Assistant Planner or Associate Planner

City of Homer Alaska•Kachemak City, AK

5d•$27 - $32

About The Position

The Assistant Planner or Associate Planner enforces City zoning and land-use ordinances and assists the City Planner with the work of the Planning and Zoning Division. The position provides technical information to the public and professionals about zoning, subdivisions, permitting, addressing, the Bridge Creek Watershed Protection District, and other planning activities. Work is performed under the specific supervision of the City Planner, with independent judgment required on specific zoning issues. The role develops division-level procedures and has budget expenditure authority at the level specified for the respective classification. Activities may expose the City to significant liability. The position reviews development proposals, plans, applications, and building plans for zoning clearance, completeness, and compliance with City regulations and policies. It processes and maintains records for zoning and land-use applications and cases, conducts site-plan reviews, responds to potential code violations, and performs field investigations and inspections. It also provides administrative and technical support, prepares public notices and meeting materials, supports commissions and committees, communicates with applicants and the public, and conducts research and prepares correspondence and reports as directed by the City Planner. The Assistant Planner requires three years of planning or equivalent experience and a bachelor's degree in planning, geography, political science, or another applicable field. The Associate Planner requires four years of planning, land development, or equivalent experience and a four-year degree; a bachelor's degree in an applicable field is preferred. Both classifications require three years of public-contact experience and a valid Alaska Driver's License. The position is primarily office-based but includes field work and may require evening meeting attendance and lifting up to 20 pounds.

Requirements

Assistant Planner: Three years of experience in planning or equivalent experience.
Associate Planner: Four years of experience in planning, land development, or equivalent experience.
Three years of experience in duties requiring public contact.
Assistant Planner: Bachelor's degree in planning, geography, political science, or another applicable field required.
Associate Planner: A four-year degree required; a bachelor's degree in planning, geography, political science, or another applicable field preferred.
Valid Alaska Driver's License required.
Working knowledge of code-enforcement principles, practices, and methods applicable to a municipal setting; applicable laws, standards, and regulations concerning land-use and nuisance codes; and inspection techniques.
Knowledge of zoning and subdivision regulations and ability to read and interpret regulations, maps, and written agreements.
Strong computer skills and proficiency with word-processing, spreadsheet, and database applications, as well as accounting/database programs and principles. Assistant Planner duties specifically include Geographic Information Systems proficiency.
Accurate keyboarding skills and ability to independently compose correspondence and transcribe meeting minutes.
Ability to analyze complex situations, problems, and data; exercise sound judgment; write clearly, concisely, and legibly; communicate effectively orally and in writing; maintain effective working relationships; and handle stressful situations and difficult or angry people.
Ability to work under the specific supervision of the City Planner while exercising independent judgment on specific zoning issues.

Nice To Haves

Assistant Planner: Working knowledge of planning and zoning principles preferred.
Associate Planner: Working knowledge of planning and zoning principles and Geographic Information Systems preferred.
Associate Planner: Bachelor's degree in planning, geography, political science, or another applicable field preferred.

Responsibilities

Enforce City zoning and land-use ordinances and assist the City Planner with Planning and Zoning Division duties.
Provide information to the public and professionals on zoning regulations, land uses, permits, variances, flood hazard areas, compliance matters, and other planning topics; screen calls and make referrals.
Review development proposals, plans, applications, and building plans for zoning clearance, completeness, and compliance with applicable regulations and policies; conduct follow-up reviews and rechecks and approve or deny submittals.
Conduct site-plan reviews for compliance with applicable codes, including setbacks, uses, surrounding zones, landscaping, parking, layout, and development plans.
Process applications for zoning, sign, and conditional use permits; variances; rezoning; appeals; and planned unit developments, including required public notice and research into historical information.
Maintain records and files for planning and zoning applications, permits, violations, variances, nonconformities, rezones, subdivisions, and related matters; scan and organize electronic documents.
Prepare correspondence, staff reports, research, meeting agendas, public notices, and Planning Commission packets under the City Planner's direction.
Provide staff support to commissions and committees, which may include attending meetings and taking minutes.
Maintain the division calendar and web page and help meet deadlines for division activities.
Coordinate with the Kenai Peninsula Borough on addressing updates and with Public Works staff on permitting, driveways, rights-of-way, easements, wetlands, and other planning issues.
Prepare and process purchase orders, monitor inventory of division equipment and supplies, and track budget expenditures using the City's financial software.
Respond to complaints and observations of potential zoning or other Homer City Code land-use violations; investigate, document and photograph potential violations, gather evidence, interview complainants, compare facts with code and approved plans, and make recommendations to the City Planner.
Inspect completed construction projects for compliance with approval conditions, identify deficiencies or violations, discuss corrective actions, and seek compliance.
Assist with obtaining, preparing, enhancing, or presenting evidence in court and with preparing cases for trial when required.
Conduct research, draft ordinances and resolutions, and prepare reports, including work related to Comprehensive Plan research, review, and implementation.
Assist in researching, obtaining, and managing planning-related grants (Assistant Planner duties).
Manage the planning software platform and its adoption, use, and maintenance; for the Associate Planner, manage the platform for processing development applications.
Advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public about City development policies and standards, zoning, general-plan compliance, signage, and related matters.
Perform other duties as directed by the City Planner.