Associate Planner

City of San Luis; San Luis (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Luis is seeking an Associate Planner to provide planning services, assist developers and the public, and ensure compliance with planning and zoning codes. Key duties include plan reviews, site inspections, and updates to zoning and general plans.

A bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience are required, with a valid Arizona driver’s license. Bilingual preferred and residency in San Luis a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Business or Public Administration or closely related area of study.
• Three years of professional planning experience.
• Valid Arizona driver's license at time of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Provide routine to complex planning services and customer service for the Planning and Zoning Division; assist developers and the public with planning and zoning issues.
• Assist with submissions for development plans, zoning changes, variances, CUPs, text amendments, subdivisions, and General Plan amendments.
• Complete plan review checks for site plans, subdivision plats; conduct site inspections for compliance.
• Prepare revisions and updates to the general plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance and related regulations.
• Attend public meetings and present information on planning and zoning issues.

Skills

GIS software

Customer service

Research & data analysis

Written communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field

Tools

GIS software

Job description

YOUR FUTURE BEGINS HERE!
Join one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona and the youngest in Yuma County!

Under direction, performs professional planning duties, assists developers and the general public to achieve compliance with City’s development standards; ensures compliance with City, State and Federal planning and zoning codes, policies and procedures; participates in current and advance planning projects; performs plan review; and performs other related duties as required.

As the Associate Planner, you will:

• Provide routine to complex planning services and customer service for the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Division; assist developers and the general public with planning and zoning issues.
• Assist the public with inquiries and problems in submitting applications for development plans, proposed zoning changes, variances, conditional use permits, text amendments, subdivision plans, and General Plan amendments; explains P&Z programs, policies and procedures.
• Complete plan review checks for site plans, subdivision plats, and inspections; conducts site inspections to verify projects are in compliance with regulations, codes, and P&Z standards.
• Perform research, compiles data, reviews case files, and writes reports for review by P&Z staff and City commissions and committees.
• Prepare revisions and updates to the general plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance and other planning and development related regulations and plans.
• Act in the absence of the department director when authorized.
• Supervise, assign, evaluate, and train division staff.
• Attend public meetings and present information on assigned planning and zoning issues.
• Participate in pre-development meeting to review and discuss project proposals.
• Accept and review business liquor license applications, business licenses, and yard sale applications; review and process a variety of technical documents.
• Provide technical support to P&Z and code enforcement staff, and learns the rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures for municipal planning activities.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Will possess knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Federal and state regulations and City codes governing planning and development.
• Advanced principles and practices of urban planning, community development, land use, and permitting.
• Personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software, including GIS software applications.
• Advanced principles and practices of research, analysis, and report writing.
• Principles of zoning enforcement.
• Principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Mathematics, including basic statistics, algebra, and geometry.
• Principles and practices of record keeping and file maintenance.
• Principles and procedures of statistical analysis.
• Customer service methods and techniques.
• Basic principles and practices of engineering and architecture as they apply to planning processes.

Will have the ability to:

• Apply principles and practices of urban planning.
• Analyze information, identify and assess alternative resolutions and recommend solutions to planning, development and zoning issues.
• Research and analyze the factors affecting community planning projects.
• Check designs, details, estimates, plans, and specifications of planning projects.
• Collect, organize, analyze and present data and information.
• Understand, interpret and apply land use and zoning regulations, and state and federal laws.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, representatives from other government agencies, community groups, and advisory boards.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Effectively represent the City to individuals, developers, and the public and community organizations.
• Maintain effectiveness while working under pressure; manage competing deadlines.
• Work independently or as part of a team.

Education, Training and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Business or Public Administration or closely related area of study AND
• Three (3) years of professional planning experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• A valid Arizona driver's license at the time of appointment

Desired/Preferred:

• Bilingual in Spanish.
• San Luis residency.
• Governmental experience.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand including walking on uneven ground during field inspections; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 30 pounds unaided. Employees must be physically capable of operating City vehicles, for job-related purposes, safely. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied individuals.

Work Environment

The employee works in an office environment where the noise level is usually quiet. Certain positions within the classification may require availability to work flexible schedule.

The City of San Luis is committed to Professional Growth and Career Development -

Current employees may be given preferred consideration if they meet the position's minimum requirements.

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Applications will be reviewed 10 days after the posting date, and interviews will be conducted if a pool of qualified applicants is determined.
Candidates with the most relevant backgrounds will be invited to participate in the interview/assessment process.