PLANNER II

County of Elmore•Mountain Home, ID

4d•$27 - $39•Onsite

About The Position

The Planner II is a professional position responsible for processing simple and complex development applications and implementing the Zoning and Development Ordinance under the general direction of the Land Use and Building Director. The employee monitors federal, state, and local regulations related to planning activities to promote health, welfare, and safety in Elmore County, exercising independent judgment, integrity, and professionalism. The position coordinates land-use planning applications with outside agencies, the Prosecuting Attorney’s office, and applicants; serves as a technical resource on planning and zoning matters; prepares hearing notices and meeting materials; presents staff reports and recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of County Commissioners; and manages projects, budgets, data, and technical studies supporting planning, zoning, building, code enforcement, and other County operations. Work is primarily performed in a general office environment, with some field inspection of project sites. The role requires knowledge of the Local Land Use and Planning Act (Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 65) and the Zoning and Development Ordinance. The employee independently manages assignments and coordinates with team members, agencies, County staff, and the public. Evening meeting attendance is required. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; some schedules flex to accommodate public meetings after regular hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, or another related field, and at least two years of relevant work experience; alternatively, a combination of AICP, GIS, and CFM certifications.
Relevant experience may include urban planning, planning and zoning, comprehensive planning, transportation planning, public administration, environmental planning, or another related field.
Valid Idaho Driver’s License.
Knowledge of comprehensive and regional planning, development review, planning legislation, municipal planning, zoning and building activities, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Knowledge of development practices involving floodplains, hillsides, airbases, planned communities, overlay zones, and environmental review by state and federal agencies.
Knowledge of project and time management, research, data collection and analysis, land surveying, engineering, building construction, public works, planning decision-making procedures, database management, budgeting, subdivision platting, parcel legal descriptions, and basic surveying principles.
Ability to identify public concerns and resolve conflicts; interpret and explain procedures, codes, and ordinances; and apply laws, standards, policies, and established procedures in making sound decisions.
Ability to prepare accurate reports, plans, and studies; conduct analytical research; and communicate technical information clearly in writing and presentations.
Proficiency in oral and written communication, mathematical reasoning, and spatial orientation.
Ability to operate computers and office equipment, including printers, plotters, copiers, fax machines, and telephones; use standard or customized software, including Microsoft Suite; and read and interpret graphs, charts, plans, diagrams, and maps.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with developers, economic development organizations, citizen groups, the public, coworkers, supervisors, and County staff.
Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment, learn new skills, and flex the work schedule to attend evening meetings.
Sufficient communication, vision or observation, manual dexterity, and mobility to perform the listed duties, with or without reasonable accommodation; occasional field inspections may involve adverse weather and rugged terrain.

Responsibilities

Prepare, process, and present land-use and development applications.
Research assigned development applications and prepare recommendations.
Coordinate and prepare agendas and staff reports for regular and special Planning and Zoning Commission meetings.
Provide staffing for the Planning and Zoning Commission and other committees on development matters.
Represent the department in regional and comprehensive planning activities.
Oversee the work of the administrative assistant, permit technician, and Planner I.
Review administrative decision requests, including floodplain development, environmental documents, and hillside grading applications, and prepare information for the Land Use and Building Director.
Conduct studies of regional geographic, population, land-use, zoning, infrastructure, economic, and agricultural characteristics.
Develop and oversee technical studies supporting Department strategic goals.
Develop project scope, budget, and timeframe for updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
Develop geographic information database structures, tables, forms, and reports.
Arrange and lead agency meetings for complex planning applications and comprehensive planning functions.
Conduct oral presentations and public hearings or meetings to inform the public about proposed community development activities as needed.
Develop procedural guidance for implementing the Zoning and Development Ordinance in building, code, and permit reviews.
Develop and deliver reports and presentations on planning policies, projects, and compliance issues to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, and public groups.
Attend meetings, conferences, workshops, and training; review publications and audiovisual materials to stay current in assigned work areas.
Keep the Director and team members informed about assignments, concerns, and potential solutions or improvements.
Coordinate regularly with departments and agencies to support effective interdepartmental and interagency operations.
Perform work in accordance with Elmore County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
Perform other duties as required.