Associate Planner - Community Development

Summary

Individuals within the Associate Planner classification are expected to apply an expanded knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, regulations and ordinances involved in land use planning; perform complex and technical assignments and duties with a reduced degree of guidance and supervision, exercising independent judgment as necessary; provide technical assistance and guidance to other lower classified planners and planning personnel; refer difficult or complex situations to higher classified planners;

and perform related work as required. An Associate Planner is distinguished from an Assistant Planner by a broader range of knowledge of planning services, procedures and regulations at local, state and federal levels. This knowledge includes a reliable understanding of specific departmental policies and procedures so the planner is able to represent these matters in inter-departmental and inter-agency and other public settings without close supervision.

(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 broad range of county, state and federal land use ordinances, laws and rules.
• Responds to questions from the public related to land use, land development, and zoning.
• Staffs the front counter and issues ministerial land use permits to customers.
• Communicates with and functions as a resource to other planning staff, county departments, city, state, and federal agencies concerning land use information and regulations.
• Performs pre-application reviews and process applications for site review, all types of land divisions, variances, home occupations, farm, forest, lot history, flood review, quasi-judicial comprehensive plan map amendments, and other more complex or technical applications.
• Performs 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.
• Prepares and presents staff reports at public hearings, and represents the planning office in other agency, civic or legal forums.
• Researches records and other sources, analyzes data obtained and prepares written and visual demonstrations based on this work.
• Other duties as assigned.

Possesses well-established public service skills which demonstrate the ability to handle difficult customers. Ability to staff public hearings with minimal supervision and guidance. Ability to obtain a reliable knowledge of state and local land use hearing procedures and rules. Ability to write clear, effectual correspondence and reports.

A bachelor s degree in planning or related field and at least two years of planning experience 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.