City Planner

JOB OBJECTIVE

Description ♦ The Planner functions in a support role to the Planning Department team for implementing the mission of the Community Development / Public Works Department by assuring the orderly growth of the City. The position will assist with the following: comprehensive land use planning, design review, administration of the City's Shoreline Master Program, wetland impact regulation/mitigation, and processing the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist. Essential Job Functions ♦ The Planner coordinates with the Lead Planner and other City Staff to ensure code compliance, environmental stewardship, technical completeness, and contract compliance. ♦ Works with applicants to review site development plans, safeguards compliance with applicable regulations, and produces alternatives to meet the city's and applicants' objectives. ♦ Secures compliance with zoning ordinances, ability to apply the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and the Comprehensive Plan as needed. ♦ Possesses a high degree of familiarity with land use applications (Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), subdivisions, short plats, rezones, variances) and GIS mapping coordination. ♦ Assist with scheduling projects for review in a timely manner, and coordinate reviews with staff and other bodies, such as the Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, State agencies, and /or City Council. ♦ Assist the Lead Planner in making recommendations and providing assistance to the Planning Commission as necessary. ♦ Assist the Planning Department with the preparation of public meetings or hearings related to projects, including public notices, press releases, and communications with affected property owners in compliance with adopted procedures. ♦ Arrange site visits and meeting logistics as required. Attends meetings and makes oral presentations of proposals. Presents project concepts and/or alternatives to various internal or external groups to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. ♦ Communicate orally and in writing to other government and regulatory agencies to ensure project compliance with other jurisdictions having regulatory oversight within Ocean Shores. ♦ Responds courteously to public inquiries or complaints regarding land use, environmental stewardship, or code compliance questions or concerns. ♦ Prepares, files, and maintains both paper and digital records throughout the life of a project. Ensures precise project history for compliance with a variety of federal, state, and local regulations and provides base information to update existing records and map systems. ♦ The Planner will assist with land use and environmental code enforcement. This may include investigation of complaints, interviewing witnesses, taking photos, and preparing statements and notices of violation. Provide documentation to the City's Code Enforcement Officer for follow-up or citation. ♦ Provide assistance in reviewing remediation plans submitted for review. Provide follow-up inspections of remediation projects as required. Qualifications ♦ Requires a minimum of 3 years of progressive exposure or experience in applying and interpreting environmental policies and regulations. ♦ Education or related experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field. ♦ Must understand land use and environmental review requirements and their application in the overall permit process. ♦ Must be able to analyze and diagnose problems as well as research and interpret codes, regulations, plans and specs, legal descriptions, plats, and various governmental documents. ♦ Must be skilled in problem-solving and can make immediate decisions. ♦ Negotiation, arbitration, and conflict resolution skills are essential to balance the needs of both internal and external customers. ♦ Must accurately communicate complex and technical concepts orally and in writing. ♦ Proficiency with computers, software, and office practices commonly used in government permitting operations. ♦ Attendance at evening meetings may be required. ♦ A valid Washington State driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier. Tools and Equipment Used ♦ Various types of materials and equipment are used; paper records, budgets, approved plans and specs, print media, RCWs and WACs, engineering and architectural standard references, surveys, site, building and area maps, local, county, state and federal codes, computers, communications devices, computer software (Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook, ArcGIS, Adobe Pro, Explore, Zoom, Teams, Etc.) and other agency documents and maps, drafting tools, templates, drawing aids and materials, models photography equipment, audiovisual/video equipment, and calculator. Future work practices may necessitate the use of additional tools and equipment. equipment, Working Conditions and Physical Abilities Work is of an administrative nature and is performed indoors and outdoors. Outdoor activities and inspections require combinations of standing and walking outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, with occasional lifting of 10 - 30 lbs. The work environment is sometimes stressful in trying to meet customer needs and /or dealing with confrontations between developers and contractors. There is some exposure to noise, vibration, fumes odors, and dust as well as to traffic, construction equipment, slippery work surfaces, and uneven terrain. Protective clothing such as a hard hat, steel-toed boots, a safety vest, and rain gear may be required at times.