Associate Planner

City of Lakewood•Lakewood City Hall, WA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, or a related field and two (2) years of responsible municipal planning experience.
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.
Knowledge of planning and building terminology.
Knowledge of Growth Management Act (GMA).
Knowledge of State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
Knowledge of Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA) Shoreline Management Act.
Knowledge of City planning practices, theories, methodologies, and terminology.
Knowledge of research methodology as applied to the collection and analysis of planning data.
Knowledge of source and availability of planning information, including demographic and economic data, environmental determinants of land use, land development trends and legal requirements.
Knowledge of population and employment forecasting.
Knowledge of land use capacity analysis.
Knowledge of oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Knowledge of public relations and interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Knowledge of technical aspects of field of specialty.
Knowledge of basic research methods.
Knowledge of City organization, operations, policies and objectives.
Ability to perform a variety of professional planning duties involving current and long-range planning.
Ability to develop plans and policies related to the City’s long range planning and other programs and services.
Ability to develop and prepare work plans, goals, objectives, and evaluation criteria.
Ability to ensure compliance with various City ordinances and regulations.
Ability to analyze City growth trends and assess City capacity.
Ability to collect, analyze and interpret planning data.
Ability to organize and conduct various research studies and prepare summaries.
Ability to analyze and interpret public input and recommendations.
Ability to lead and conduct public meetings.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to read, interpret, apply and clearly explain complex rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to make effective oral presentations at public hearings and meetings.
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
Ability to establish and cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Ability to work independently with little direction.
Ability to plan and organize work to meet schedules and time lines.
Ability to attend occasional evening meetings.

Nice To Haves

Six (6) years of relevant experience is considered a typical combination.

Responsibilities

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.