The City of Unalaska is accepting applications for the Associate Planner position. Located in the number one commercial fishing port in the United States, the International Port of Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, Alaska, is a coastal community in the Eastern Aleutian Islands with a multi-cultural population of approximately 4,250 full-time residents and seasonal influxes from multiple commercial fishery operations.

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all employee tasks in this classification.

The duties shown are designed to provide a representative summary.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Responsible for performing long-range professional planning activities and evaluating current planning/development proposals; providing skilled technical assistance to support various boards, commissions, and committees; ensuring compliance with the City's development standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Research and Recommendations

• Conducts technical research, assesses information and data, and makes recommendations related to the comprehensive plan, land use controls, and capital improvements program; participates in special studies and performs functional planning activities as required.
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes data and factual materials in order to prepare studies regarding land use, zoning, tidelands, and land development requests. Interprets zoning and development regulations.
• Reviews building permits and subdivision plats for conformance with local ordinances.
• Assists with reviewing development proposals, including architectural/design review, compliance with city codes and policy, rezoning applications, conditional use requests, and variances to City standards, with follow-up monitoring to assure compliance.
• Assists with the collection and assessment of field data and information on local conditions for use in planning studies.

Map, Data, and Records Management

• Creates, maintains, and reproduces various maps, such as the City's zoning map, address maps, tax maps, fixed asset maps, etc., using ArcGIS and other contemporary software.
• Assists in the coordination and management of the City-wide GIS system throughout various City departments.
• Generates permits, easements, and exhibits.
• Collects, organizes, and analyzes data and statistics on various planning topics and formulates conclusions and recommendations.
• Assists with drafting assigned sections of written reports and studies, including community plans.
• Assists in updating municipal codes related to planning and development, including the zoning, subdivision, sign, etc.
• Prepares, maintains, and updates files, databases, maps, and other records to support planning activities.
• Prepares draft ordinances related to planning, zoning, and subdivisions, as directed.
• Reviews and processes various leases and applications.

Public Hearing and City Meeting Support & Customer Service

• Processes various public hearing requests including meetings with applicants; researches and prepares written reports and correspondence related to hearing items and presentation of material.
• Assists with preparation of materials, including mailings and public notifications, for meetings.
• Maintains and administers the comprehensive plan, including data collection and public input facilitation, and ensures it is updated and consistent with current land use regulations.
• Interacts with customers on the telephone and in person regarding individual land use questions such as code requirements, development proposals, City growth and expansion, demographics, and procedures for the property owner to pursue public hearings.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding subdivision and zoning regulations, demographics, and the City's General Plan.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission casework and management; occasional work outside of regular business hours will be required to facilitate committee meetings and other public meetings.
• Assists in miscellaneous projects, including community support grant application and management.
• Informs development professionals, local officials, and the general public about the standards and procedures required by City ordinances.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of development issues and concerns, neighborhoods, public participation techniques, and the development process.
• Demonstrated success in analyzing organizational issues and implementing appropriate solutions; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; supports strengths-based, relationally responsible methods for decision-making, problem-solving, and achieving goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adjust style to communicate to diverse audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills while maintaining empathy and a people-first solutions mindset.
• Skill in analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives, and recommending methods, procedures, and techniques for resolution of issues.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management skills with a proven ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and the operation of standard office equipment and software.
• Proficient with computer software consistent for this position.
• Knowledge of basic GIS principles; ability to query and edit data and create maps or other finished materials using GIS software.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, or other related fields.
• One (1) year of experience in municipal planning.

LICENSES & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Required to have a valid US Driver's License and be able to obtain an Alaska driver's license within 90 days of hire.
• Must be eligible to work in the US; Federal Law requires new hires to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9).
• Successfully pass a background check, which includes Professional, Criminal, and Reference checks.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug test.

BENEFITS:

• 100% employer-paid medical and dental premiums (employee & dependents)
• 100% employer-paid basic life/AD&D insurance (employee & dependents)
• 100% employer-paid LifeMed insurance (employee)
• Up to $10,000 Relocation Assistance (taxable) if applicable
• 9 Paid Holidays and 4 Floating Holidays per year
• Paid Time Off starting at 16 hours a month
• Eligible for State of Alaska Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement
• Eligible for 457 Plans with MissionSquare or Mutual of America
• Up to 100% tuition reimbursement (must be taken while employed; refer to Title III)
• Travel allowance of $2,000 every year on your date of hire after 1st year of employment
• Longevity bonus of $2,000 beginning on the third (3rd) year anniversary
• Free Membership for Parks, Culture, and Recreation (PCR) (employee)