Associate Planner

City of Sherwood; Sherwood (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO accruals and paid holidays

Wellness program

FSAs (Health & Dependent Care)

Job summary

City of Sherwood is seeking an Associate Planner for the Community Development Department. The role focuses on current- and long-range planning with emphasis on development review and zoning administration.

The Associate Planner serves as project manager for land use applications and facilitates pre-application conferences. The position supports housing, economic development, infrastructure planning, and other planning topics under the Planning Manager's guidance, with independent judgment in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, architecture, urban studies, or related field.
• Two years of professional planning experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Desirable GIS experience and development review experience.
• Knowledge of Oregon land-use laws, codes and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply planning codes, regulations, and zoning rules.
• Prepare staff reports and present findings at hearings and meetings.
• Support long-range planning and code updates.
• Assist in maintaining the comprehensive plan and ordinances.
• Conduct pre-application conferences and field investigations.
• Create visual planning materials for public meetings.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Report writing

Maps preparation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

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.

Description

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.

Essential Duties

• 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.
• 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.
• Conducts research, analysis, community engagement, and policy development to support long-range planning projects and code updates.
• Assists in maintaining and updating the City’s comprehensive plan and implementing ordinances in accordance with adopted policies and state land use law.
• 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.
• Conducts pre-application conferences with potential applicants, providing information about the development process for current planning and rezoning proposals.
• Performs field investigations and creates reports on various land use data regarding current land use applications.
• Prepares and presents visual information on planning topics. Creates maps, charts, posters and/or slides for public meetings.
• Maintains cooperative working relationships with City staff, external stakeholders, and the general public.
• 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 knowledge of planning concepts, principles, techniques and practices; considerable knowledge of Oregon land-use laws, codes, rules, regulations.

Ability to: Communicate effectively both 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.

Desirable Qualifications: Experience with Geographical Information System (GIS) is preferred; experience in 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.

• City of Sherwood is a drug-free workplace *

The City of Sherwood offers a wide range of employee benefits.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off – PTO accruals are determined by an employee’s status (full-time or part-time regular) and the length of service. AFSCME represented new, full-time employees accrue 5.23 hour per pay period or 17 days per year. SPOA represented (consolidation of, and in lieu of, paid holidays and vacation leave) new, full-time employees accrue 7.38 hours per pay period or 192 hours per year. Non-represented new, full-time employees accrue 5.23 hours per pay period or 17 days per year.
• 9 paid holidays (for applicable employee groups) AND up to 96 hours of sick leave per year (unused sick leave accumulates from year to year).
• Wellness Program (Beyond Well) - We are proud to make your health and well-being a priority by providing resources and support to help you and your family live well. Resources include smoking cessation, weight management, and stress management classes (online or via telephone with a personal health coach); fitness activities, and city-wide provided Health & Wellness events throughout the calendar year.
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life and Disability Insurance (both City-provided and voluntary)
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• 457b Deferred Compensation Plan

To learn more about our Benefits and Wellness program and view our current benefits guide, visit this link.