Associate Planner

City of Mount Vernon • City Hall, WA

12h • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Associate Planner coordinates, schedules, processes, monitors, and documents selected land use permits. Conducts research and draft legislative action documents. Performs professional level work in the field of current or advanced planning, zoning, design review, and economic development. Assists staff in the enforcement of local ordinances and in the interpretation of City codes and master plans. Reviews and approves or denies plan checks for building projects. Interprets project compliance with City plans, ordinances, and codes. Compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies; prepares technical and complex reports; performs technical research and gives reliable advice on planning and economic development related issues. Reviews development proposals and other requests made to the Development Services Department for conformance with appropriate regulations; prepare reports and make recommendations. Checks commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for zoning clearance; processes permit applications. Performs environmental assessments; provides detailed written comments on mitigated negative declarations and special studies performed by outside consultants and for outside agencies. Advises and confers with architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public regarding City development policies, standards, and guidelines. Administers the sign code; reviews and approves sign permit applications. Performs inspections and related field work. Responds to phone calls and inquiries from the public and other agencies; provides assistance to walk-in customers at the counter. Researches and drafts ordinances for review. Attends a variety of meetings, including Planning Commission meetings and predevelopment meetings. May make presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, standing and ad hoc committees, developers, community groups, and outside agencies. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of municipal planning; incorporates new developments as appropriate into programs. Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Business Administration, or related field AND three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, public policy, or community development; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Knowledge of applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Knowledge of records maintenance and retention policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of planning purpose and functions involved with growth management, development codes, land use, transportation, shoreline, critical area and coastal management programs, capital facilities, environmental and community development.
• Knowledge of comprehensive plan updates and amendments.
• Knowledge of State Growth Management Act.
• Knowledge of conflict management strategies and methods.
• Knowledge of project management practices and methods.
• Knowledge of general office policies, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of customer service principles, practices, and etiquette.
• Skill in performing accurate mathematic calculations.
• Skill in reading and accurately interpreting site plans, maps, and blueprints.
• Skill in calculating dimensional requirements and building measurements.
• Skill in understanding and explaining codes and ordinances.
• Skill in maintaining accurate records and filing systems.
• Skill in interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Skill in completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Skill in typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise communications, reports, and technical documents.
• Skill in analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates, schedules, processes, monitors, and documents selected land use permits.
• Conducts research and drafts legislative action documents.
• Performs professional level work in current or advanced planning, zoning, design review, and economic development.
• Assists staff in the enforcement of local ordinances and interpretation of City codes and master plans.
• Reviews and approves or denies plan checks for building projects.
• Interprets project compliance with City plans, ordinances, and codes.
• Compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies.
• Prepares technical and complex reports.
• Performs technical research and gives reliable advice on planning and economic development related issues.
• Reviews development proposals and other requests for conformance with appropriate regulations.
• Checks commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for zoning clearance.
• Processes permit applications.
• Performs environmental assessments.
• Provides detailed written comments on mitigated negative declarations and special studies.
• Advises and confers with architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public regarding City development policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Administers the sign code.
• Reviews and approves sign permit applications.
• Performs inspections and related field work.
• Responds to phone calls and inquiries from the public and other agencies.
• Provides assistance to walk-in customers at the counter.
• Researches and drafts ordinances for review.
• Attends a variety of meetings, including Planning Commission meetings and predevelopment meetings.
• May make presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, standing and ad hoc committees, developers, community groups, and outside agencies.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings.
• Maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of municipal planning.
• Incorporates new developments as appropriate into programs.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Gym Membership reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level