Assistant Planner or Associate Planner

cityofhomerak; Homer (AK); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Homer is seeking an Assistant Planner to support the Planning and Zoning Division in enforcing zoning and land use ordinances. You will assist the City Planner, provide technical information to the public, and help manage applications, permits, and records.

Responsibilities include preparing agendas, supporting commissions, coordinating with the Borough, handling budget and purchasing, and conducting research to support planning projects.

Qualifications

• Three years in Planning or equivalent experience.
• Three years in duties requiring public contact.
• Bachelor's Degree in planning, geography, political science, or related field.
• Valid Alaska Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Greet the public and provide information on zoning code regulations.
• Provide administrative support for Planning and Zoning Division.
• Maintain files and records for planning activities.
• Prepare meeting agendas and Planning Commission packets.
• Coordinate with Kenai Peninsula Borough on addressing updates.
• Review permits and zoning clearance applications for compliance.
• Respond to complaints and conduct field investigations.

Skills

Planning experience

Public interaction

GIS knowledge

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

Job description

ASSISTANT PLANNER

GENERAL FUNCTIONS

Responsible for enforcement of City zoning and land use ordinances. Assists the City Planner in performing the duties of the Planning and Zoning Division. Provides technical information to the public on zoning issues, subdivisions, permitting, addressing, Bridge Creek Watershed Protection District, and other planning activities and functions.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR ACTIVITIES

1. Greets public in a professional, friendly and hospitable manner to provide information concerning zoning code regulations, land uses, variances, conditional use permits, and compliance related matters, and screens calls and determines proper referral.
2. Provides administrative office organization and technical support within the Planning and Zoning Division. Composes correspondence based on general idea of content, proof reads reports and correspondence, distributes mail, copies various types of documents, bulk mailing of public notices and certified/return receipt mailings.
3. Responsible for records management for planning and zoning. Establishes and maintains files, records, and other information sources related to work; keeps files on recurring and other scheduled requirements for replies and reports. Scans, organizes and maintains documents in the appropriate electronic files.
4. Maintains the division's calendar and web page. Meets deadlines of required duties and proactively assists others in the division in meeting deadlines of various activities.
5. Prepares meeting agendas, public notices, and compiles Planning Commission packet under direction of the City Planner. Provides staff support as assigned for Commissions &/ or Committees, which may include attendance at meetings, taking minutes of meetings, and additional support as directed by City Planner.
6. Provides information to the public and professionals concerning zoning code regulations, land uses, variances, conditional use permits, FEMA Flood hazard areas, and compliance related matters.
7. Coordinates with Kenai Peninsula Borough regarding addressing updates.
8. Prepares and processes purchase orders for planning and zoning related purchases. Responsible for inventory control of planning divisions' equipment and Monitors budget expenditures using the city's financial software program and reports to City Planner.
9. Conducts research, composes correspondence and prepares staff and other reports as directed by City Planner.
10. Processes applications for zoning, sign and conditional use permits, variances, re-zoning, appeals and planned unit developments, including required public notice. Researches historical information needed for processing applications.
11. Assists in the processing of applications for conditional use permits, variances, re-zoning and research information needed for processing the applications.
12. Maintains files for zoning permits and violations, conditional use permits, variances, recognition of nonconformity, other similar use, rezones and subdivision files.
13. Coordinates with Public Works personnel to review permitting issues, driveway, right-of-way, easements, wetland and other planning issues.
14. Performs site plan reviews for compliance with applicable codes, involving setback, uses, surrounding zones, landscaping, parking, layout and development plans.
15. Responds to complaints and observations of potential zoning code violations or other violations of the Homer City Code, relating to land use.
16. Conducts field investigations of potential violations; documents/photographs, gathers evidence; questions complainants, compares facts to code and plan approval requirements; and makes recommendations to the City Planner.
17. Periodically inspects completed construction projects for compliance with conditions of approval related to landscaping, screening, signage, parking and Conditional Use Permits. Identifies deficiencies/violations, discusses corrective actions with interested parties, secures, or attempts to secure compliance.
18. Assists with obtaining, enhancing, preparing, or presenting exhibits or other evidence in court, as required. May be required to assist with cases being prepared for trial with emphasis on the evidentiary and legal issues crucial to successful prosecution.
19. Conducts research, composes correspondence, drafts ordinances, resolutions, and prepares staff and other reports as directed by the City Planner including Comprehensive Plan research, review, and implementation.
20. Assists in researching, obtaining and managing grants related to planning and zoning issues.
21. Manages planning software platform adoption, use, and maintenance.
22. Reviews commercial, industrial and residential development proposals, plans, and applications for issuance of zoning clearance; reviews for compliance with appropriate regulations and policies.
23. Reviews building plans for completeness and compliance with current City zoning codes and regulations; conducts follow-up and recheck, approves or denies submittals.
24. Confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards; provides and clarifies information relative to zoning, general plan compliance, signage, and other issues.
25. Performs other duties as directed by the City Planner.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Three years in Planning or equivalent experience required. Three years in duties requiring public contact. Working knowledge of code enforcement principles, practices and methods as applicable to a municipal setting; working knowledge of applicable laws, standards and regulations relating to various land use and nuisance codes; working knowledge of inspection techniques. Knowledge of zoning and subdivision regulations and ability to read and interpret regulations, maps and written agreements. Possess strong computer skills with proficiency in a variety of word processing, spreadsheet and database applications including Geographic Information Systems, and accounting/database programs and principles. Accurate keyboarding skills required. Must be able to independently compose correspondence and transcribe minutes. Working knowledge of planning and zoning principles preferred. Requires the ability to: analyze complex situations, problems and data, and use sound judgment in drawing conclusions and making decisions; summarize and write clearly, concisely and legibly; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry people. Bachelor's Degree in planning, geography, political science, or other applicable field required. Valid Alaska Driver's License required.

DECISION MAKING RESPONSIBILITIES/AUTHORITY

Work is performed under specific supervision of the City Planner. Must be able to use independent judgment in dealing with specific zoning issues. Develops procedures at division level. Minor budget expenditure authority at division level. Activities are a high source of potential liability to