Assistant City Planner

The Assistant City Planner is the entry level professional planning position in the Planning Division of the Planning and Community Development Department. The position performs professional work in the Division’s current planning group and provides support for special projects, including long-range planning initiatives. Assignments vary in scope and are completed within established standards, policies, and procedures, with guidance and support from supervisory staff as needed. Independent judgment is expected in routine and less complex assignments, while more complex or sensitive matters are handled in coordination with senior staff. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of the Senior City Planner and the Deputy Director.

• Provides zoning information and analysis to the public, property owners, and development interests, including: (40%)
  • Routinely provides front counter planning services and responds to inquiries from contractors, homeowners, organizations, businesses, government agencies, and the general public.
  • Facilitates pre-application meetings with applicants, with guidance and support from supervisory staff as needed. Explains applicable requirements, identifies key review considerations, and coordinates follow-up on questions or issues that arise.
  • Drafts zoning verification and determination letters evaluating existing site conditions and proposed land use activities.
  • Zoning Permits and Land Data Management forms
  • Home Occupation Licenses
• Reviews plans for development, such as site plans and plats, issues zoning permits, and inspects projects under construction for zoning compliance, including:  (40%)
  • Acts as a Project Coordinator for commercial building permits. 
  • Administrative plat review
  • Telecommunications and sign permitting
  • Gathers and analyzes planning-related data for projects as assigned.

• Under the immediate supervision of their supervisor, prepares staff reports on development projects for presentation to the Planning Commission, City Commission, local, state, and federal agencies, special interest groups, civic organizations, and the general public. (15%)
  • Prepares maps, charts, graphs, and other illustrative material related to development projects.
• Assists the department in long-range comprehensive planning initiatives and projects. (5%)

• A Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in planning, civil engineering, construction management, architecture, landscape architecture, political science, sociology, public administration, or a related field.
• Professional experience in planning, permitting, compliance, development, or construction may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• A relevant postsecondary certificate in planning or a related field may be considered in determining whether an applicant meets the minimum qualifications.
• Knowledge of computer programs and applications, including Microsoft Outlook and Office.
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcGIS Pro, is preferred.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a valid Montana driver’s license is required.

• The incumbent must be comfortable managing multiple projects in an environment that requires frequent interruptions and shifting priorities, including regular interaction with applicants and the general public, while working effectively in a team setting and collaborating with planners, building inspectors, and engineering staff to achieve desired outcomes.
• Because of financial investments being made in the development process, it is crucial that zoning information be conveyed accurately and in a timely fashion.        Attention to detail is very important.
• Incumbent must have communication skills, both orally and in writing, and possess the ability to clearly communicate planning concepts in both technical and non-technical terms in meetings with applicants as well as in more formal presentations to boards and commissions.
• Ability to work professionally and effectively with a wide range of individuals, including applicants and members of the public who may be frustrated or upset regarding City activities, policies, or decisions, while recognizing when a matter should be elevated or when assistance from supervisory or other staff is appropriate.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Ethical Conduct
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration Skills
• Technical Skills
• Effective Public Speaking and Written Communication Skills

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, reach, ride, and perform similar body movements. Must have the ability to perform light physical work and to lift and carry up to 25 pounds at a time; the possession of hand/eye coordination sufficient to operate a personal computer, office equipment, and a motor vehicle; the ability to talk and hear in person or by telephone; and the ability to see and read instructions and reports.  

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a salaried (exempt) position and is therefore not eligible for overtime compensation. The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. However, due to the nature of the role, actual hours worked may exceed 40 hours and may include occasional evening, weekend, or additional hours as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the business day.  Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.