Associate Planner

Summary

Under general supervision, the Associate Planner coordinates, schedules, processes, monitors, and documents selected land use permits. Conducts research and drafts legislative action documents.

• Performs professional level work in the field of current or advanced planning, zoning, design review, and economic development.
• Assists staff in the enforcement of local ordinances and in the interpretation of City codes and master plans.
• Reviews and approves or denies plan checks for building projects.
• Interprets project compliance with City plans, ordinances, and codes.
• Compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies; prepares technical and complex reports; performs technical research and gives reliable advice on planning and economic development related issues.
• Reviews development proposals and other requests made to the Development Services Department for conformance with appropriate regulations; prepares reports and makes recommendations.
• Checks commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for zoning clearance; processes permit applications.
• Performs environmental assessments; provides detailed written comments on mitigated negative declarations and special studies performed by outside consultants and for outside agencies.
• Advises and confers with architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public regarding City development policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Administers the sign code; reviews and approves sign permit applications.
• Performs inspections and related field work.
• Responds to phone calls and inquiries from the public and other agencies; provides assistance to walk‑in customers at the counter.
• Researches and drafts ordinances for review.
• Attends a variety of meetings, including Planning Commission meetings and pre‑development meetings.
• May make presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, standing and ad hoc committees, developers, community groups, and outside agencies.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of municipal planning; incorporates new developments as appropriate into programs.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Business Administration, or related field AND three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, public policy, or community development; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures.
• Planning purposes and functions involved with growth management, development codes, land use, transportation, shoreline, critical area and coastal management programs, capital facilities, environmental and community development.
• Comprehensive plan updates and amendments.
• State Growth Management Act.
• Conflict management strategies and methods.
• Project management practices and methods.
• General office policies, procedures, and equipment.
• Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette.

• Performing accurate mathematical calculations.
• Reading and accurately interpreting site plans, maps, and blueprints.
• Calculating dimensional requirements and building measurements.
• Understanding and explaining codes and ordinances.
• Maintaining accurate records and filing systems.
• Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public.
• Organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.
• Preparing clear and concise communications, reports, and technical documents.
• Analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave
• Gym Membership reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application. Please visit  to apply online. Applications must be received no later than 11:59 pm on Friday, July 17, 2026
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For additional information, or a complete job description, please visit

The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug‑free workplace and a smoke‑free work environment.