Planner I

Job Title: Planner I

Salary range: $64,064.00 - $72,488.00 DOE/Q

Location: Sitka, AK

Department: Planning & Community Development

Hours: Full-Time; Benefitted

Start date: Negotiable

Job Description:

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

The primary purpose of this position is to support overall planning, zoning, community development, historic preservation land management and related functions.  The Planner I duties and responsibilities are split about 70% planning and 30% administrative as described below. 

Under the general supervision of the Planning Manager, this position has the authority to exercise considerable independent judgement and discretion to perform the position’s daily tasks and responsibilities within department established policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responds to and answers public inquiries, researches land records and code, and helps citizens with application submittal
• Approves as authorized by the Planning Manager building permits, business registrations, and other related planning applications consistent with zoning and subdivision regulations
• Prepares correspondence and reports, coordinating, organizing, and integrating information from various sources
• Prepares meeting materials such as public notices, agendas, informational packets, and minutes
• Performs site visits to assess planning, zoning, or other land use requests or opportunities
• Assigns and manages physical property addresses
• Assists in the development of ordinances, both short-term and long-range plans, or other policies and procedures to further the planning, land use, and community development goals of CBS outlined in the Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan
• Assists with enforcement of planning, zoning, and other land use regulation regulations
• Serves as the recording secretary to the Planning Commission and the staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission
• Performs administrative duties such as scheduling meetings, maintaining departments records and stocking office supplies
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Construction principles and practices
• Local or state government administration
• Community and economic development
• General office tasks and operations

Skills:

• Operating a personal computer using standard software, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe Pro, and customized planning and development software
• Providing customer service
• Communicating and maintaining positive working relationships
• Researching information in electronic or other formats
• Public speaking in front of large and small audiences

Ability to:

• Recognize and maintain confidential information
• Communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
• Understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures and instructions
• Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
• Dealing with a variety of people with various, and sometimes competing interests, calmly and professionally, to inform and de-escalate potential or actual conflict
• Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Quickly learn and put to use newly acquired skills and knowledge

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor Degree or higher in Public or Business Administration, Political Science, Economics, Architecture, Urban Planning, or related field; and
• Two years of experience in planning, economic development, public administration, or a related field focusing on planning, land use, or research; and
• Experience working with elected officials, advisory boards, or citizen or business groups, preferred or
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS OR EXPECTATIONS

• Possession of a driver’s license issued by the State of Alaska
• Will be expected to work some evenings and weekends
• Will be expected to do some travel outside of Sitka

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Working Conditions:

• Primarily works in a general office setting or meeting rooms
• Occasionally works outdoors sometimes in inclement weather

Specific Physical Requirements:

• Regularly operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination using a computer and keyboard
• Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time either in front of computer or a group
• Occasional bending, climbing, stooping, reaching and twisting, particularly in outdoor settings
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up 20 pounds with or without the assistance of proper equipment

General Physical Requirements:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate effectively
• Sufficient vision which permits the employee to perform assigned tasks and function in general office and meeting room environments
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate computers and related equipment and prepare handwritten work
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to function in a general office environment and visit various CBS worksites

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