Community & Regional Planner

Ada County (ID) • Boise, ID

73d • $74,000

About The Position

Ada County is seeking an experienced Community Planning Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our Planning Division. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee complex planning initiatives, supervise a team of professional planners, and serve as a key advisor to the Development Services Director, the Planning & Zoning Commission, and the Board of County Commissioners. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on land use policy, zoning enforcement, and community development strategies across Ada County. We're looking for a collaborative and forward-thinking professional with strong management skills, deep planning expertise, and a commitment to public service. If you're ready to shape the future of one of Idaho's fastest-growing counties, we invite you to apply.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in planning or a related field or equivalent combination of experience is required
• A Master's degree in planning or related field or American Institution of Certified Planners accreditation is desirable
• A minimum of three years of experience working in a public planning agency or in a related field
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and zoning as they pertain to the design and development of urban, suburban and rural areas
• Knowledge of the pertinent ordinances, codes, regulations and plans pertaining to planning
• Knowledge of administrative and management practices and procedures
• Knowledge of the techniques required in the preparation of files, maps, charts, sketches and complex graphics by using ArcGIS (ArcView, ArcMap, ArcCatalog), Microsoft Suite, and other computer software
• Skill in working with diverse groups to prioritize and accomplish multiple goals
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all departments and offices
• Ability to communicate and make effective presentations verbally as well as in written and graphic form
• Ability to exercise independent judgment
• Ability to plan, organize and analyze complex planning projects effectively
• Ability to conduct research, review and analyze complex information
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, government officials, representatives of other agencies, board members and the general public

Nice To Haves

• American Institution of Certified Planners accreditation

Responsibilities

• Interprets and applies applicable state, county and local codes, ordinances and regulations
• Initiates, updates, and maintains the Ada County Comprehensive Plan
• Provides substantive, professional input into the development of the County's Comprehensive Plan and into amendments to the Ada County Zoning Code and the Area of City Impact Agreements
• Works with regional and local agencies in dealing with growth related issues
• Evaluates adequacy of community facilities in meeting current and projected needs to keep up with growth and comprehensive plans
• Participates in project management aspects of comprehensive planning tasks and functions
• Advises and instructs co-workers, elected officials and the public regarding technical requirements of community, comprehensive, regional, transportation and strategic planning and other regulations
• Works on special assignments, including but not limited to, transportation analysis, historic preservation, community projects, regional coordination, capital investment program, or development applications
• Represents the interests of the county on a number of county and interagency coordination, transportation, transit and planning committees and boards
• Develops and presents analytical reports on the Comprehensive Plan to the public and officials
• Conducts review of various development applications including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests and rezoning, in relation to the Comprehensive Plan
• Conducts extensive research in specific or general project areas
• Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence
• Identifies community problems, issues, and opportunities in particular neighborhoods that could be mitigated through better community planning
• Provides direction to others on transportation and public facilities related issues
• Oversees and writes grants as directed
• Develops strategies to promote economic and community development or efficient land use consistent with community goals
• Recommends priorities, schedules, and funding sources to implement public improvement plans
• Writes, or assists in writing, a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls
• Attends a number of evening and weekend meetings
• Prepares maps, charts, sketches and complex graphics by using ArcGIS (ArcView, ArcMap, ArcCatalog) and other software
• Establishes a common project management methodology to ensure consistent project initiation, planning, controlling, execution, and closing

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the nation's best state retirement systems, with 11.96% employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave, life insurance, and robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree