The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutSenior Planner City of Port Townsend Job Description Senior Planner Classification title: Senior Planner Working title: Senior Planner Department: Development Service Union: No FLSA status: Exempt Wage Classification: Non-Represented Hours: Full Time Effective date: Last reviewed 2016 Reports to: Planning Manager; Development Services Director Civil Service: No JOB SUMMARY The Senior Planner performs advanced professional planning work, exercising independent judgment in the direct undertaking of long range planning, development review, critical area and shoreline regulation, and related research. Work requires a large degree of independent responsibility and a high level of professional performance in planning, reviewing, coordinating and undertaking a variety of complex planning tasks ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Interpret, analyze and apply ordinances, zoning regulations and other City, state, and federal regulations and laws relating to planning, zoning, and the environment and development issues. • Analyze current planning proposals and applications for residential, commercial and industrial development, including those for conditional uses, variances, subdivisions, planned unit developments, and shoreline permits to ensure consistency with Comprehensive Plan and City ordinances and policies. Research, compile, and analyze data and information for staff reports, ordinances, and development review. • Prepare written project analyses for review of the Director, City Manager, Citizen Committees, Planning Commission and/or City Council including identification of appropriate land use policies, design issues and environmental requirements; make recommendations for action. • Staff and facilitate public meetings with various citizen advisory boards/committees, city boards/committees and other groups as assigned. • Conduct site inspections, including determining if projects are in compliance with laws, regulations and ordinances, make recommendations on changes. • Conducts research and prepares briefings and draft findings and conclusions on land use applications. • Assists permit applicants and citizens with City permitting procedures, ordinance • Interpretations and general inquiries. • Performs environmental review in compliance with the Washington State Environmental Policy Act. • Coordinate and assist in the development and implementation of land use policy and code development in relation to environmental management. • Conducts and coordinates pre-application conferences with individuals seeking information and assistance with city codes and requirements. • Coordinates the pre-application process with other city departments. • General administrative and support activities as required. Senior Planner 2016 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES • Municipal government organizational concepts • Planning principles and practices • GIS basics • Computer and software proficiency • Public presentation skills • Interpersonal communication abilities • Knowledge of planning and environmental concepts and terminology • Ability to understand and write code language • Research skills • Must be able to work independent of supervision and exercise appropriate judgment and discretion in the exercise of duties. • Requires excellent oral and written communications skills and ability to establish effective, ongoing relationships with public officials and citizens. • Knowledge of planning principles and methods, particularly land use, transportation and the environment, is essential. • Technical competence in growth management, environmental assessment and a working knowledge of Washington administrative, land use, environmental, growth management and shorelines laws is also required. • Broad knowledge of planning concepts, principles, techniques and practices. • Considerable knowledge of laws, codes, rules, regulations and ordinances applied to land use planning. • Ability to comprehend and interpret land use laws, rules and regulations; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; prepare clear and concise reports and recommendations. QUALIFICATIONS Required • Bachelor’s degree with major course work in planning, public administration, geography or related field. • Five years work experience in land use planning; or any equivalent combination of experience and training. Preferred • AICP is desirable. WORKING CONDITIONS Duties are performed primarily in an office environment with sitting for long periods of time, utilizing standard office equipment and personal computer. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet to moderately noisy. May be required to deal with upset customers. This position typically requires movement around the office, reaching, pushing, grasping, finger dexterity, hearing, seeing and 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. Occasional fieldwork and reconnaissance in ravines or other more rugged terrain. Senior Planner 2016 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 Drivers 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.