Assistant Planner Jobs

Summary Statement

We're looking for a talented and dedicated individual to join our collaborative, citizen-focused team of professionals in the Planning and Development Services Department, where we are actively engaged in creating a city for everyone.

Assistant Planner reviews and issues decisions on applications for fences, seasonal uses, signs, and car lots. Assists the public with planning and zoning questions and application procedures; reviews single-family residential building permit applications for compliance with zoning standards. Work is performed under general direction.

Essential Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. Total Percentage = 100%
• Assists the front desk planners by providing customer service on interpreting zoning regulations, city code processes or procedures, approving walk-in building permits, etc. Conducts general parcel research through the archived city records, GIS system, subdivision plats, and assessor’s records. (70%)
• Reviews building plans and administrative permit applications to ensure compliance with zoning requirements. Researches plat approval and zoning requirements, including previous entitlements, setbacks, height, parking, and location within floodplain or foothills. Assists with various planning and zoning projects and duties. (30%)

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, or related field, and one year of experience conducting research and analyzing problems and issues related to urban planning and land-use controls, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education.

Knowledge of

• Theory, principles, standards, and practices of professional urban planning
• Pertinent ordinances, codes, and regulations
• Application of land use, physical and environment design, ecological science, and zoning theory and practices to the planning process
• Research methodology as applied to the collection and analysis of planning data terminology, symbols, methods, techniques, and instruments used in planning.
• Current literature and developments in planning

Working knowledge of

• Research techniques and report writing
• Computer operations, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and related software applications.
• Methods and techniques of citizen involvement as they apply to plan processes

Ability to

• Speak clearly and concisely
• Maintain regular attendance
• Communicate effectively in the English Language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Work effectively with others and deliver courteous, responsive, and effective customer service related to planning issues
• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards
• Communicate technical information through graphic presentations and written correspondence
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion
• Exercise sound judgment and reach appropriate conclusions within established policies and guidelines
• Deal with difficult people, angry citizens, and upset applicants and resolve their issues within the confines of laws, rules, policies, and processes
• Research, analyze, and summarize planning data both manually and with computer programs
• Understand and comply with all rules, policies, and regulations
• Interpret graphic information such as blueprints, layouts, maps, plans and specifications, graphs, and statistical data
• Display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of city employees, the general public, and other organizations
• Explain various codes pertaining to the development and subdivision of land, signs, annexations, and general plans
• Perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor, and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Able to operate vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Three years of experience in professional planning, urban design, or a similar field. Experience using current GIS software.
• Experience in the public sector.
• Knowledge of state statutes and planning case law.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification.

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Valid state-issued driver's license.

Special Requirements

Applicants must be able to pass:

City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation

Driving Record Check

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

While performing the duties of this job the employee is rarely lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Also, the employee is rarely pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds. Work includes sensory ability to talk and hear. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach and grasp. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment

The work environment will include inside conditions and outdoor weather conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.