Associate Planner

Summary:

The Associate Planner supports a variety of land use planning activities at both entry and intermediate levels. This role involves providing information and guidance to the public on land use regulations and permit review processes. The Associate Planner reviews projects for administrative approval, as well as for review by the Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, and City Council. The incumbent collaborates with other agencies and departments to ensure thorough reviews. Additionally, the Associate Planner evaluates plans and complex land use projects for compliance with relevant codes and conditions of approval. The position also entails preparing reports, conducting research, and assisting with a range of projects, including long-range planning initiatives.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide customer service at the counter, over the phone, and in written correspondence, addressing inquiries related to land use regulations, permit processes, and zoning matters.

• Make presentations to Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission and City Council.

• Prepare staff reports of various complexities for administrative, Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, and City Council approvals.

• Respond to inquiries regarding zoning and land use policy and regulations.

• Participate in meetings with applicants, developers, and staff.

• Review land use and permit applications for compliance with local codes and regulations.

• Coordinate with development review staff and other departments, as well as the City Attorney when necessary.

• Research, collect, and analyze data, prepare graphic displays and reports for presentation to boards, commissions and administrative reviews.

• Prepare reports and perform database management.

• Assist in the preparation and update of maps related to zoning, comprehensive plan, land use, staff reports and informational handouts.

• Process site development plans, variances, conditional use permits, subdivision plats and similar land use development permit applications and prepare Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and recommendations.

• Help research, interpret, and administer land use regulations and ordinances.

• Monitor and propose updates to land use laws based on emerging issues and administrative challenges.

• Performs other varied duties as directed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties, essential functions and qualifications contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions, the level of knowledge, and scope of the responsibility typically required of the job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Geography, or related field.

• Minimum of two years of work experience in land use planning, with current planning experience is preferred.

• Familiarity with computer graphics, GIS and database programs such as ArcView, AutoCAD, Access and PowerPoint to organize and prepare information, maps, charts and other visual materials.

• Must pass a thorough background investigation.

• Valid Washington State driver's license (or ability to obtain one upon appointment) and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.

• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be complete as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Knowledge of:

• Land use codes, current and long-range planning, zoning principles and practices, and enforcement processes.

• Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Shoreline Management Act, and Regulatory Reform Act.

• Development review processes and procedures.

• Planning and building terminology.

• Relevant building, plumbing, mechanical, fire codes and other development codes.

• Data research methods using a variety of information and data sources including, but not limited to, property ownership and easements.

• Strong command of business English, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation, and basic report preparation.

• Proficiency with PC-based software, including Windows, spreadsheets, databases, and computerized permit tracking systems.

Ability to:

• Understand and interpret the principles of land use regulation, and their role in shaping a community’s long-term vision.

• Critically analyze construction and survey documents, as well as technical reports.

• Analyze information, formulate findings and communicate recommendations clearly.

• Prepare concise and defensible staff reports.

• Present information effectively at public hearings and meetings.

• Provide excellent customer service, and communicate clearly with the public, staff, and officials.

• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders.

• Adapt to new tasks and prioritize work effectively.

• Assist in implementing city council goals.

• Manage tasks independently, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.

• Handle complex issues and tasks simultaneously, with attention to detail and deadlines.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Duties are performed both in office and field environments.

• Office duties involve extensive use of personal computer, phones and operating copiers.

• Field duties may include walking over uneven terrain, standing, bending and exposure to outdoor weather conditions, construction sites, and traffic.

• Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and color differentiation.

• Occasional Demands: repetitive hand motion, climbing stairs; reaching kneeling (below the knees, knees to shoulder and above the shoulder); and lifting/moving file boxes.

• Must be available for evening meetings and occasional site visits.

• The work environment may include moderate to loud noise levels.

Supervision Received:

Supervision received from CED Director or their designee.

Supervision Exercised:

This is not a supervisory position. May provide information and direction to consultants, or other staff members, at the request of CED Director or their designee.

Compensation:

$43.08- $52.95 per hour

Application Process:

Apply online at www.cityofmlt.com/Jobs by March 7, 2025 for first review. Offline/paper application or more information can be requested at HRCity@mltwa.gov or 425-744-6225. Due to high volume of applications we receive, only those closely matching the qualifications will be contacted for further consideration. Please note, incomplete submissions may not be considered.

The City reserves the right to review applications and select a finalist prior to the closing date; therefore, early submission is encouraged. The position opens until filled.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and the requirements of the job change.

The City of Mountlake Terrace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce and community.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $43.08 - $52.95 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

• Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $43 - $53