Job Details

Community And Regional Planner

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for guiding smart growth and sustainable development? Ada County is seeking an experienced Community Planning Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our Planning Division. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee complex planning initiatives, supervise a team of professional planners, and serve as a key advisor to the Development Services Director, the Planning & Zoning Commission, and the Board of County Commissioners. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on land use policy, zoning enforcement, and community development strategies across Ada County. We're looking for a collaborative and forward-thinking professional with strong management skills, deep planning expertise, and a commitment to public service. If you're ready to shape the future of one of Idaho's fastest-growing counties, we invite you to apply. Ada County is a great place to work! We have over 2000 employees dedicated to enhancing our community's quality of life. Our Development Services team is growing, and this is an excellent opportunity to be a part of taking this team to the next level. We offer a competitive Total Rewards package that increases your base salary by 40%, including:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the nation's best state retirement systems, with 11.96% employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave, life insurance, and robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing

Our Mission: Development Services staff helps guide growth on behalf of Ada County residents and leaders through every development (and building) activity. Our Vision: Balancing growth for a sustainable future while maintaining the trust of those we serve.

A Community and Regional Planner develops land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodates population growth, and ensures needed public facilities in Ada County. This position works in an independent capacity, developing short- and long-term plans to create, grow, and revitalize communities and areas of Ada County. This position requires working on broad, community-wide plans as well as collaborating with other government agencies in regional planning activities. This position performs complex and varied assignments related to community, comprehensive, regional, transportation, and strategic planning. The incumbent will conduct complex technical analyses, produce written reports, develop presentations for meetings, collaborate with all departmental divisions, determines and evaluates overall project management resources and processes for the entire department.

This position reports to the Community Planning Manager. This position works closely with public officials, community members, and other interest groups to identify community issues and goals. Essential Functions include: interpreting and applying applicable state, county and local codes, ordinances and regulations; initiating, updating, and maintaining the Ada County Comprehensive Plan; providing substantive, professional input into the development of the County's Comprehensive Plan and into amendments to the Ada County Zoning Code and the Area of City Impact Agreements; working with regional and local agencies in dealing with growth related issues; evaluating adequacy of community facilities in meeting current and projected needs to keep up with growth and comprehensive plans; participating in project management aspects of comprehensive planning tasks and functions; advising and instructing co-workers, elected officials and the public regarding technical requirements of community, comprehensive, regional, transportation and strategic planning and other regulations; working on special assignments, including but not limited to, transportation analysis, historic preservation, community projects, regional coordination, capital investment program, or development applications; representing the interests of the county on a number of county and interagency coordination, transportation, transit and planning committees and boards; developing and presenting analytical reports on the Comprehensive Plan to the public and officials; conducting review of various development applications including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests and rezoning, in relation to the Comprehensive Plan; conducting extensive research in specific or general project areas; writing and presenting formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence; identifying community problems, issues, and opportunities in particular neighborhoods that could be mitigated through better community planning; providing direction to others on transportation and public facilities related issues; overseeing and writing grants as directed; developing strategies to promote economic and community development or efficient land use consistent with community goals; recommending priorities, schedules, and funding sources to implement public improvement plans; writing, or assisting in writing, a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls; attending a number of evening and weekend meetings; preparing maps, charts, sketches and complex graphics by using ArcGIS (ArcView, ArcMap, ArcCatalog) and other software; establishing a common project management methodology to ensure consistent project initiation, planning, controlling, execution, and closing.

Additional functions include: participating in interagency coordination and planning committees; receiving, researching and answering inquiries on planning matters; participating in special project reviews; performing related work as required.

Job Requirements: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in planning or a related field or equivalent combination of experience is required; A Master's degree in planning or related field or American Institution of Certified Planners accreditation is desirable; A minimum of three years of experience working in a public planning agency or in a related field; Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and zoning as they pertain to the design and development of urban, suburban and rural areas; Knowledge of the pertinent ordinances, codes, regulations and plans pertaining to planning; Knowledge of administrative and management practices and procedures; Knowledge of the techniques required in the preparation of files, maps, charts, sketches and complex graphics by using ArcGIS (ArcView, ArcMap, ArcCatalog), Microsoft Suite, and other computer software; Skill in working with diverse groups to prioritize and accomplish multiple goals; Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all departments and offices; Ability to communicate and make effective presentations verbally as well as in written and graphic form; Ability to exercise independent judgment; Ability to plan, organize and analyze complex planning projects effectively; Ability to conduct research, review and analyze complex information; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, government officials, representatives of other agencies, board members and the general public.

Additional Requirements: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a good driving record in accordance with Ada County vehicle policy. Work Environment & Physical Demands: Work is performed primarily in an office environment and the employee in this class is subject to inside environmental conditions; May be required to conduct field inspections and be subject to outdoor environmental conditions; May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.; Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment to accomplish tasks.