Planner I

County of Elmore • Mountain Home, ID

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Elmore County’s Land Use and Building Department is seeking an entry-level professional Planner I to process development applications and implement the Zoning and Development Ordinance under the general direction of the Land Use and Building Director. The position helps promote public health, welfare, and safety by applying relevant federal, state, and local regulations with integrity and professionalism.

The Planner processes planning applications in accordance with the Local Land Use and Planning Act (Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 65) and the county’s Zoning and Development Ordinance. The position provides technical information to the public, agencies, and colleagues; prepares public-hearing notices and related records; and presents staff reports and recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of County Commissioners. Work is primarily performed in a general office environment, with occasional field inspections. The employee manages time independently and coordinates assignments with team members, agencies, county staff, and the public. Attendance at evening meetings is required.

The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch. The position attends monthly evening Planning and Zoning public meetings.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED with a background in general office skills and one year of experience in planning and zoning, public administration, GIS, or a related field; OR a bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, geology, or a related field, or other training that provides the knowledge and abilities needed for the work.
• Valid Idaho Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of municipal planning, zoning, building activities, and relevant federal, state, and local ordinances, regulations, and codes.
• Knowledge of research, data collection and analysis, planning principles and procedures, land-use and environmental regulations, planning decision-making processes, database management, budgeting, subdivision platting, parcel legal descriptions, and basic surveying principles.
• Knowledge of land surveying, engineering, building construction, and public works operations.
• Ability to identify public concerns and resolve conflicts; interpret and explain procedures, codes, and ordinances; prepare reports, plans, and studies; conduct research and present results; and apply standards, policies, laws, and established procedures.
• Proficiency in oral and written communication, including the ability to explain technical information clearly and professionally to the public and others.
• Ability to apply mathematical reasoning and spatial orientation and to read and interpret graphs, charts, plans, diagrams, and maps.
• Ability to operate computers and standard office equipment, including printers, plotters, copiers, fax machines, and telephones, and use Microsoft Suite and other task-appropriate software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with developers, economic development organizations, citizen groups, the public, supervisors, coworkers, and County staff.
• Ability to adjust work schedule to attend evening meetings and to learn and apply new skills in a changing environment.
• Sufficient communication, vision or observation, manual dexterity, and mobility to perform the described office work and occasional field inspections, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, process, and present land use and development applications.
• Research assigned development applications using appropriate methods and resources, and prepare recommendations.
• Prepare agendas, staff reports, public-hearing notices, publication records, newspaper legal notices, and other materials for Planning and Zoning Commission meetings.
• Review planning applications using available studies of regional geographic, population, land-use, zoning, infrastructure, economic, and agricultural characteristics.
• Assist in developing geographic database structures, tables, forms, and reports.
• Review administrative decision requests and prepare information for presentation to the Land Use and Building Director.
• Assist the Director and Planning and Zoning Commission with updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
• Provide information for preparation of the annual budget as requested by the Director.
• Develop and deliver reports and presentations to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, and public groups about planning policies, projects, and compliance issues.
• Conduct oral presentations and public hearings or meetings to inform the public about proposed community development activities, as needed.
• Attend meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and review relevant publications and audiovisual materials to remain current in assigned work areas.
• Keep the Director and team members informed about assignments, potential concerns, and possible improvements.
• Coordinate with departments and agencies to support effective and efficient interdepartmental and interagency operations.
• Perform special assignments and other duties as requested or required.
• Perform work in accordance with Elmore County policies, procedures, and safety practices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED