New Job Current Assistant Planner In Idaho

Job Title: Current Assistant Planner
Department: Community Development
Reports To: Current Planning Supervisor
Open Date: October 11, 2021
Close Date: Open Until Filled
Hiring Salary: $19.99 - $25.54 per hour, DOE
Salary Range: $19.99 - $29.98 per hour, DOE

Job Summary:
This entry-level planning position involves planning tasks and duties such as: assisting the general public, developers, builders, small business owners, and City staff by communicating ordinances, policies and procedures; reviewing administrative level land use applications for conformity to adopted codes and established plans; reviewing site and landscape plan submittals for compliance with development standards; creating electronic maps; entering data into the City’s enterprise software; composition of routine correspondence; and staff support as needed and assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Works independently and under the direction of the Current Planning Supervisor, the Planning Division Manager and/or the Community Development Director;

Conducts research and collects and analyzes data to produce complete, accurate and logical staff reports on administrative-level development applications including but not limited to: sign permits, certificates of zoning compliance, design review, zoning verification letters, home occupations, and accessory use permits;

Interprets, applies and explains planning related regulations, policies and procedures to the public, applicants and civic leaders;

Reviews land use applications for conformity to established plans and ordinances;

Reads, interprets, and reviews site plans, topographic plans, landscape plans, sign company designs, and architectural plans and comments on needed changes and adjustments to plans;

Analyzes development proposals and answers questions related to proposed and existing projects;

Processes multiple administrative-level applications in a timely manner while responding to customer service needs at the front counter;

Uses ArcView and associated database to research property ownership and land use information;

Creates electronic maps using ArcView;

Enters data and documents into Accela Automation for application review and tracking;

Provides timely, accurate and specific planning and zoning information to applicants and to the public at the front counter, via phone and through written correspondence;

Conducts on-site inspections of landscaping, parking, building and other required improvements to ensure that development complies with conditions of approval;

Prepares comments on applications referred to the City by Ada County for compliance with Meridian Comprehensive Plan and/or ordinances;

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the Planning and Zoning Commission, Mayor, City Council members, other civic leaders, customers, state and federal authorities, other City departments, and local planning agencies;

Occasionally attends special meetings or facilitates public meetings held in the evening;

Identifies and corrects potential conflicts before they become a problem;

Demonstrates positive, solution focused attitude through optimism, decisiveness, and team decision making;

Maintains a positive attitude of cooperation in performance of work assignments, including adaptability, flexibility, and proactive engagement with customers, clients and co-workers. problem solving, decision making, resiliency, organization and time management;

Provides outstanding customer service by communicating respect, being open-minded, having a spirit of collaboration, and calmly resolving conflict with individuals that may be upset or angry;

Develops and uses empathetic listening skills;

Demonstrates good judgment and initiative to interpret and apply City policies and procedures;

Provides excellent oral, written, and graphic communication with co-workers, clients and supervisor;

Demonstrates integrity in the performance of assigned tasks;

Works with Planning Division Manager on a training program for employee’s professional development;

Attends continued education conferences, workshops, and other training opportunities to remain current with planning and/or development trends;

Performs other duties as assigned or needed.

Job Specifications:
1) High School diploma plus a minimum of two years of experience in community development and/or planning field; or
2) Bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field; or
3) equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the job.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Must be detail-oriented, have strong public relations skills;

Must be self-motivated and able to work independently;

Must have proven skills in conflict resolution, problem solving, time management, decision making and customer service;

Must have the ability to be flexible and adaptable;

Requires a working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of programs, and ArcView GIS;

Must be able to interpret related government regulations, policies and procedures and to explain department policies and procedures under adverse conditions;

Must be able to read and interpret maps, site plans, construction blueprints, legal property descriptions, warranty deeds and subdivision plats;

Requires the ability to perform mathematical computations quickly and accurately; consolidate information from various sources into a prescribed format;

Must be able to perform research and make recommendations for process and procedure changes;

Must have strong customer service ethic and skills;

Ability to manage and complete multiple tasks and projects in a timely manner;

Must have excellent writing and research skills; have a strong attention to detail; be a persuasive speaker; be even-tempered, fair; and be committed to the American Institute of Certified Planning Code of Ethics;

Requires strong computer skills and the ability to operate a 10-key;

Knowledge of principles and terms related to general and applied planning, development regulations, comprehensive planning and zoning requirements;

Must have strong research techniques;

Knowledge of the principles, practices and operation of Geographic Information Systems and ArcView in particular;

Ability to input, upload and recall information using Accela Automation;

Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint;

Working knowledge of state and local laws related to land use, permitting and subdivisions;

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary;

Ability to prioritize, organize and perform work with minimal direction;

Ability to type at least 30 words per minute;

Must be able to compose clear and concise correspondence and technical written documents;

Ability to collect, prepare, and analyze statistical information;

Ability to operate a computer terminal and other office equipment, e.g., photocopier, facsimile machine, digital camera, etc.;

Ability to work with frequent interruptions;

Must be able to perform mathematical operations quickly and accurately.

Certifications/Licenses:
Possession of a valid Idaho driver’s license and a safe driving record is required. If selected for employment, out-of-state candidates must obtain a valid Idaho driver’s license within the introductory period.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with moderate noise level. The employee in this class is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions which provide protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes;

Employee is occasionally subject to outside environmental conditions and is required to negotiate rough terrain in order to conduct site visits which may also involve extreme heat and/or cold;

Frequently requires sitting at a desk for long periods of time, up to 8 hours;

Requires ability to lift up to 40 pounds;

Constantly requires repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers;

Constantly requires clarity of speech and hearing, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;

Constantly requires clear vision to read printed materials and computer screen to accomplish work;

Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment to accomplish the tasks noted above.

Travel Requirements
Occasional local travel is required using city-owned vehicles.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.99 - $29.98 per hour

Work Location: Multiple Locations