Assistant Planner

Description :

Position Information -334122

General Position Summary:
The position involves providing high levels of customer service to Planning Department customers, applicants and partner agencies; assisting customers at the counter; receiving, processing and issuing ministerial permits; assisting in complex land use applications and long-range planning projects; conducting research and analysis; presentation of data; and other planning related work as assigned.

Essential Functions (in a typical work week):
Performs work under the supervision of the Planning Director and Senior Planner.
Responsible for friendly, accurate and timely customer service and technical assistance to customers and partner agencies.
Processes ministerial reviews with limited oversight and direction.
Provides assistance to planners and code compliance officer at the direction of the Director.
Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this position; however, may supervise office activity in absence of administrative staff of a higher classification.
Responds to inquiries and provides customer service to the general public and partner agencies in person, by telephone, and by email.
Assist applicants in the preparation of submitting new applications for land use approval.
Receives, processes and issues ministerial permits for new development.
Coordinates with partner agencies for land use compatibility statements.
Performs technical research and compiles data necessary to process permits.
Prepares written and oral reports in coordination with the Planning Director.
Provides assistance regarding permit coordination and processing, comprehensive plan development, code compliance needs, and community outreach.

Secondary Functions (in a typical work week):
Special projects related to improving customer experience and the planning process at the request and direction of the Planning Director;
Occasionally assists Planning Coordinator in issuing decisions, communications materials, Planning Commission meetings and hearings as needed
Performs other planning related duties as assigned.

Responsibility/Accountability: This section of the job description describes the amount and breadth of responsibility and accountability that rests with the position, including the expected results of the position, the impact on County operations and activities, and the responsibility for budget.

Some influence on departmental operations, programs, and expense or budgetary outcomes.  Dollar amounts influenced would be considered moderate when compared to the overall County budget.  Responsibility for the prudent use of County assets may extend beyond own work responsibilities to the work unit or department financial management.  Contact with the public is a regular aspect of the position and actions could impact community or user satisfaction levels. 

Supervision of Employees:  This section of the job description describes the supervisory responsibility assigned including the range and types of supervisory functions performed, from directing work activities and delegating assignments to coaching, counseling, making disciplinary decisions, hiring, firing, salary actions, performance appraisal, training, etc. as well as the types of employees supervised.   

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees.

Interpersonal Skills/Contacts:  This section of the job description describes the characteristics of personal interaction with others including the frequency of contacts with others, the breadth of interactions (within the County, outside the County, with vendors/contractors, dealing directly with the public, etc.), and the level of persons interacted with.  Also, included in this section is the reason for contact such as gaining cooperation; use negotiation, tact, teamwork, and sensitivity; or the likelihood of dealing with disagreeable or hostile individuals. 

Positions at this level have frequent responsibility for contact with others not employed at the County.  Internally, primary contacts are usually made with other departments, as opposed to own work group.  Contacts usually concern non-routine information, and the potential for positive or adverse consequences to the County because of these contacts is constantly present.  Negotiation, persuasion, tact, sensitivity, and confidential exchanges are all part of the interactions required.  Formal presentations may be periodically made.  Communication and interpersonal skills are important, and must be well refined to complete job responsibilities.

Working Conditions:  This section of the job descriptions outlines the work environment, conditions, and hazards that are encountered in the course of assigned work.  This includes the personal risk, hazard, varying work schedules, level of interruptions, job pressure, and the need to frequently juggle priorities and work assignments.  Also, exposure to unpleasant working conditions such as high noise levels, heat or cold, inside or outside work, exposure to electricity, chemicals, poor lighting, confinements, machinery, interactions with disturbed or dangerous individuals, personal attacks, contact with contagious disease, or situations where personal safely cannot be assured.

This level has a work environment that is usually well protected and free from hazards or obstacles.  There is little element of personal risk or hazard.  Job conditions are usually comfortable, with only occasional issues of confinement, temperature change, incident of noise, interactions of a disagreeable nature, interruptions, changes in job assignments that require adapting, etc.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works outside for outdoor site visits, data collection and analysis, and public meetings.

Physical Requirements:  This section of the job description describes the physical effort and manual labor, such as sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, digging, operating equipment, performing with speed, etc., as well as the dexterity required to complete the job functions.  The need for travel, extended hours, and situations of physical discomfort are also outlined here.

Positions rated at this level require occasional physical effort such as light lifting, carrying, or movement, etc.  Physical capability involves use of office or power equipment where some dexterity is needed.  Movement around the work space is not challenging, and there are little to no restrictions on mobility.

Education, Experience, and Certification/Licensure:  This section of the job description outlines the education, previous experience, professional licenses, certifications, and specific skills necessary to perform the assigned work. 

Positions at this level require abilities, skills, training, and/or knowledge base equivalent to a senior level technician or para-professional capacity.  Positions require abilities, skills, training, and/or knowledge base equal to those gained in a two-year technical or vocational program beyond high school.  Positions at this level may also be generalists whose knowledge base must cover a variety of areas, but not in great depth.  Two to four years of previous related experience is typically required.  The ability to identify variations from the norms, seek answers, and do initial problem solving are aspects of job requirements.

Below is an outline of the specific Education type, Experience type or licensure/certification that is required for this role.  The County will also consider any equivalent combinations of the qualifying criteria.

Education/Experience
Customer service experience or experience working with the public is required.
Graduation from college with a degree in planning, landscape architecture, geography or civil engineering; is preferred but not required.
Any combination of experience and training as determined by the hiring authority

Communication Skills
Excellent listening, writing, and oral communication skills.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures and government regulations.
Ability to write staff reports and procedures manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, proportions, discounts, etc.

Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills
Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.).
Proficient use of email, shared calendars and the internet for research and coordination needs.
Familiar with GIS viewing tools.

Other Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of County planning principles, methods and practices;
Ability to research, gather and review data and knowledge of basic statistical analysis techniques;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.

Contact : Human Resources
511 Washington St. Suite 302A
The Dalles, OR 97058
application@co.wasco.or.us
fax: 541-506-2771

EOE/ADA
Need assistance? Please contact 541-506-2774 or 541-506-2775

Deadline for Applying : Open until filled