Title: Assistant/Associate Planner (one position is available, which is dependent upon qualifications)

Pay: Assistant Planner (Grade 20, salary range: $26.92-$40.72/hr.); Associate Planner (Grade 23, salary range: $30.70-$46.43/hr.)

Status: Full-time; Temporary Employee

Opens: June 7, 2021

Closes: June 28, 2021; Open until Filled; Anticipated Start Date: Late July/Early August 2021.

Community Background

The City of Sisters, population approximately 3,000 is located at the foot of the Cascade Mountains in majestic Central Oregon. Sisters is a destination community that offers unparalleled natural beauty, endless recreational opportunities, and authentic western charm. Situated along US Highway 20 just northwest of Bend, it serves as a gateway to the Central Oregon region. It is renowned for its local attractions including Hoodoo Ski Area and prominent community events such as the Sisters Rodeo, the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show and the Sisters Folk Festival. Sisters offers the unique combination of small-town living with larger city amenities including numerous restaurants, shops, galleries, golf courses, brewery and a movie theater. Sisters offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities. The Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Washington wildernesses are all within 20 minutes of downtown with unlimited exploration and access opportunities. The Metolius river offers some of the best fly-fishing opportunities in the Northwest for native redbands and the Peterson Ridge trail system provides world class mountain biking. If you enjoy the outdoors and love to live, work and play in Central Oregon, then Sisters is the right fit.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate the timely review of development applications, including checking submittals for required items, conducting planning review for Development Code compliance, coordinating with applicants and other public agencies, and the writing of technical land use decisions with findings.
• Interpret, analyze and apply the Sisters Development Code. Coordinate information with other department/divisions and agencies as required for project management.
• Coordinate review of building permits submitted for review; checks submittals for required items; enters information into permit tracking software; calculates fees; prepares files and routes information to reviewers.
• Review business licenses and other requests for planning and zoning compliance.
• Provide support role for code enforcement, including Dark Sky Ordinance compliance, which can include site investigations; assisting in preparing notices regarding violations and conducting re-inspections to ensure compliances; prepares reports of activities and case status.
• Field phone and front counter general, planning and zoning inquiries and provide planning and building related information to property owners, architects, developers, realtors, appraisers, and the general public.
• Perform research into past land use actions, or the history of a specific issue or project, in response to public inquiries.
• Research special projects required by the Director in conjunction with land development applications, special projects and public requests and new program implementation, such as a public art program.
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• Provide GIS assistance to help improve communication and useful planning tools for the public.
• Assist the Director and other staff with long range planning projects, as needed.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban, community development, or natural resource planning in Oregon.
• 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, Excel, Internet applications, and GIS.

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 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.
• Ability to perform research, compile information, conduct analyses, and compose reports.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive, harmonious relationships with community groups, officials, other city departments, and the general public.

To Apply

To apply, an applicant must complete and submit the City's employment application along with the applicant's resume to the City no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 28, 2021; provided, however, the City may accept applications and resumes after June 28, 2021 if in the City's best interest. This position will remain open until filled. The City's application for employment and veteran's preference form is available online at www.ci.sisters.or.us.

Application and resume must be submitted in any one of the following ways:

E-mail: joneill@ci.sisters.or.us

Mail: PO Box 39, Sisters, Oregon 97759

In Person Delivery: 520 E Cascade Ave, Sisters, OR 97759

Please contact Finance Department Director, Joseph O'Neill if you have any questions regarding the position or application process at 541-323-5222 or email at joneill@ci.sisters.or.us

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, and/or any other legally protected status. The City is a drug-free workplace. Individuals who require an accommodation relating to the application process should request the accommodation in advance so that necessary arrangements can be made.