Salary : $68,184.00 - $92,052.00 Annually
Location : Longview, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 24-33
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 05/13/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Description
Recruitment Information: Application materials (application, cover letter, and resume) must be completed. This recruitment is open until filled with a first review on 5/28/24.
Position Information: The first level of the Planning Series is responsible for providing staff support for advisory boards and commissions, technical support to planners and others working on complex development regulations and procedural requirements, and direct support to development applicants and the public. The work is performed under relatively close supervision unless the tasks assigned are of a routine nature well defined by precedent. The work is performed under the supervision of the Planning Manager and is reviewed by observation, through evaluations of reports and projects, and on the basis of other performance criteria.
The Planner is distinguished from the Planning Manager in that the former does not have any supervisory responsibilities.
Essential Job Duties

• Engages in grant administration with the planning division. Prepare grant applications and award nominations to the benefit of the City.
• Plans, organizes and participates in a variety of current and long range planning.
• Plans, organizes and participates in a variety of current and long range planning.
• Prepare and present reports to hearings bodies, committees, community groups and private organizations to explain the impact of projects and developments.
• Provides excellent internal and external customer service. Builds positive relations.
• Receives and answers question in a timely manner.
• Explains, interprets and provides guidance regarding the development permit application process and code and ordinance requirements.
• Works effectively and collaboratively with building division, engineering and other City staff.
• Assists in administration of ordinances and City zoning, subdivision and environmental codes to ensure land use and development comply with requirements.
• Process administrative land use permit applications and conduct basic environmental reviews under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
• Prepare responses to complaints of violations of the zoning ordinance.
• Other duties of a similar nature assigned by the department.

Minimum Qualifications

Training and Experience
Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, public administration, environmental sciences or closely related field.
Note: Additional qualifying experience may, at the discretion of the hiring manager, substitute for the required education of the assigned position.
Licensing Requirements
Possession of a valid driver license at the date of hire, and the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Driver License within 30 days of hire.
Ideal Candidate Information

Knowledge

• Planning principles, practices, regulations and techniques as related to land use, environmental impact and transportation.;
• Local government and political decision-making process related to planning issues;
• Relevant specialization such as land use/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development is desired;
• Computer programs and applications, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, database management or GIS programs and applications.

Skills

• Preparing support documentation, which clearly, precisely and concisely presents planning recommendations;
• Working in a team discipline;
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual public participation activities;

The City provides a comprehensive benefits package that is predominantly employer-paid for full family coverage, which includes medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program, long-term disability insurance, and basic life insurance with buy-up options for the employee, employee's spouse and dependents. All employees are required to participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems programs and have the option to participate in a 457 deferred compensation program. Other benefits include generous paid leave such as vacation, holidays, and sick leave, and voluntary participation in a tax-deferred medical or dependent 125 plans.