Land Use Planner

City of Eugene; Eugene (OR); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual pay benefit up to 5%

Job summary

City of Eugene is seeking an Assistant/Associate Planner (Land Use Analyst) to support the Land Use Team in the Building and Permit Services Division. The role emphasizes client service, public involvement, and applying development standards in a collaborative office setting.

The position requires strong communication, experience with current planning, and the ability to produce clear staff reports and presentations for multiple audiences. Hybrid schedule is possible with supervisor approval.

Qualifications

• One year of professional planning experience (Assistant level).
• Three years of professional planning experience (Associate level).
• Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, or related field. A Master's degree is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes and evaluates land use applications, building permit and development proposals; prepares public notices and interprets laws and codes.
• Identifies and resolves issues affecting feasibility of development proposals and land use applications.
• Prepares staff reports for the City Council, Planning Commission, and other boards; makes presentations as required.
• Assists the public; acts as public contact for land use planning at the Permit and Information Center.
• Prepares maps, charts, and graphs for land use applications and planning projects.

Skills

Public communication

Collaborative work

Public involvement

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning or related field

Master's degree in planning desirable

Job description

The City of Eugene Planning & Development Department is accepting applications for a full-time Assistant/Associate Planner (Land Use Analyst) with the Land Use Team in the Building and Permit Services Division. The successful candidate will be a positive, solution-oriented, collaborative individual, who values providing excellent service to the community and thrives in a highly productive team environment.

The Land Use Analyst position involves a wide range of work related to current planning, including review of land use applications and development permits and providing information and assistance to developers and the public on land use planning related matters, including but not limited to, the land use code, building permit applications, and interpretations of development standards. This position supports continually evolving our processes and services (including customer service, written communications, technology, and processes).

Many aspects of the position will involve working closely with the public, ranging from general inquiries to facilitating meetings with development professionals. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, dynamic planner with a track record of excellent communication, a commitment to meaningful public involvement, and the ability to formulate elegant, sensible solutions to complex challenges. A successful candidate for this role will have strong current planning experience in applying development standards and a firm commitment to implementation that supports the community’s vision.

Classification: Planner, Assistant; Planner, Associate

Salary: Planner, Assistant: $82,347.20 - $87,859.20 annually; Planner, Associate: $89,814.40 - $116,729.60 annually

Department, Division: Planning & Development, Building and Permit Services

Position Information: Non-Represented

Work Location: Atrium Building, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon. Must reside in the state of Oregon and be able to report onsite for work as needed.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m. with some flexibility per business need. Hybrid schedule an option with supervisor approval and as allowed by organizational policy.

The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as benefits packages.

Bilingual Pay Benefit

This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Please see "Supplemental Information" at the end of the posting for more information.

• Analyzes and evaluates land use applications, building permit and development proposals; prepares appropriate public notices; evaluates data and interprets applicable laws, codes, and ordinances, and makes appropriate recommendations; coordinates reviews and negotiations with other City departments.
• Identifies and resolves critical issues affecting the feasibility and success of various development proposals and land use applications.
• Prepares staff and planning-related reports for the City Council and Planning Commission, Hearings Official, and other committees and advisory boards; makes presentations as required.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates complaints and recommends corrective action as necessary to resolve concerns regarding the City's planning functions. Serves as public contact for land use planning at the Permit and Information Center.
• Prepares maps, charts, and graphs for a variety of land use applications and planning projects; prepares initial studies and designs for land use applications, annexation and other related reports.
• Compiles and analyzes information and make recommendations on community plans and special studies.
• Researches and drafts ordinances for review; processes amendments to the City zoning ordinances, other land use development ordinances, and the Metropolitan Area General Plan, and community plans.
• Confers with and advises engineers, developers, architects, attorneys, and the general public regarding City development requirements and planning policies and standards; coordinate City's response on land use applications, zoning, and other planning related matters; negotiates and resolves related conflicts that arise.
• Collects, records and summarizes statistical and demographic information; establishes and maintains a comprehensive database.
• May conduct field investigations to assess project conformity with plans and policies; makes recommendations for corrective action.
• Develops promotional and informational materials to provide information to the public regarding building and permit services programs, procedures, and related City ordinances, codes, plans, and other standards.
• Reviews complex development proposals and work with developers to reach agreement on acceptable site plans; reviews various development applications for compliance with appropriate regulations and policies; prepares reports and recommendations.
• Provides technical assistance to other city staff.
• Ensures implementation of and adherence to the City’s Affitative Action and Diversity Work Plans. Facilitates staff development on such issues as diversity and creating a respectful working environment.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Planner, Assistant; Planner, Associate.

The City of Eugene encourages individuals of all communities and backgrounds to apply for job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to the public.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable knowledge, skills, and abilities from a variety of sources and experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

• Planner, Assistant: One year of professional planning experience.
• Planner, Associate:Three years of professional planning experience.

Education

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in urban and regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture or a closely related field. A Master's degree in a planning-related field is desirable

Background

Must pass a background check.

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities

Knowledge

• Modern principles and practices of urban planning, economics and development.
• Terminology of governmental and legal procedures related to municipal planning.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Research methods and statistical principles related to urban growth and development.
• Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Citizen involvement techniques and processes.
• Modern office methods, procedures and computer equipment. The following are specific to the Associate Planner level:
• City laws and ordinances related to general plans, zoning and land divisions.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Modern principles and practices of research methodology, urban planning, economics and development.
• Applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Citizen involvement techniques and processes.

Abilities

• Learn City laws related to general plans, zoning and land divisions.
• Learn applicable State and Federal laws and regulations, and methods of assessment.
• Analyze and compile technical and statistical information of moderate difficulty and prepare reports.
• Use drafting and drawing equipment and computer to draw maps and plans.
• Become familiar with current maps, studies, ordinances, and other planning resources.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
• Analyze and compile complex technical and statistical information and prepare reports involving site design, circulation, utilities, and other urban services.
• Perform professional planning work with minimal supervision.
• Translate complex planning issues and technical data into an easily understood format for the public.
• Manage controversy related to specific development proposals and community planning issues.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in written and graphic work.

Planner, Associate level:

• Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
• Analyze and compile complex technical and statistical information and prepare reports involving site design, circulation, utilities, and other urban services.
• Perform professional planning work with minimal supervision.
• Translate complex planning issues and technical data into an easily understood format for the public.
• Manage controversy related to specific development proposals and community planning issues.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in written and graphic work.

Working Conditions

Regular focus on a computer screen. Daily precise control of fingers and hand movements. Daily standing and sitting for prolonged periods. Occasional attendance at meetings or activities outside of normal working hours. Occasional operation of a motor vehicle on public roads. Occasional physical exposures when making site visits.

Bilingual Pay Benefit

This benefit compensates non-represented employees up to 5% of their base salary. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must demonstrate fluency in an eligible language and pass a language proficiency test that is administrated by the City’s Employee Resource Center division.

Non-Represented Retirement Program

Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.

From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296. If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to PERS: Work After Retirement.

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE:Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at [phone].

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.