Associate Planner

City of Sherwood; Sherwood (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Sherwood in Oregon seeks an Associate Planner to handle current- and long-range planning, with emphasis on development review and zoning administration. This full-time, permanent role serves as project manager for land-use applications and coordinates pre-application conferences.

Responsibilities include preparing staff reports, presenting findings at hearings, and supporting long-range planning efforts and the update of the comprehensive plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning, geography, urban studies or related field.
• Two years of professional planning experience or equivalent.
• GIS experience preferred; experience with development review of various projects.

Responsibilities

• Interprets and applies the Sherwood Development Code and related regulations.
• Writes staff reports and presents findings for hearings and City Council.
• Conducts research and policy development to support long-range planning and code updates.
• Maintains the city's comprehensive plan and related ordinances.
• Responds to inquiries regarding residential, commercial, and rezoning rules.

Skills

Planning concepts & practices

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

2 years professional planning experience

Tools

GIS

Maps & analysis

Job description

#2026-21

The City of Sherwood is looking for an Associate Planner!

This is a full time, permanent planning position within the Community Development Department. The Associate Planner will perform routine and complex work in the areas of current- and long-range planning with a focus in development review and zoning administration. The Associate Planner will serve as the project manager for current land use applications and will facilitate pre-application conferences for residential, commercial, and industrial property owners and customers. The position will provide support to long-range planning projects covering a broad range of topics including housing, economic development, infrastructure planning, and more. Work is performed in accordance with established procedures under the general supervision of the Planning Manager or designee, however, assignments will require the exercise of independent judgment and discretion within the latitude appropriate to the position. This professional position requires knowledge and understanding of the physical, social and economic concepts underlying planning work.

This is the experienced classification in the professional planning series having responsibility for a broad range of difficult and specialized planning and redevelopment functions. The Associate Planner may act as the lead staff member on assigned projects that appropriate for the classification.

This description covers the most significant, essential and auxiliary duties performed by the position, but does not include other occasional work, which may be similar, related to, or a logical assignment for the position.

Essential Duties:

1. Interprets, analyzes and applies the Sherwood Development Code and other applicable county, state and federal regulations relating to site planning, subdivisions, planned unit developments, conditional use permits, variances, minor land partitions, lot line adjustments and rezoning.
2. Writes staff reports and presents staff findings on various land use applications for Hearings Officer, Planning Commission, and City Council. Prepares for and attends public meetings, provides technical information and advice to the public and external stakeholders, and performs follow-up communication and research as necessary.
3. Conducts research, analysis, community engagement, and policy development to support long-range planning projects and code updates.
4. Assists in maintaining and updating the City's comprehensive plan and implementing ordinances in accordance with adopted policies and state land use law.
5. Responds to inquiries from the general public and property owners regarding rules and regulations for residential remodels and additions, commercial tenant improvements, site development / redevelopment, and rezoning.
6. Conducts pre-application conferences with potential applicants, providing information about the development process for current planning and rezoning proposals.
7. Performs field investigations and creates reports on various land use data regarding current land use applications.
8. Prepares and presents visual information on planning topics. Creates maps, charts, posters and/or slides for public meetings.
9. Maintains cooperative working relationships with City staff, external stakeholders, and the general public.
10. Follow all safety rules and procedures for work areas.

Auxiliary Duties:

• Maintain necessary departmental records
• maintain and update related maps. Create forms, information handouts, report outlines, etc., as necessary or requested.
• Provide assistance to other staff as workload and staffing levels dictate.
• Maintain proficiency by attending training and meetings, reading materials, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility.
• Maintain work areas in a clean and orderlymanner.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:Broad knowledgeof planning concepts, principles, techniques and practices; considerable knowledge of Oregon land-use laws, codes, rules, regulations.

Abilityto: Communicate effectivelyboth verbally and in writing; prepare clear and concise reports; prepare tables and maps. Comprehend and interpret land use laws, rules and regulations.

Education and Experience: Typical education would include the equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in planning, geography, architecture, urban studies, or related field. Typical experience would include two years of professional planning experience, or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above duties.

DesirableQualifications:Experience with Geographical Information System (GIS) is preferred; experiencein development review of commercial, industrial and residential projects; experience managing multiple tasks and priorities including managing complex and politically sensitive projects.

Special Requirements/Licenses: None.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility. Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc., and may infrequently require moving materials weighing up to 20 pounds. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 50% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.

Working Conditions:

Some evening work is required for Planning Commission, City Council, and other public meetings. Usual office working conditions. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises.

The City of Sherwood is committed to using a Merit Based System in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Veterans' Preference

If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please make sure to upload the required documentation to your application and self-select your veteran status. For more information on how to qualify, visit our Veterans' Preference Form webpage.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act

Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-625-4201 or e-mail [e-mail] at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

* City of Sherwood is a drug-free workplace *