Planner II

Holland America-Princess (Holland America Dawson City Inn); Alaska; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Alaska Borough Planning Department is seeking a qualified planner to implement the zoning code and land use plans. You will interpret ordinances, review development requests, and prepare staff reports for commissions and assemblies.

The role requires careful data analysis, GIS skills, and effective communication with the public. A valid driver's license and writing samples may be required, with a focus on independent problem solving in a Borough setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning or closely related field and one year of professional experience in land use planning; or graduate degree in planning; or five years progressively responsible experience in land use planning.
• Ability to prepare accurate and concise reports and present data effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Proficient PC skills including MS Word & Excel; database experience and Adobe Illustrator preferred; ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license with insurance as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical interpretations of Borough zoning, land use, flood zone, and related codes to the public.
• Perform field inspections and review development requests, variances, rezones, etc.
• Prepare staff reports and recommendations; present at public meetings.
• Interpret ordinances and prepare position papers and recommendations for revisions.
• Review platting for conformance with zoning and flood plain ordinances.
• Review and authorize zoning permits, flood plain permits, and related permits; issue base flood elevations.
• Maintain databases on zoning and permits; assist with permit tracking system.
• Assemble information for special studies and advise other agencies.
• Assist staff with planning projects as needed.
• No supervisory responsibilities; handle daily issues with limited supervision.

Skills

Planning theory

Report writing

GIS analysis

Public interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning

Graduate degree in planning

Tools

MS Word

Excel

ArcGIS

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

Basic Function

Implement the comprehensive plan by administering the Zoning Code and other land use ordinances.

SALARY:

12A

UNION STATUS:

01 APEA

REPORTS TO:

Deputy Community Planning Director

Typical Duties

1. 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. 2. Perform field inspections, investigations, and technical review of land use and development requests, conditional uses, zoning variances, rezones, etc.
3. 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. 4. Interpret ordinances; prepare position paper and department recommendations regarding possible revisions and new ordinances.
5. 5. Review platting requests for conformance with Zoning and Flood Plain ordinances.
6. 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. 7. Maintain databases on zoning, flood plain and other permits, etc.
8. 8. Assist with the creation of a permit tracking system for the department.
9. 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. 10. Assist other staff with planning projects as needed.

Position Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. 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. 2. Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and concise reports and to present data in an effective manner, both orally and in writing.
3. 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. 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. 1. Knowledge of land use planning theory, practice, process, ordinances, and their applications.
2. 2. Ability to independently administer zoning and subdivision ordinances and prepare recommendations on a variety of issues.
3. 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. 4. Ability to perform analysis and produce project maps using GIS software, ESRI, ArcView or ArcGIS preferred.

OTHER

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

Additional Information

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.).