Summary

Do you have land use planning knowledge and a passion for working with community? Join the City of Issaquah's Community Planning & Development team as an Associate Planner.

This position independently performs professional urban planning work, with some oversight from managers or Senior Planners. The Associate Planner performs independent review of land use applications or independently draft and implement policy and code amendments that are less complex or sensitive. This position takes the lead on a broad range of projects and programs, that are typically less complex/sensitive, related to land use or policy/code amendment, including performing independent research and analysis, preparing reports, and providing recommendations to the Department, City commissions, or the City Council.

This position provides professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, community development, and zoning. The incumbent also provides professional advice within the Department and to other City staff and departments. Work is performed under deadlines and requires attendance at public meetings and hearings, many of which are held in the evening. Work assignments are typically visible, highly sensitive, and/or controversial; decisions made by these employees are likely to have legal liability associated with them. May serve as staff liaison to a City board or commission. This position will focus on tasks in support of review of land use applications and site plans.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Associate Planner is the journey-level professional classification in the planning series. The Associate Planner performs a wide range of tasks, including some tasks that are more routine and some that are more complex. Associate Planners have lead responsibility on programs or projects that are limited in scope and/or less complex or sensitive. Work is performed independently under the general supervision of a Senior Planner or a Planning Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Provides direction to positions assigned to Assistant Planner.
• Receives direction from positions assigned to Senior Planner.
• General supervision is provided by the Planning Manager.

BENEFITS

On top of a competitive salary and hybrid work environment, the City offers the following:

• Excellent low- and high-deductible medical plan options, free for you and low cost to add your whole family.
• Employer HSA contributions (with high-deductible medical plan): $3350 individual/$6650 family.
• 100% employer paid dental and vision.
• Generous vacation and sick time, plus 40 hours of management leave yearly and 14 paid holidays.
• Participation in the Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS) with employer contribution.
• $200/month match into a 457b deferred compensation account.
• And more!

TELEWORK

The incumbent in this position will be expected to complete a telework agreement and work in a hybrid capacity (partial telework, partial in office). The incumbent must be available to attend in-person meetings as needed to fulfill the duties of this position.

EQUITY STATEMENT

The City of Issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations.

Essential Functions

• Research, analyze, interpret, prepare data, and make recommendations for studies, reports, and drafting or revising local legislation.
• Prepare, present, and/or contributes to written, oral, and visual reports to the City Council, City boards and commissions, the Hearing Examiner, community groups, and/or the general public; includes compiling and analyzing data and providing written recommendations; communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Direct and review the work of consultants on peer reviews, permit reviews, and land use projects.
• Coordinate activities with Department staff, City staff, the public, and external agencies; persuade and resolve issues related to policy or code.
• Provide information and customer service to property owners, developers, contractors, and other parties related to land use applications, ordinances, and other planning-related information.
• Prepare charts, maps, and graphics for a variety of reports, plans, publications, and other documents.
• Stay abreast of best practices and trends related to current and/or long-range planning.
• May attend City, federal, state, and local planning meetings.
• May serve as a liaison to commissions or Council committees.
• May perform tasks in long-range planning, current planning, or both as assigned.
• Review land use applications and site plans for completeness and compliance with policies, codes, plans, and regulations.
• Attend public meetings as needed to present or address aspects of land development projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental science, public administration, geography, or related field.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in planning or related field.
• Valid WA State driver's license with a driving record that meets City standards.
• Or any combination of training and experience that would provide the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, regulations, and techniques in land use planning.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, demographic, environmental, and other considerations related to urban planning.
• Public engagement methods and techniques; the public involvement process, including agenda bills, Council committee, and Council approval process.
• Comprehensive plans and zoning, including their preparation and adoption.
• Research methods and techniques for tracking, collecting, and analyzing data.
• Cartography and graphic design.
• Methods and techniques of community involvement.
• Environmental review and analysis.

Skill in:

• Using computers and applicable software programs.
• Applying and interpreting codes, contract specifications, permit conditions, and other applicable rules, regulations, and standards.
• Problem solving, including anticipating problems and creating innovative solutions.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with property owners, developers, and the general public.
• Review plans and apply provisions of ordinances and codes to determine compliance.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Interpret, apply, and explain provisions of code, regulations, and plans.
• Perform research and analyze multiple sources of information.
• Coordinate assignments with other City staff and agencies.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports.
• Effectively direct and review the work of consultants.
• Organize and prioritize tasks in an effective manner; meet deadlines.
• Manage multiple projects of varying levels of complexity.
• Facilitate public outreach and community development meetings.
• Think strategically and creatively to advance the City's planning vision.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and files.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, developers, and the general public.