Assistant Planner

Performs mid-level complex work.  Responsible for professional planning work which involves assisting with current and long range planning activities and special studies of the City. Perform reviews of subdivisions, zoning, site development, and building plans. Assist the general public and applicants with questions regarding City development regulations and procedures.  Provide other assistance as directed related to the processing of applications within the Planning Department. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

• Assists with professional work related to a variety of planning assignments.
• Assists with the review and processing of comprehensive plan amendments, ordinance amendments, re-zonings, annexations, site plans, subdivision and building permit applications.
• Reviews residential and commercial building plans for compliance with the City Zoning Ordinance.
• Assists in the preparation of reports for City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• Performs field inspections as necessary to ensure project compliance with approved plans. 
• Assists in the distribution and compilation of comments from city departments involved in the development review process.
• Interprets, and explains City development ordinances and procedures to applicants and the general public.
• Works in conjunction with other City departments to ensure cohesive application of city policies and ordinances.
• Assists in the research for and preparation of development ordinances.
• Completes other duties as assigned including in the overall mission of the Planning Department.

Required Education and Experience

OR:

• High School diploma or its equivalent.
• Four years related work experience and/or training in planning, land use, development, or closely related field. 

OR:

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) field from an accredited college or university in urban planning, architecture, geography or related.
• Master's degree (M.A./M.S.) from an accredited college or university in public administration, architecture, urban planning or related field. 
• Experience in planning, land use, or development.
• Experience working for a government entity such as a City, County, or a State agency.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification.

• Knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices and techniques of community and urban planning.
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office, Internet applications and GIS. 
• Skill in oral and written communication; preparing and presenting planning reports and projects; creative problem-solving; to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined planning problems; establishing and maintaining effective relationships with other public and private agencies, civic groups, etc.; working under the pressures of rigid and/or short work cycle; prioritizing tasks and/or work assignments; and in planning. 
• Ability to work on several projects or issue simultaneously; manage and delegate projects effectively to meet deadlines; research, create, explain and enforce City policies; clearly and concisely express ideas; exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy in public interactions; take initiative without direction; exercise balanced judgment in evaluation situations and in making decisions; draw sound conclusions from prepared analysis; prioritizes and plans work activities; use time efficiently; plan for additional resources; integrates changes smoothly; set goals and objectives; and work in an organized manner.
• Competency in general knowledge of administrative guidelines, rules and regulations and collection of data resources (census, demographic, economic and labor market, etc.) information.  
• Ability to write daily, weekly and monthly reports including words, numbers, abbreviations and note taking. Also may need to perform mathematical calculations for distance, formulas, mathematical word problems, percentages and metric conversions. 
• Ability to observe safety and security procedures; determine appropriate action beyond guidelines; use equipment and materials properly; and reports potentially unsafe conditions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to occasionally lift and /or move up to 25 lbs. 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.

Working Environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. 

Salary : $29