Current Assistant Planner

City of Meridian; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Meridian is seeking an entry-level Planning Assistant to support administrative planning tasks under the Current Planning Supervisor. You will be the primary contact for residents, builders, and small business owners, clearly communicating ordinances, policies, and procedures.

The role includes GIS mapping, data entry in Accela Automation and Project Dox, and preparing reports that align with LLUPA and the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

Qualifications

• Education and licensing as required: HS diploma with experience or a degree in planning or related field.
• Ability to communicate ordinances, policies and procedures to the public and stakeholders.
• Experience or ability to interpret zoning codes and planning regulations.

Responsibilities

• Process administrative-level planning applications.
• Assist public, builders, and small businesses with inquiries.
• Prepare staff reports for development applications.
• Create maps using GIS software.
• Enter data into Accela Automation and Project Dox.
• Provide timely planning information at the front counter.
• Coordinate with other departments and agencies to ensure compliance.

Skills

Customer service

Public interaction

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning

High School diploma with 2+ years experience

Tools

ArcView

ArcGIS Pro

Accela Automation

Project Dox

Job description

Be part of a team that is making a difference in the lives of our residents every day. Together, let’s shape a brighter future for our community!

Salary: $33.40 per hr.

Job Summary:

This entry-level planning position processes both routine and more complex administrative-level planning and development applications while under the direction of the Current Planning Supervisor. This role also serves as the primary point of contact in assisting the general public, builders, and small business owners with questions by accurately communicating ordinances, policies and procedures. Additional responsibilities include coordinating with other departments and agencies, conducting in-depth research, making maps using GIS software, and preparing reports and other correspondences that are written in compliance with LLUPA, the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and City ordinances.

• Works independently and under the direction of the Current Planning Supervisor, the Deputy Director, and/or the Community Development Director;
• Conducts research and collects and analyzes data to produce complete, accurate and technical staff reports for administrative-level development applications, including but not limited to: sign permits, certificates of zoning compliance, design review, zoning verification letters, home occupations, alternative compliance, and accessory use permits;
• Coordinates with other government agencies including but not limited to: Ada County Highway District, Idaho Transportation Department, Irrigation Districts, West Ada School District, Kuna School District, Ada County, Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho, and Republic Services to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, City and Department policies, and timely completion of processes;
• Interprets, applies and explains planning-related regulations, policies and procedures to the public, applicants and civic leaders;
• Reviews land use applications for conformity to established plans and ordinances;
• Reads, interprets, and reviews site plans, plats, topographic plans, landscape plans, sign company designs, and architectural plans providing comments on required changes and adjustments to plans;
• Confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies, standards, and procedures;
• Processes multiple administrative-level applications promptly while responding to customer service needs at the front counter;
• Uses ArcView and associated database to research property ownership and land use information;
• Enters data and documents into Accela Automation and Project Dox for application review and tracking;
• Creates electronic maps including property owner lists and vicinity maps using ArcView and ArcGIS Pro;
• Provides timely, accurate and specific planning and zoning information to applicants and to the public at the front counter, via phone and through written correspondence;
• Conducts on-site inspections of landscaping, parking, building and other required improvements to ensure that development complies with conditions of approval;
• Reviews building permits for compliance with zoning ordinances and conditions of approval;
• Assists the Current Planning Supervisor on improving internal processes, planning code amendments, and policy development;
• Identifies and resolves potential conflicts before they become a problem;
• Demonstrates positive, solution focused attitude through optimism, decisiveness, and team decision making;
• Maintains a positive attitude of cooperation in performance of work assignments, including adaptability, flexibility, and proactive engagement with customers, clients and co-workers, problem-solving, decision making, resiliency, organization and time management;
• Provides outstanding customer service by communicating respect, being open-minded, having a spirit of collaboration, and calmly resolving conflict with individuals that may be upset or angry;
• Develops and uses empathetic listening skills;
• Demonstrates good judgment and initiative to interpret and apply City policies and procedures;
• Provides excellent oral, written, and graphic communication with co-workers, customers and supervisor;
• Demonstrates integrity in the performance of assigned tasks;
• Works with Current Planning Supervisor on a training program for employee’s professional development;
• Attends continued education conferences, workshops, and other training opportunities to remain current with planning and/or development trends;
• Performs other duties as assigned or needed.

Job Specifications:

• 1. High School diploma plus a minimum of two years of experience in community development and/or planning field; or 2) Bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field; or 3) equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the job.

Licensing & Certifications:

• Possession of a valid Idaho driver’s license and a safe driving record is required. If selected for employment, out-of-state candidates must obtain a valid Idaho driver’s license within 30 days after the date of hire.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you’ll enjoy your career with us!

City of Meridian is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, order of protection status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.

The City of Meridian is unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. This includes, but is not limited to, H-1B and F-1 visa categories. Candidates must possess valid work authorization in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship.