Planning Job Descriptions

Planner I / Assistant Planner

The position of Planner I, also known as Assistant Planner, is the entry-level position within professional planning. A bachelor's degree or a master's degree is usually required, depending on the hiring organization. It is distinguished from the Planning Technician position because it involves professional-level duties and judgment, and fewer routine administrative tasks. This position level receives considerable immediate supervision from senior planners.

Typical Functions

• Develops planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations
• Reviews or assists in the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations
• Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to government bodies
• Collects a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, and occupancy rates
• Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals
• Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans
• Coordinates community review of public and private development projects
• Provides information to the public regarding development regulations
• Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues
• Oversees the work of consultants and interns
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments
• Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings

Typical Knowledge

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning
• Knowledge of a relevant specialization such as transportation, land use, or affordable housing is desired
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS

Typical Skills

• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions
• Ability to create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics highly desirable.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed
• Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind

Minimum Qualifications

Some Planner I or Assistant Planner positions require a bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, public policy, or related area of study in addition to one year of planning experience. Other positions at this level require a master's degree but, in these cases, no formal experience is usually required.