link:

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Current Planning Manager or designee, perform a variety of professional planning duties in the area of current planning, environmental and land use management.

Work is characterized by professional level planning duties associated with the implementation and administration of City codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures in the areas of current planning and environmental and land use management. Incumbent ensures compliance with various City ordinances and regulations related to land development; prepares and presents reports for public hearings and meetings; informs the public, other agencies, developers, and others of various City code requirements. Incumbent may assist in the development and revision of City codes and policies; and perform planning and coordination tasks for special projects and programs. While actual duties of each Planner in this classification will vary from time to time, all Planners may be assigned to perform work in any or all areas.

Work is performed under limited supervision. Supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available. Incumbent and supervisor work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. Incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. Incumbent keeps supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Initiate, manage and finalize the review of various land use applications to ensure compliance with state mandated project review timelines and act as a liaison between public and City staff.

Research, prepare and present reports on current planning issues for the City Hearing Examiner, SEPA Responsible Official, and City Council; provide professional level analysis to support findings, recommendations and decisions generated by City staff.

Communicate orally and in writing with customers including public, other agencies, and other City departments throughout the permit review process to help them understand application review timelines and interpret code requirements.

Have a working knowledge of other development standards as applied by various City departments.

Represent Planning Services at the City Permit Center; gather and interpret information regarding customer questions related to planning regulations and policies, specific land use and development proposals and permit application requirements; perform impromptu development plan review.

Organize and conduct inter-departmental development plan review meetings on all major development applications.

Ensure timely and accurate public notice of land use related applications, public hearings and threshold determinations including preparation and on-site posting of appropriate public information.

Review, process and approve site and landscape plans to assure compliance with codes and ordinances including conducting certificate of occupancy and landscape site inspections.

Enforce regulations of Zoning Code and other ordinances as required, including discussing complaints with members of the public, following up with field visits and related correspondence; assist the Law Department and Code Enforcement Officer by providing information on zoning related enforcement issues and testifying before the City Hearing Examiner.

Prepare a variety of planning graphics, including conventional and computer-assisted graphics and maps, for reports and public presentations.

Attend and/or conduct meetings as needed; serve on task forces as assigned.

Research, prepare and present analysis and findings pertaining to updates of City codes and policies.

Assist in the development of comprehensive plans and programs for utilization of land and physical facilities of the City as needed.

Perform a variety of duties related to the permit tracking system in the Planning Services Office as assigned.

Actively support the mission, vision, values and goals of the department and the City.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

SUCCESSFUL INCUMBENTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL:

HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF:

BE SKILLED IN:

HAVE THE ABILITY TO:

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public Administration or related field; and

Experience: Two (2) years of professional level experience in Municipal Planning.

LICENSES AND OTHER INFORMATION:

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Typical business office machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, personal computer including spreadsheet and word processing software, printers, telephone, fax and copy machine.

May also be required to operate a City vehicle to travel to and from inspection sites.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent 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 sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk; and hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The incumbent must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed primarily in an indoor environment, subject to driving from site to site to perform inspections. When performing work in the office, the incumbent is subject to frequent interruptions by walk-in citizens, developers, employees, telephone calls and interoffice activities. Incumbent may also be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.