The Planner II position is a professional position responsible for processing simple and complex development applications and implementing the Zoning and Development Ordinance under general direction from the Land Use and Building Director. The employee monitors all federal, state, and local regulations related to planning activities to promote general health, welfare, and safety in Elmore County with independent judgement, integrity, and professionalism.

Classification Summary

The primary functions of this job are to:

• Process and coordinate land use planning applications with outside agencies, Prosecuting Attorney’s office, and applicants.
• Serve as the technical expert for the public and other team members for all planning and zoning matters;
• Prepare all hearing notices, publication records, pertinent agenda information, and newspaper legal notices;
• Present staff reports and recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of County Commissioners’ Meetings; and
• Manage projects, budget, data, and other technical studies to support various programs and projects related to planning, zoning, building, code enforcement, and any other County operations.

The principal duties of the position are performed in a general office environment, with some field inspection of project sites. This classification requires knowledge of the Local Land Use and Planning Act (LLUPA or Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 65) and Zoning and Development Ordinance. An employee in this classification manages their time and assignments independently and coordinates them with other team members, agencies, county staff, and general public as required by industry standards. Attendance at evening meetings is required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares, processes, and presents land use and development applications;
• Conducts research using various methods and resources to correctly process all assigned development applications and prepare recommendations;
• Coordinates and prepares agendas and staff reports for all regular or special meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission;
• Provides staffing for the Planning and Zoning Commission and various other committees on development matters;
• Represents department on regional planning and comprehensive planning activities;
• Oversees work effort of administrative assistant, permit technician, and Planner I;
• Reviews all administrative decisions requests including floodplain development, environmental documents, and hillside grading applications, and prepares necessary information for presentation to the Land Use and Building Director;
• Conduct studies of regional geographic, population, land-use, zoning, infrastructure, economic, and agricultural characteristics;
• Develops and oversees technical studies necessary to support the Department’s strategic goals;
• Develops project scope, budget, and timeframe for updating the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance under general guidance;
• Develops geographic information database structure, tables, forms, and reports;
• Arranges and leads agency meetings for complex planning applications and comprehensive planning functions;
• Conducts oral presentations and public hearings/meetings to inform the public of proposed community development activities, as needed;
• Develops procedural guidance for implementation of the Zoning and Development Ordinance in building, code, and permit reviews;
• Develops and delivers reports and presentations to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, and public groups concerning planning policies, projects and compliance issues;
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas;
• Keeps Director and other team members fully and accurately informed concerning their assignments and discuss potential concerns and solutions for new and improved ways of addressing them;
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate department and agencies to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental and interagency operations and activities;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with Elmore County policies, procedures and safety practices.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Comprehensive Planning, Regional Planning, and Development Review practices, principles, procedures, techniques, and their implementation;
• Clear understanding of legislative framework for planning activities;
• Municipal planning, zoning, and building activities;
• All federal, state, and local ordinances, regulations and codes pertaining to planning and zoning matters;
• General practices and principles for development within floodplain, hillside, airbase, planned communities, overlay zones, etc.
• Roles and responsibilities of state and federal agencies in environmental review of development applications;
• Organizational requirements, procedures, and expectations;
• Effective and efficient project and time management;
• General principles and techniques of research, data collection, and analysis;
• Land surveying, engineering, building construction, and public works operations;
• Development regulations concerning land use planning and environmental matters;
• Administrative procedures and practices used in the planning decision-making processes;
• Data collection, analysis, and forecasting;
• Database management and budgeting;
• Subdivision platting, parcel legal descriptions and basic surveying principles.

Ability to:

• Identify problems presented from the public and to resolve conflicts;
• Interpret and explain administrative procedures, codes and ordinances;
• Prepare accurate reports, plans, and studies;
• Conduct analytical research and present research results effectively;
• Interpret and apply broad standards and policies;
• Demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communications;
• Apply mathematical reasoning and special orientation;
• Operate computers, printers, plotters, copiers, fax machines, telephones and other office equipment;
• Read and interpret graphs, charts, plans, diagrams, and maps;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with developers, economic development organizations, citizen groups, and the general public;
• Communicate professionally, effectively and courteously with the general public, supervisor, co-workers, and County staff;
• Write reports clearly to convey technical information to the general public and others;
• Show flexibility with work schedule to allow attendance at evening meetings;
• Learn and apply new skills and knowledge in a rapidly changing environment;
• Operate a personal computer using standard or customized software application appropriate to assigned tasks including Microsoft Suite;
• Make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, and established procedures.

Experience and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, or any other related field; and
• At least two years of work experience in urban planning, planning and zoning, comprehensive planning, transportation planning, public administration, environmental planning, or any other related field, or
• A combination of AICP, GIS, and CFM Certifications.

Special Qualifications

• Valid Idaho Driver’s License

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communications capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written documents and materials, and maps;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office setting and conduct occasional field inspections in an outdoor environment under adverse weather conditions and rugged terrain.

This position will remain open until filled.