GENERAL POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Planner performs a variety of routine to complex land use planning work within a team of other professional planners. This position is responsible for interpreting and applying state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations.

The planner position consists of two separate tiers, each with increased responsibility, experience, and independent operation.

• Level I – Applies basic skills while developing some specialized skills in procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment appropriate to area of specialization; performs routine and/or repetitive tasks, limited decision making required; generally, works under close supervision; has; work is performed from within specific limits of established procedures and/or defined instructions.
• Level II – Applies skills and job knowledge in area of specialization; applies procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet needs of area of specialization at an intermediate level of knowledge and understanding; may work on non-routine tasks, projects, and applications; resolves issues/makes working decisions within area of specialization or responsibility with minimal supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Level I

• Assist in various aspects of the county's current land use code, including processing land use applications, creating illustrative maps, and informing the public of planning regulations.
• Provide customer service related to zoning and development review processing.
• Act as a case coordinator on routine land use cases, including consultation with applicants and coordination with other departments.
• Review and analyze applications with respect to the county's regulations and good planning practices.
• Write staff reports and resolutions for land use cases.
• Advise citizens, applicants, and other staff on zoning and planning regulations.
• Review permits and other applications for compliance with zoning requirements.
• Conduct reviews of various development applications including minor and preliminary plats, limited use permits, and variance requests.
• Conduct background research and analysis for various projects.
• Attend meetings and make presentations to boards or commissions, including evening meetings.

Level II

• Complete all duties of level I planner at an intermediate level with minimal supervision.
• Perform a full range of complex professional land use planning assignments in all program areas and act as project planner with full responsibility for the review and processing of varied and complex planning projects.
• Interpret and apply applicable state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Work with Code Enforcement to initiate actions to correct deficiencies or violations of regulations.
• Assist with updates and maintenance of the Master Plan and Land Use Code.
• Conduct reviews of various development applications including minor and preliminary plats, limited and conditional use permits, site plans, variance requests, and rezoning applications.
• Conduct extensive research in specific or general project areas.
• Write and present formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence.
• Assist Director in developing strategies to promote economic and community development or efficient land use consistent with community goals.
• Evaluate the adequacy of community facilities in meeting current and projected needs.
• Recommend priorities, schedules, and funding sources to implement public improvements plans.
• Write or assist in writing various ordinances and regulations relating to development controls.
• Attend a substantial number of evening meetings.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

Level I

• Bachelor's degree in Land Use Planning or a related field is preferred.
• OR completion of equivalent of two (2) full time years of college level course work in planning or related field; AND 2 years progressive experience in land use planning or related field

Level II

• A master's degree with two years of experience in the planning profession, OR a bachelor's degree with four years of professional planning experience is preferred.

Experience:

Level I

• One year of experience in planning administration, public administration, or a related field, preferably in local government

Level II

• Two to four years' Planner I level experience in land, community, public, or economic development, land use, zoning, or planning along with the demonstrated competency to perform at the Planner I level.
• Well-developed knowledge of planning principles and practices.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more planning specializations, such as land use planning/zoning, environmental planning, housing, historic preservation, or economic development.
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research, and data collection.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of basic principles of county land use planning
• Ability to provide strong customer service, write clearly, and make formal presentations
• Ability to learn and interpret laws, codes, and ordinances related to planning and zoning

Licenses, Certifications, and other Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid driver's license with a safe driving record
• Bilingual English/Spanish fluency preferred
• Ability to complete FEMA ICS 100 and IS 700 training within 1 year of hire
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred

Combination of education and experience could waive specific requirement.