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Home My WebLink AboutAssistant Planner City of Port Townsend Job Description Assistant Planner Classification title: Assistant Planner Working title: Assistant Planner Department: PCD Union: Teamsters FLSA status: Non-exempt Wage Classification: 19 Hours: 40 Effective date: June 2024 Reports to: Planning Manager Civil Service: No JOB SUMMARY Under general supervision, performs general planning-related activities and tasks related to permitting of development projects. Provides public assistance regarding a broad range of permits processed by the department, providing application materials and explaining the steps in the permitting process, as well as permit processing timelines. This position independently reviews submitted documents for compliance with City codes, responds to customers, and drafts permit decisions for the Director’s review and approval. Provides back-up for the front counter staff and other planners (must be familiar with all development permits processed by PCD). This is the first classification in a three-level series of professional planners. The Assistant Planner classification is distinguished from the Associate Planner classification by the assignment of more entry level duties and responsibilities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Processes, reviews, and tracks land use applications; conducts background research; coordinates review by other departments and agencies; prepares reports and draft decision documents; maintains accurate records; and prepares legal notices. • Understands, explains, and applies local, state, and federal policies and regulations relating to planning and development. • Provides technical and procedural assistance in a clear, concise and professional manner to the general public and to development professionals for all applicable codes, ordinances and regulations involved in the permit process; assistance may be given at the front counter, in small groups, or by phone, email, or formal letter. • Conducts customer assistance meetings and pre-application conferences with individuals seeking information prior to making permit applications. Provides documentation of information received and advice given during each pre-application conference. • Performs zoning and critical area review of building permit and public works applications. • Serves as a member of the City’s development review team in facilitating and coordinating the review of projects. • Coordinates activities with other staff members, applicants, consultants and outside agencies involved in the permit process. Provides timely responses to requests for information. • Performs field investigations and gathers, analyzes, interprets, and reports on various land use and land characteristic data regarding land use applications; takes photographs. • Performs code review of development proposals and determines whether applications satisfy development regulations. • Prepares and maintains files for various land use permits, hearings, studies and reports including pertinent documentation. This may include preparation of materials for public notifications and hearings. • Preparation of public information materials. Assistant Planner • Assists in preparing briefings, outreach and presentations as assigned before citizen groups, committees, commissions, and City Council. • May be asked to assist other planners with City commissions/boards/committees and interdepartmental/inter-agency work groups. • Functions as a member of the PCD team, working closely with the Planning Manager and others to conduct current and/or long-range planning projects and day-to-day activities in accordance with the City’s and department’s goals and policies. • Representation at meetings and conferences. • Assists the Code Compliance Officer in code enforcement. • Recommends permit procedure improvements. • Willingness and ability to occasionally attend and participate in evening meetings. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES • Knowledge of principles, practices, regulations, and techniques in the field of municipal land use planning, including land use, transportation, environmental impact, or other related areas. • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex codes and documents, to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. • Ability to interpret land use plans, maps, construction drawings, and property descriptions; including the ability to use architectural and/or engineering scales. • Ability to conduct research in an effective and efficient manner, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. • Ability to prepare clear and concise written documents and/or presentations. • Ability to use initiative and independent judgment (within established procedural guidelines) to manage multiple assignments and deliver results within applicable timelines. • Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial public policy issues or regulations. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with public officials, planning staff, the development community, citizens, and work as a part of a team. • Knowledge of land use and construction permit review. • Proficiency in computer applications related to planning and development operations to include but not limited to permit database system, Bluebeam Revu or Computer Aided Design, GIS, and Microsoft 365 software applications. QUALIFICATIONS High School graduation (or GED) with minimum of two years post-secondary education in planning, engineering, or related field. Relevant education and professional experience, preferably at local governmental level, may be considered as equivalent if it provides desired skills, knowledge, and abilities. Requires well-developed written and oral communication skills and the ability to establish effective, ongoing relationships with public officials, applicants, members of the public, and fellow staff. A positive attitude and a strong desire to assist the public are essential. WORKING CONDITIONS Duties are performed primarily in an office environment with sitting for long periods of time, using standard office equipment and personal computer. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet. May be required to deal with upset customers. This position typically requires movement around the office, reaching, pushing, grasping, finger dexterity, hearing, seeing and Assistant Planner repetitive motions. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. OTHER CITY REQUIREMENTS • Punctual and consistent attendance. • Possess a Washington Driver’s License and maintain a driving record acceptable to the City’s insurance carrier. • Dress and grooming appropriate to the position. • Safety attire, equipment and practices appropriate to the position. • Deal tactfully and courteously with the public. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees. The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains, promotes, disciplines and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly on the basis of job- related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation (including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The employee occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job related duties requested by their supervisors. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.