Assistant Planner or Associate Planner

City of Homer Alaska•Kachemak City, AK

1d•$27 - $32•Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves the enforcement of City zoning and land use ordinances. The Assistant/Associate Planner will support the City Planner in the duties of the Planning and Zoning Division and provide technical information to the public regarding zoning, subdivisions, permitting, addressing, Bridge Creek Watershed Protection District, and other planning activities. The position requires interaction with the public, administrative and technical support, records management, and preparation for various meetings and public notices. Responsibilities include processing applications, conducting site plan reviews, investigating potential violations, and coordinating with other city departments and external agencies.

Requirements

Three years in Planning or equivalent experience required (Assistant Planner).
Three years in duties requiring public contact.
Working knowledge of code enforcement principles, practices, and methods as applicable to a municipal setting.
Working knowledge of applicable laws, standards, and regulations relating to various land use and nuisance codes.
Working knowledge of inspection techniques.
Knowledge of zoning and subdivision regulations and ability to read and interpret regulations, maps, and written agreements.
Strong computer skills with proficiency in a variety of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Accurate keyboarding skills required.
Ability to independently compose correspondence and transcribe minutes.
Ability to analyze complex situations, problems, and data, and use sound judgment in drawing conclusions and making decisions.
Ability to summarize and write clearly, concisely, and legibly.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry people.
Bachelor's Degree in planning, geography, political science, or other applicable field required (Assistant Planner).
Valid Alaska Driver's License required.
Four years in Planning, land development, or equivalent experience required (Associate Planner).
Extensive knowledge of code enforcement principles, practices and methods as applicable to a municipal setting (Associate Planner).
Bachelor's Degree in planning, geography, political science, or other applicable field preferred, a 4-year degree is required (Associate Planner).

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of planning and zoning principles preferred (Assistant Planner).
Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (Assistant Planner).
Proficiency in accounting/database programs and principles (Assistant Planner).
Working knowledge of planning and zoning principles and Geographic Information Systems preferred (Associate Planner).

Responsibilities

Enforce City zoning and land use ordinances.
Assist the City Planner in performing the duties of the Planning and Zoning Division.
Provide technical information to the public on zoning issues, subdivisions, permitting, addressing, Bridge Creek Watershed Protection District, and other planning activities.
Greet the public professionally and provide information concerning zoning code regulations, land uses, variances, conditional use permits, and compliance related matters.
Screen calls and determine proper referral.
Provide administrative office organization and technical support within the Planning and Zoning Division.
Compose correspondence, proofread reports and correspondence, distribute mail, copy documents, and handle bulk mailing of public notices.
Manage records for planning and zoning, including establishing and maintaining files, records, and other information sources.
Scan, organize, and maintain documents in appropriate electronic files.
Maintain the division's calendar and web page.
Meet deadlines of required duties and assist others in meeting deadlines.
Prepare meeting agendas, public notices, and compile Planning Commission packets.
Provide staff support for Commissions and/or Committees, which may include attendance at meetings and taking minutes.
Coordinate with Kenai Peninsula Borough regarding addressing updates.
Prepare and process purchase orders for planning and zoning related purchases.
Responsible for inventory control of planning division's equipment and supplies.
Monitor budget expenditures using the city's financial software program and report to the City Planner.
Conduct research, compose correspondence, and prepare staff and other reports as directed by the City Planner.
Process applications for zoning, sign and conditional use permits, variances, re-zoning, appeals, and planned unit developments, including required public notice.
Research historical information needed for processing applications.
Assist in the processing of applications for conditional use permits, variances, re-zoning and research information needed for processing the applications.
Maintain files for zoning permits and violations, conditional use permits, variances, recognition of nonconformity, other similar use, rezones, and subdivision files.
Coordinate with Public Works personnel to review permitting issues, driveway, right-of-way, easements, wetland, and other planning issues.
Perform site plan reviews for compliance with applicable codes, involving setback, uses, surrounding zones, landscaping, parking, layout, and development plans.
Respond to complaints and observations of potential zoning code violations or other violations of the Homer City Code relating to land use.
Conduct field investigations of potential violations, document/photograph, gather evidence, question complainants, compare facts to code and plan approval requirements, and make recommendations to the City Planner.
Periodically inspect completed construction projects for compliance with conditions of approval related to landscaping, screening, signage, parking, and Conditional Use Permits.
Identify deficiencies/violations, discuss corrective actions with interested parties, and secure or attempt to secure compliance.
Assist with obtaining, enhancing, preparing, or presenting exhibits or other evidence in court, as required.
Draft ordinances, resolutions, and prepare staff and other reports as directed by the City Planner, including Comprehensive Plan research, review, and implementation.
Assist in researching, obtaining, and managing grants related to planning and zoning issues.
Manage planning software platform adoption, use, and maintenance (Assistant Planner).
Manage planning software platform for processing development applications (Associate Planner).
Review commercial, industrial, and residential development proposals, plans, and applications for issuance of zoning clearance; review for compliance with appropriate regulations and policies.
Review building plans for completeness and compliance with current City zoning codes and regulations; conduct follow-up and recheck, approve or deny submittals.
Confer with and advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards.
Perform other duties as directed by the City Planner.