Assistant Planner

The Assistant Planner position provides professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, community development, and zoning.  Tasks include a variety of administrative, technical, and professional work in support of development and implementation of planning policies and regulations and review of land use applications.  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.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Assistant Planner is the entry-level professional classification in the planning series.  Typical work involves professional level tasks that are often routine or limited in scope. Assistant Planners often support Associate or Senior Planners on larger or more complex projects, preparing reports and other materials or performing research and analysis for review by a more experienced planner. Most tasks are performed independently under the general direction of an Associate Planner or Senior Planner. 

• Research, analyze, interpret, prepare data, and make recommendations for studies, reports, and drafting or revising local legislation.
• Assist in the preparation of written, spoken, and visual reports.
• Direct and review the work of consultants on peer reviews, permit reviews, and land use projects.
• Coordinate activities with Department staff, City staff, and the public.
• Provide information and customer service to property owners, developers, contractors, and other parties related to land use applications, ordinances, and other planning-related information.
• Engage with the public on low to moderately complex planning matters including, but not limited to inquiries on zoning, setbacks, critical areas, and tree permitting.
• Assist with basic level permits such as signs and building permits such as single family residential, Tenant Improvements, Accessory Dwelling Units; trees; shoreline exemptions; zoning verification letters
• 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 perform tasks in long-range planning, current planning, or both as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental science, public administration, geography, or related field.
• Minimum: Internship or other experience in planning, zoning, or related.
• 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.

For the Assistant Planner:
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.
• Environmental review and analysis.

• 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.

• 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.
• Organize and prioritize tasks in an effective manner; meet deadlines.
• 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.