Planner II

Fairbanks North Star, Borough of (AK); Alaska; On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fairbanks North Star Borough seeks a planning professional to interpret zoning and land-use regulations, review development plans, and prepare staff reports for Planning Commission and Borough Assembly. The role emphasizes data analysis, GIS mapping, and public communication, with responsibilities spanning field inspections, permit reviews, and coordination with agencies.

The position requires a degree in planning (or related field) and relevant experience; a valid driver’s license and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning or closely related field.
• One year professional land use planning experience.
• Ability to prepare accurate, concise reports and present data clearly.
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel; database experience and Adobe Illustrator preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide the public with technical interpretations of Borough zoning, land use, and related codes; advise the public of applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform field inspections, investigations, and technical review of land use and development requests; review variances and rezonings.
• Gather and analyze data, prepare staff reports, and formulate department recommendations for Planning Commission and Borough Assembly.
• Interpret ordinances and prepare position papers and department recommendations.
• Review platting requests for conformance with Zoning and Flood Plain ordinances.
• Review and authorize zoning permits, flood plain permits, and related permits; provide base flood elevations and certificates.

Skills

Land use planning

Zoning administration

Investigation & research

GIS mapping

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

Graduate degree in planning or related field

Five years land use planning experience

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Database experience

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

SALARY:

12A

UNION STATUS:

01 APEA

REPORTS TO:

Deputy Community Planning Director

• 1. Provide the public with technical interpretations of Borough zoning, land use, and other plans flood zone, subdivision, and related codes. Advise the public of other applicable laws and regulations; refer to appropriate agency, as needed.
• 2. Perform field inspections, investigations, and technical review of land use and development requests, conditional uses, zoning variances, rezones, etc.
• 3. Gather and analyze data, consult the public and other agencies, prepare staff reports and formulate department recommendations regarding land use and development requests; including oral presentations at Planning Commission, Borough Assembly, and other public meetings.
• 4. Interpret ordinances; prepare position paper and department recommendations regarding possible revisions and new ordinances.
• 5. Review platting requests for conformance with Zoning and Flood Plain ordinances.
• 6. Review and authorize zoning permits, flood plain permits, and other related permits, and provide base flood elevations and certificates to determine compliance with the Zoning, Subdivision, and other ordinances.
• 7. Maintain databases on zoning, flood plain and other permits, etc.
• 8. Assist with the creation of a permit tracking system for the department.
• 9. Assemble, interpret, and prepare information regarding special studies and provide input and make recommendations to other agencies performing studies that affect the Borough.
• 10. Assist other staff with planning projects as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in planning or closely related field and one year of professional experience in land use planning; or a graduate degree from an accredited college in planning or closely-related field; or five years progressively responsible experience in land use planning.
• 2. Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and concise reports and to present data in an effective manner, both orally and in writing.
• 3. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer for a variety of computer programs (MS Word & Excel required: Database experience and Adobe Illustrator preferred) and type at a proficient level. Ability to operate a variety of office machines (copier, scanner, fax, multi-function phone, printers, etc.).
• 4. Must have and be able to maintain a valid driver’s license. Must meet insurance standards and maintain insurability under the Borough's insurance program. If personal automobile is used for Borough business, proof of automobile insurance at statutory limits must be provided. (A CURRENT COPY OF DRIVING RECORD WILL BE REQUIRED UPON REQUEST.)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• 1. Knowledge of land use planning theory, practice, process, ordinances, and their applications.
• 2. Ability to independently administer zoning and subdivision ordinances and prepare recommendations on a variety of issues.
• 3. Ability to conduct investigative research and deal with the public and co-workers in a tactful and courteous manner under adverse and stressful conditions.
• 4. Ability to perform analysis and produce project maps using GIS software, ESRI, ArcView or ArcGIS preferred.

OTHER:

• 1. A writing sample will be required at time of interview. A proficiency test may be administered.
• 2. This position requires a criminal background check.

JOB CONTACTS:

Continuous contact with employees at all levels of the Borough; continuous routine public contact and frequent contact involving outside organizations/agencies.

JOB RESPONSIBILITY:

Does not supervise; experiences minor problems daily and occasional major ones that must be resolved on own initiative with little immediate supervision; the consequences of error, carelessness, or mistaken judgment require significant effort to recover.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Private/semi-private office with good, clean conditions; while in the field, there is minor accident/hazard probability; requires short periods of light lifting, pushing or pulling (1-25 lbs.).