Planner II

Fairbanks North Star Borough; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbanks North Star Borough is seeking a professional to administer the Zoning Code and land use ordinances, perform field inspections, review development requests, and prepare staff reports for planning meetings. The role involves interpreting ordinances, reviewing platting and permits, and maintaining department databases.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field with experience, or a graduate degree with related experience, plus strong writing, GIS, and Excel

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning or related field with 1 year of professional land use planning experience, or graduate degree with related field, or five years of land use planning experience.
• Ability to prepare concise reports and present data effectively, orally and in writing.
• Proficiency with MS Word & Excel; familiarity with databases and Adobe Illustrator preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical interpretations of Borough zoning, land use, flood zone, and related codes to the public.
• Review and authorize zoning and flood plain permits; provide base flood elevations and certificates.
• Prepare staff reports, attend Planning Commission and Borough Assembly meetings, and make recommendations.
• Maintain zoning and permit databases and assist with permit-tracking system creation.
• Assist with planning projects and conduct field inspections and data analyses.

Skills

Report writing

Oral communication

MS Word & Excel

GIS software

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

Adobe Illustrator

GIS (ArcGIS/ESRI)

Job description

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

• 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.
• Perform field inspections, investigations, and technical review of land use and development requests, conditional uses, zoning variances, rezones, etc.
• 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.
• Interpret ordinances; prepare position paper and department recommendations regarding possible revisions and new ordinances.
• Review platting requests for conformance with Zoning and Flood Plain ordinances.
• 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.
• Maintain databases on zoning, flood plain and other permits, etc.
• Assist with the creation of a permit tracking system for the department.
• Assemble, interpret, and prepare information regarding special studies and provide input and make recommendations to other agencies performing studies that affect the Borough.
• Assist other staff with planning projects as needed.

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and concise reports and to present data in an effective manner, both orally and in writing.
• 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.).
• 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

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

Other

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

Additional Information

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.).

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER