Associate Planner job in Olympia

DESCRIPTION:

• Understand, explain and administer land use regulations and similar documents.
• Prepare staff reports and other documents that clearly and accurately convey complex information to the public, city advisory commissions and city council.
• Equitably administer the city's historic district design guidelines consistent with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
• Conduct meaningful and extensive public outreach processes.
• Respond to and resolve potentially confrontational situations.
• Build strong working relationships with other agencies and city staff.
• Work independently in successfully managing long-term projects.
• Manage time and prioritize responsibilities to perform the duties of the position with the resources available.
• Act in a responsible and respectful manner toward all members of the community.

• Understand and administer design guidelines and apply design principles to site plans and land use and building permit applications.
• Grant management experience.
• Experience or training in geographic information systems.

• Submit a resume and cover letter by attaching them to your electronic application.
• The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and include specific examples of how you meet the Ideal Candidate Profile (above). 
• This recruitment is open until filled.  First review will be for all applications received by 5 pm September 10, 2018.  
• Only electronic applications are accepted.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Responsible for completing a variety of activities relating to the City's planning functions.
• Coordinate the preparation or administration of plans, land use regulations, design standards, information systems, or planning programs.
• Conduct complex studies related to land use, transportation, shoreline, community and economic development, environment, or historic preservation.
• Manage or conduct investigations, analysis, and preparation of documents and reports on planning issues, policies, and their application.
• Provide staff support to appointed committees on planning and zoning issues or special studies.
• Prepare and present reports to hearings bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain the impact of projects and developments.
• Provide technical and administrative assistance as staff planner for Council and appointed Board Commission.
• Respond to public inquiries with information on planning projects, processes and policies.
• Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:     

• Knowledge of planning principles, practices, regulations, and techniques as related to land use, environmental impact, transportation, etc.
• Knowledge of local government and political decision-making processes related to planning issues.
• Knowledge of specialized area of planning such as community development, economic development, environmental planning, historic preservation, or forecasting regional development.
• Skill in working with various stakeholders to achieve a solution to a project or proposal.
• Skill in formulating and presenting appropriate planning options to various audiences.
• Skill in preparing support documentation which clearly, precisely, and concisely presents planning recommendations.
• Skill in working in a team discipline.
• Ability to develop and write plans based on an analysis of data and on-going citizen and staff input.
• Ability to organize and manage varied work programs, including monitoring the budget, work schedules, grant requirements, and progress reviews.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial planning policies or regulations.
• Ability to direct or coordinate the work of planning and agency staff members.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with elected and appointed officials, staff of other agencies, Planning staff, and the community.
• Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.

Education/Experience:

• Four year degree in Urban Planning or closely related field and three years related experience required.
• Master's Degree in Planning preferred.
• Additional related experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.

• Valid Washington State Driver's License required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Contacts:

• Planners have significant daily contact with the public for the purpose of information-sharing and problem resolution.
• Due to the subject matter some contacts may be confrontational, requiring the Planner to explain City policies and procedures in a professional, concise, and respectful manner.
• Planners also have daily contact with other City staff for the purpose of information sharing, work coordination, and problem resolution.
• Additional contacts with public officials are for the purpose information gathering and project definition.
• Contacts with public officials are usually held in a public meeting forum and may be stressful and/or confrontational due to the subject matter.

Supervision:

• May serve as Project Lead.
• May assist in the training and/or supervision of less experienced staff members.

Accountability:

• Planners are accountable for completing all assigned work in a timely, professional manner.

Working Conditions:

• Planners generally work in an office with a significant portion of time spent performing duties out-of-doors completing site investigations.
• Investigations require working on construction sites, rough terrain, in wetlands, boating and being in the proximity of heavy equipment.
• Frequent travel and attendance at meetings and conferences, both during regular working hours and in the evening, are required.