JOB DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE:

Performs routine professional activities associated with current planning and related customer service; provides staff support to the public at front counter; answers questions from customers in person and by phone regarding zoning issues; coordinates pre-application, planning and permitting for routine current development projects; staffs advisory committees; performs site inspections pertaining to routine permit applications; performs plan checks on building permit applications; and other work as assigned.

The Assistant Planner is the first working level classification in the Planner class series. Incumbents perform the more routine planning duties in the work unit, with an emphasis on front counter customer service regarding planning and zoning.

This class is distinguished from the higher-level Associate Planner, which is the second and full-working level classification where incumbents perform the full range of current planning duties with greater emphasis on site inspections, making presentations to the Planning Commission, and coordinating the pre-application, planning and permitting aspects of complex current development projects.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Receives general supervision from the Planning Supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Assistant Planner will not typically have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions

Staff front counter and answer questions by phone and in person on planning regulations, ordinances, and codes; respond to a wide variety of zoning-related inquiries.

Review and make determinations on zoning permit applications for fences, planning applications, and building permits; conduct site visits; prepare staff reports and do necessary follow up with applicant.

Review and analyze routine development projects for conformance with applicable codes and standards; conduct pre-application conference; prepare recommendations to approve such projects.

Conduct field inspections for land use compliance issues in response to complaints; investigate possible violations; photograph evidence; contact property owners and/or other responsible persons to discuss code compliance problem; compose letters to both complainants and violators describing the violation and the required remedy; perform follow up inspections to ensure that remedial action has been taken; maintain case files and documentation.

Review and either approve or reject routine liquor license, business license, and fence, sign and building permit applications based on established criteria; determine whether previously established conditions of approval have been met.

Perform plan checks on building permit applications; communicate with property owners/applicants about permit issues.

Attend Planning Commission, and/or other commission/committee meetings as assigned; prepare agendas and informational packets; ensure that documents being presented for planning actions are complete; take meeting minutes and post them to the Department website.

Prepare the more routine Planning Commission staff reports.

Perform research and data collection for long range planning activities.

Coordinate assigned activities with other departments, outside agencies, and organizations; represent the City at various meetings and events.

Follow all safety rules and procedures established for work areas.

AUXILIARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

Maintain proficiency by attending training conferences and meetings, reading materials, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility.

Other work as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree with major coursework in urban planning, geography, public administration, business administration, or a related field.

Substitution: Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the job proficiently may substitute for the above education requirement.

Desirable Qualifications: Previous planning experience in a municipality is desirable; certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable; familiarity with the specific planning software used by the Department is desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

License: Possession of, or the ability to obtain and retain, an Oregon driver license by the time of appointment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

Basic principles and practices of urban planning, environmental planning, economics, public administration, and other disciplines related to urban planning.

The Oregon statewide planning process.

Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Current literature, laws, regulations, and developments, as well as various agencies that impact municipal planning activities.

BENEFITS

Paid vacation, sick and holiday leave; Public Employees' Retirement System; 3% contribution to HRA-VEBA account; optional deferred comp with a contribution from the City for qualified employees; employee and dependent medical, dental and vision insurance with a 10% pre-tax contribution by employee; life and AD&D insurance; long-term disability plan; and additional wellness benefits.  

BENEFITS

Paid vacation, sick and holiday leave; Public Employees' Retirement System; 3% contribution to HRA-VEBA account; optional deferred comp with a contribution from the City for qualified employees; employee and dependent medical, dental and vision insurance with a 10% pre-tax contribution by employee; life and AD&D insurance; long-term disability plan; and additional wellness benefits.