Associate Planner

Under the general direction of the Planning Manager, the Associate Planner may work independently or collaboratively with other current and long range planners to perform a variety of professional planning duties to ensure compliance with various state and local regulations; provide technical expertise, data collection and analysis, and report preparation related to comprehensive planning; assist in the development and revision of the comprehensive plan and related policies and regulations; and perform planning and coordination tasks for special projects and programs.

This is an AFSCME represented position.

Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following.

Perform a variety of professional planning duties involving current and long-range planning to ensure compliance with various state and local regulations.

Provide daily customer service at the counter, over the phone, and in written correspondence.

Make verbal presentations and prepare written reports for the Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, and City Council.

Perform technical review of City of Lakewood land use permits. Types of permits may include Conditional Use Permits, Master Facilities Plan permits, Variances, and Shoreline or Critical Area permitting.

Route land use projects to departments and outside agencies with jurisdiction for review and comment. 

Perform technical review of building permits to ensure zoning compliance.

Perform database management.

Provide technical expertise, data collection and analysis, and report preparation related to comprehensive and growth management planning; assist in the development and revision of elements of the City’s comprehensive plan, zoning, development standards, and other appurtenant regulations and policies under the state Growth and Management Act.

Staff various committees and commissions as assigned and provide planning information and assistance to interjurisdictional committees and to various boards, committees, staff, and service providers.

Organize, attend, and conduct community meetings to elicit public participation and present information, gathering information on sentiment, opinion, and suggestions, and analyzing and presenting results of public input.

Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to assigned projects, committees, and activities; operate a computer, work within the City’s permitting database, use word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Perform planning and coordination tasks for special projects and programs as assigned, working independently when necessary.

Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that would likely provide the candidate with the knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the job will be considered.  A typical combination is a bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, or a related field and two (2) years of responsible municipal planning experience.  This is a relevant combination of six (6) years.

License & Certification Requirements

Valid Washington State driver’s license with a driving record that meets an acceptable standard for safety at the point of hire and throughout employment in this position.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Land use codes, current and long-range planning, zoning principles and practices, and enforcement processes.

Planning and building terminology.

Growth Management Act (GMA).

State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA)

Shoreline Management Act.

City planning practices, theories, methodologies, and terminology.

Research methodology as applied to the collection and analysis of planning data.

Source and availability of planning information, including demographic and economic data, environmental determinants of land use, land development trends and legal requirements.

Population and employment forecasting.

Land use capacity analysis.

Oral and written communication skills.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Public relations and interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Technical aspects of field of specialty.

Basic research methods.

City organization, operations, policies and objectives.

ABILITY TO:

Perform a variety of professional planning duties involving current and long-range planning.

Develop plans and policies related to the City’s long range planning and other programs and services.

Develop and prepare work plans, goals, objectives, and evaluation criteria.

Ensure compliance with various City ordinances and regulations.

Analyze City growth trends and assess City capacity.

Collect, analyze and interpret planning data.

Organize and conduct various research studies and prepare summaries.

Analyze and interpret public input and recommendations.

Lead and conduct public meetings.

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Read, interpret, apply and clearly explain complex rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Make effective oral presentations at public hearings and meetings.

Maintain records and prepare reports.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Work independently with little direction.

Plan and organize work to meet schedules and time lines.

Attend occasional evening meetings. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office and other indoor work environments; outdoor field work to collect data; subject to driving and to working evening hours.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities necessary to perform essential functions and communicate with others.  Frequent fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc.   Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities.  Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position.  Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office areas. Possibly longer distances on job sites.   Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, and moving materials.  Ability to lift/carry boxes up to 20 lbs. Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment.  Ability to operate a motor vehicle for transportation to off-site locations.  Must be able to work in the field gathering information and reviewing/inspecting systems, property, and project construction sites in all weather conditions and over rough terrain. May be subject to loud noises, nearby traffic, and/or heavy construction equipment zones.  Ability to operate a motor vehicle for transportation to off-site locations.

HAZARDS

Working in confined spaces; driving a motor vehicle in traffic, construction zones, and adverse weather conditions; physical exposure to adverse weather conditions, extremely loud noise levels, and potentially hazardous conditions in construction equipment zones and/or high traffic areas. 

Salary : $7,332 - $9,161