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Gig Harbor, WA - Associate Planner

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CITY OF GIG HARBOR
ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Nature of Work

Performs professional work in the fields of current planning, long-range planning and/or environmental analysis. Assists and may be responsible for the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and practices to accomplish planning objectives; reviews zoning regulations, land use, environmental, and natural resources, transportation, and public facility elements. Position may be assigned to one or more fields, as determined by the Planning Director. Position is responsible for accomplishment of tasks as assigned, strong communication skills with the public and employees, and sound organizational practices to assure optimum services to the community.

Position is responsible to provide accurate information to the public, employees of the City, and elected officials on many state and local code provisions, official land use maps, and other pertinent information. Position, as assigned by the Planning Director, may have final authority on certain land use decisions, including short subdivisions, shoreline permits or exemptions, and SEPA. Responsible for applying thorough and full-scope knowledge of modern techniques and concepts of planning, requiring considerable initiative, creativity, analysis, and interpretation to create a motivating atmosphere. Supervision and guidance are provided by the Planning Director.

Controls Over Work

Under the supervisory control of the Planning Director and within the framework of governing Federal, State, and local laws and policies established by the City Council, the incumbent will accomplish tasks related to an established planning program within the city as well as the tasks associated with the land use, building, and environmental codes of the city. Supervision will be exercised by the Planning Director on an as-needed basis for compliance with internal policies and procedures, quality of work, compatibility with city programs and policies, and manner and effectiveness in which the incumbent deals with subordinates, city officials, and the general public.

Ability to gain and retain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, other municipal agency officials, and the general public is essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide basic and comprehensive information and interpretation of applicable city land use and development codes to the general public and the development community.
  • Under direction, conducts special land use, land economics, demographic, social, and economic studies and reviews other relevant factors relating to comprehensive planning issues.
  • Reviews and recommends changes to the City Comprehensive Plan and land use codes, provides professional policy guidance to the Planning Commission in writing, revising, and updating the Comprehensive Plan, organizes Planning Commission agendas and schedules, and participates in Planning Commission hearings.
  • Implements effective and trackable procedures for reviewing the processing of approved development plans, construction plans, and construction performance to assure compliance with city codes.
  • Provides assistance to the Building Official, as directed, by performing limited building permit review and inspection services.
  • Prepares or reviews environmental impact statements. Provides technical assistance in the analysis, coordination, and implementation of environmental requirements and regulations under the City Environmental Policy Ordinance.
  • Review parcel and subdivision maps and building plans for compliance with appropriate regulations; works with property owners and the development community on acceptable property development and land use.
  • Process land use permits such as shoreline, zoning, conditional use, variances, rezones, and comprehensive plan amendments, site plans, subdivisions and short plats; prepare reports and recommendations; conduct public hearings before the City Planning Commission and City Hearing Examiner.
  • Investigate potential violations of city land use regulations. Prepare documentation reports and issue notices of violation and assessment of city penalties.
  • Coordinate project activities with other staff, city departments, county and state agencies, and the City Planning Commission. Compile information and make recommendations on special studies. Prepare complex planning reports.
  • Performs other duties as required by designated supervisor.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

  • Good knowledge of the principles and practices of public planning and the socio-economic and environmental aspects involved.
  • Good knowledge of the modern trends in literature in the field of planning.
  • Knowledge of the Shoreline Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, Growth Management Act, and municipal land use, zoning, annexation, and subdivision statutes.
  • Knowledge of PC computers and word processing/database software.
  • Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and ordinances and standards pertinent to municipal planning, development, and environmental quality.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work comfortably with citizen advisory commissions, elected officials, and ad-hoc citizen groups in a conference environment as well as in public assemblies and meetings.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is performed in an office or conference room setting as well as out-of-doors. A moderate amount of local traveling is involved in construction site visits and facility and area tours. Consequently, the incumbent is exposed to occasional inclement weather and the normal transportation and construction activity such as high noise levels, moving vehicles and machines, dust and mud, and traversing of exposed and sometimes insecure walkways and platforms. May wear protective clothing and equipment such as helmet, gloves, goggles, and safety shoes. Work requires some exertion such as climbing, walking over rough surfaces and loose material; crouching, bending, stopping, and reaching; and lifting of light to moderately heavy items. Work requires average physical agility and dexterity.

Qualifications Required Minimum:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, environmental studies, public administration, or a closely related field, and two years of professional planning experience.