Associate City Planner

The Associate City Planner is the journey 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 contributes to special projects, including long-range planning initiatives. At this level, routine planning functions are expected to be well understood and performed with confidence, requiring less day-to-day direction. Assignments vary in scope and complexity and are completed within established standards, policies, and procedures, with increased responsibility for independent judgment, problem solving, and work prioritization. More complex, sensitive, or precedent-setting matters may involve collaboration with senior staff. While this is not a supervisory position, the Associate City Planner is expected to provide support, guidance, and coaching to Assistant City Planners as needed. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Senior City Planner and the Deputy Director.

• Prepares maps, charts, graphs, and other illustrative material related to development projects.
• Facilitates the review of land use applications and prepares staff reports for items such as annexations, subdivisions, zoning requests, conditional use permits, variances, and related development proposals.
• Reviews site plans for development, proposed subdivision plats, and home occupation requests; issues zoning permits; and inspects projects under construction for zoning compliance. (30%)
  • Gathers and analyzes planning-related data for projects as assigned.

• Leads pre-application meetings with applicants with a higher degree of independence. Explains applicable requirements, identifies key review considerations, and follows up with supervisory staff as appropriate, particularly on more complex or sensitive matters.
• Provides information to contractors, homeowners, organizations, businesses, government agencies/departments, and the general public as requested.
• Participates in the Department’s long-range planning efforts by updating adopted comprehensive planning documents and tracking implementation of their recommended planning objectives. (10%)
  • Works with planning staff to create new comprehensive planning projects to respond to development trends and other community development priorities.
  • Assists in amendments to current zoning code and subdivision regulations. 

• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in planning, civil engineering, construction management, landscape architecture, political science, sociology, public administration, or a related field.
• Three years of professional experience as an Assistant City Planner or in a related planning position.
• Relevant professional experience in planning, permitting, compliance, development, or construction may be considered in lieu of the education requirement.
• A Master’s degree in a related field, AICP certification, or a relevant postsecondary certificate in planning or a related field may be considered in lieu of a portion of the experience requirement.
• Knowledge of computer programs and applications, including Microsoft Outlook and Office, Bluebeam Revu, and online permitting software.
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcGIS Pro.

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 essential that zoning information be conveyed accurately and in a timely fashion.  Attention to detail is critical.
• Expectations for work performance differ from those of the Assistant City Planner position in that incumbents are expected to independently manage routine planning assignments, take on more complex planning work, and exercise greater judgment with less day-to-day supervision. Questions brought forward to supervisory staff should reflect that the incumbent has already reviewed applicable codes, policies, and available resources, completed preliminary analysis, and made a reasonable effort to work through the issue before seeking additional direction. 
• Must be able to prioritize work effectively, ensure time-sensitive and higher priority assignments are addressed first, and plan for longer-term projects in a manner that maintains steady progress while still meeting deadlines and managing more immediate responsibilities. 
• 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, and to respond with sound judgment, professionalism, and a solution-oriented approach.

• Ability to operate, or quickly learn to operate, software applications appropriate to assigned tasks, including Microsoft Outlook and Office, Bluebeam Revu, and online permitting software.
• Accurately defines issues, summarizes the relevant facts and considerations, and presents a clear recommended course of action.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Ethical Conduct
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration Skills
• Technical Skills

• Effective Public Speaking and Written Communication Skills
• Independent Judgment and Problem Solving

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. However, while not a supervisory position, the Associate City Planner is expected to provide day-to-day support, guidance, and coaching to Assistant City Planners and to serve as a professional resource within the Planning Division.

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 conduct 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 67471telephone; 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.