Assistant Planner - Limited Two-Year Term

This Two (2) year limited term position is open until filled. However, the first review of applications will take place on Monday, February 3, 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

The City of Burien is committed to achieving racial justice and ensuring the fair treatment of people of all races and identities. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. While the City of Burien elevates race, we also recognize and honor the complexity of each unique identity and center on the under-resourced and underrepresented.

Our commitment to achieving and sustaining racial justice requires us to be transparent, proactive, and deliberate in all decision-making. We take these steps to help better meet our vision of creating a vibrant and creative community, where residents embrace diversity, celebrate arts and culture, promote vitality, and treasure the environment.

General Position Summary

Entry level professional/technical position. Provides primary day-to-day customer contact and public information for the Planning Division in-person and through telephone and e-mail contact. Administrative processing and reviews of permit applications, performs basic technical review, and creates maps and graphics. Provides technical support and analysis to other planners within the Department. Must be skilled in working, engaging, and communicating with a diverse customer population.

Essential Functions

• Responds independently to code and land use policy inquiries over the phone, at the permit counter, via e-mail and through meetings with permit applicants.
• Researches relevant code provisions and provides a technical, detailed explanation of applicable permit procedures and substantive rules. Communicates complete technical information in a direct and simple manner tailored to the audience.
• Routes inquiries concerning specific development permits to the assigned project planner or appropriate staff person.
• Performs independent technical review of proposed projects to assure compliance with land use codes. Projects are primarily focused on short timeframe, non-discretionary applications including but not limited to lot line adjustments, sign permits, temporary use permits, business licenses and building permits.
• Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected officials in developing plans.
• Negotiates with applicants to achieve solutions in a collaborative manner and assists in resolving citizen and customer issues.
• Assists with the intake and routing of land use permits.
• Creates maps and graphics for the purposes of analysis and public education.
• Performs site visits.
• Assists public with access to development permit files and other public records.
• Reviews business licenses for consistency with the zoning code and other regulations.
• Leads efforts to develop process improvement, work manuals, and other tools to improve the quality and timeliness of assistant land use planner project types.
• Assists in the development of public information hand-out materials.
• Pursues continuous development of independent decision-making skills.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Secondary Functions

• Assists other planners and Department staff with technical tasks and administrative tasks such as mailings, on-site posting of notices, filing, and fulfilling public disclosure requests.
• Updates website content and materials, as needed.
• Assists in the collection, analysis and presentation of population, land use and related data.
• Makes presentations at public meetings and at department meetings.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, environmental studies, geography, political science, public administration, or related field.

General knowledge of planning and/or zoning. Internship or other related experience assisting in the development review process; one or more years of responsible related experience in any of the following is preferred; land use planning, development review, the development process, environmental planning, or urban design. Experience in providing customer service, with municipal experience preferred.

Special Requirements

• Successful completion of pre-employment background check.
• Valid Washington State driver's license with satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to speak a secondary language is strongly preferred but not required.

Notices

• The City of Burien believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
• The City of Burien is an Equal Opportunity Employer and assures equal employment practices regardless of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, State or Federal law.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed before employment commences as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
• Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of education and related experience. Highly qualified candidates may be invited to participate in interviews. Candidates may be asked to respond to supplemental questions in writing and to supply illustrative examples of work. A test may also be administered to assess relevant skills. Additional references may be requested of finalists.
• If you need special accommodation in the application or examination process, please contact Human Resources at (206) 248-5504.
• The City of Burien has a no smoking policy in all City facilities and all City vehicles.

Salary : $40 - $48