Assistant Planner - Community Development

Individuals within the Assistant Planner classification are expected to apply a beginning knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, regulations and ordinances involved in land use planning;
Provide friendly, unbiased and effective customer service;
Perform assignments and duties that are generally well defined and use established procedures with varying degrees of guidance and supervision;
Provide technical assistance and guidance to other planners;
Refer difficult or complex situations to planners of higher classification; and perform related work as required. This is an introductory position designed for employees new to the planning field.

(Illustrative Only. Any single position in this classification will not necessarily involve all of the listed duties below and other positions will involve duties which are not listed. These duties represent the essential functions needed of persons in this classification.)

• Interprets and administers a select range of county, state and federal land use ordinances, laws and rules.
• Respond to basic questions from the public related to land use, land development, and zoning.
• Staff the front counter and issue ministerial land use permits to customers.
• Communicate with and be a resource to other planning staff, county departments, city, state, and federal agencies concerning land use information and regulations.
• Perform pre-application reviews and process applications for site review, property line adjustments, land partitions, variances, home occupations, or other applications that are generally not technical or complex.
• Perform field investigations to gather information regarding land characteristics to determine the ability of land to support specific uses, to include an assessment of appropriate conditions of development and/or operation.
• Research records and other sources, analyze data obtained and prepare written and visual demonstrations based on this work.
• Prepare maps, charts, and other visual aids.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic knowledge of planning services and land use procedures. Experience with Oregon's planning system is preferred. Because this position involves significant front counter duties, incumbents are expected to have an aptitude for customer service, and actual experience is valued. The ability to verbally communicate and relate well with different kinds of people, and to have some skill in handling conflict is essential.

The ability to analyze facts and to write competently is necessary.

A bachelor's degree in planning or related field is desired, but any satisfactory combination of education, experience and aptitude that demonstrates the skills needed to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position may satisfy education and/or work requirements.

Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license and have a safe driving record.

Those employed in this position may be subject to pre-employment drug testing and a background investigation, including but not limited to criminal background investigation. Conviction of a crime will not necessarily disqualify an individual for this classification.