Job Details

Planner III

Under direction of the Planning and Zoning Administrator, performs advanced professional technical work related to land use planning, zoning, construction plan review, building and site inspection, and code enforcement. Provides advanced technical expertise to elected officials, boards and commissions, and the public. The position acts in a Lead role as needed. Work involves extensive communication across the City's departments, other agencies, and stakeholders. The Planner III is further distinguished by operating with a greater level of autonomy in carrying out duties.

Provides subject matter expertise to developers regarding land use and design review proposals, focusing on more complex projects. Conducts in depth research and analysis of land use and design review proposals to ensure compliance with City and State codes while identifying potential financial impact; prepares staff reports regarding the same. Responds to escalated inquiries from the public and developers regarding planning and zoning related issues; planning application procedures; City planning and zoning regulations and ordinances; and trails and pathways related matters. Prepares and presents technical staff report overviews and makes recommendations to the City Council; Design Review Board; Planning and Zoning Commission; Parks and Pathways Recreation Commission; and other City boards and commissions. Analyzes and interprets data to produce staff reports regarding amendments to the comprehensive plan and City ordinances. Evaluates complex building and site construction plans; conducts subdivision, building, trails and pathways, parks, or site inspections to ensure compliance with specific planning and zoning related requirements and other City codes. Required to attend night meetings and deliver oral presentations. Recommends procedures for processing development applications and ordinance revisions and implements approved policies. Recommends new policies and procedures both within the Planning and Zoning department and in conjunction with other City departments. Provides expertise in the development and implementation of both the department and the City's short-range and long-range plans. Prepares findings of fact and conclusions of law documents on development applications for the Design Review Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, and City Council. Prepares land use-related documents including agreements, ordinances, and resolutions. Confers with the public and special interest groups to seek input and coordinate efforts on City-related endeavors. Makes recommendations for budgetary consideration in the capital maintenance plan and capital improvement plan to City Council. Monitors work of contractors and provides project management, as needed. Writes grant applications, as needed; provides oversight of project award. Serves as a departmental lead, providing mentoring and guidance; may delegate and oversee work processes. Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.

May support transportation policy, program, plan, and project development. Facilitates the coordination of transportation infrastructure planning with outside agencies and advocates for the prioritization of City initiatives. May serve as floodplain administrator; ensures adherence to related laws and regulations. May provide oversight of the Parks and Pathways master plan; ensures adherence to trails and pathways standards. May be assigned special projects based on subject matter expertise. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include advanced knowledge of the principles, theories, and objectives of state and local area laws, codes, and other regulations pertinent to planning, zoning, and community development. Advanced knowledge of the practices and principles of rural and urban planning and zoning. Advanced knowledge of zoning laws and comprehensive plans including their formation, process of adoption, and enforcement. Ability to read and understand complex site plans and blueprints. Research techniques and report compilation. Ability to solve problems using the principles of logic. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to present information in a group setting in an interactive manner. Demonstrated skills using oral and written communication in the performance of duties, including internal and public presentations. Ability to make decisions under pressure, deal with public in a manner that represents mature judgment, manage stress, and handle multiple priorities. Ability to operate office equipment and computer programs. Specific skill in use of MS Office Suite, particularly: Word, Outlook, and Excel, and department-specific software. Ability to apply tact and good judgment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, officials, and co-workers.

Preferred knowledge includes knowledge of floodplain management and knowledge of trails and pathways design, management, and related long-range planning.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in planning or planning related field and minimum four (4) years' planning-related experience. Alternatively, any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the equivalent necessary for satisfactory job performance. Legally authorized to work in the US.

Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree in planning or planning related field.

Required license or certification includes a valid Idaho Driver's License and proof of valid insurance.

Preferred licenses or certifications include American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), Trails or pathways-related certification, and Certified Grant Administrator.

Physical requirements include the position being primarily sedentary but requiring frequent walking in conditions as set forth in field inspections. Occasionally requires climbing and kneeling. Ability to see, with or without corrective lenses, well enough to read standard text. Ability to hear, with or without hearing support devices, well enough to converse on the telephone. Ability to speak well enough to verbally converse with others, especially on the telephone. Sufficient manual dexterity to write and operate office machines. Lifting occasionally up to 20 pounds, bending/stooping occasionally, twisting/leaning occasionally, sitting/stationary frequently, standing frequently, and reaching/pushing/pulling occasionally. Climbing stairs/ladders occasionally.

Work environment is performed in an office environment with occasional site visits in the field. Indoors 95%, outdoors 5%. This job typically requires the employee to work weekdays (Monday Friday) and a varied schedule, including days and evenings. The position schedule is subject to change at any time at the discretion of management. Local travel in a City vehicle is required, occasional regional travel may be required.