Planner, Government, Environmental​/ Urban Planning

Position:
Planner I

Department:
Community Development - Planning

Salary: $26.72 - $33.81 per hour (depending on experience)

This is an entry- to intermediate-level professional planner position that performs a variety of current and long-range planning duties under general supervision. The Planner I position assists the Planning Director and higher-level planners in administering the County’s land use regulations, processing development applications, and providing information to the public regarding planning, zoning, and related development requirements. Work includes customer service at the public counter and by phone, technical review of applications, data collection and analysis, and preparation of clear written reports and recommendations.

• Provide courteous, professional customer service to developers, contractors, property owners, and the general public at the counter, by phone, and via email regarding planning, zoning, land use, and related permitting requirements.
• Receive, log, and process planning and related permit applications, including checking for completeness, accuracy, and required supporting documents and fees.
• Review moderately complex land use, development, and site plan applications for consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances, and other applicable regulations, under the direction of higher-level planners.
• Interpret and explain applicable ordinances, codes, and policies to applicants, staff, and the public, referring more complex questions to the Planning Director or senior staff as appropriate.
• Assist in drafting and updating planning documents, including portions of staff reports, findings, conditions of approval, public notices, and agenda materials for the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners.
• Collect, organize, and analyze planning‑related data (e.g., land use, zoning, permits, demographics) to support recommendations for plan amendments, ordinance updates, or process improvements.
• Enter and maintain accurate permit and planning case information in the County’s permitting and tracking systems, and compile simple reports on planning and permitting activity as directed.
• Prepare public notices, notification lists, and mailings in accordance with legal and procedural requirements; ensure that notice and posting deadlines are met.
• Prepare and maintain case files, maps, correspondence, and related records; index materials by parcel and permit numbers and assist with archiving of records.
• Assist higher‑level planners at public meetings and hearings by assembling materials, presenting basic information, and responding to questions within area of responsibility.
• Coordinate with Building, On‑Site Sanitation, and other divisions or agencies to route applications, track review status, and communicate requirements and decisions to applicants.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve permit and planning processes and in implementing approved changes to procedures.
• Perform related clerical and administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, answering telephones, copying, scanning, and filing to support the Planning Division as needed.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates knowledge of basic planning concepts, principles, and land development techniques.
• Experience in city, county, or regional planning, land use, permitting, construction, or closely related field is desirable but not required for otherwise qualified applicants.
• Current Oregon Driver’s License or ability to obtain within a reasonable period of time.

• Basic principles and practices of land use planning, zoning, and…