Assistant Planner



Assistant Planner

Salary

$4,094.13 - $4,912.27 Monthly

Location

City Hall: 129 N. 2nd St. Yakima, WA

Job Type

Full-time

Department

Community Development

Division

Environmental Planning

Opening Date

12/02/2021

Closing Date

12/13/2021 4:00 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME - Municipal

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the  application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position.  For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month.  Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.  

Overview and Minimum Class Requirements

The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

 

  • 3% Bilingual/Biliterate English/Spanish special pay
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
  • FREE healthcare clinic!
  • WA State PERS pension plan
  • 1% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
  • Generous accruals for vacation and sick leave
  • Much more!

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field, PLUS a related position or internship with a municipal or private planning organization of no less than three (3) months (480 hours). Four (4) years of progressively responsible job experience with a municipal or private land use planning organization may be substituted for the above required BA degree. Masters degree may substitute for the three (3) month internship.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES:
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License.


Job Summary

Under general supervision performs entry-level planning processes. Duties include researching various public records; preparing charts, graphs, maps and other reference documents; preparing various staff and planning reports; assisting customers with their permit applications; providing technical support; and conducting limited presentations at public meetings. Work is reviewed through direct observation, results achieved, finished work product and individual conferences.

Essential Functions

Researches federal, state and local statutes, public records. Gathers pertinent data and solicits public input related to specialized assignments in areas such as policy development, housing, population projections, land use, development, zoning, City utility extensions, annexations, environmental considerations, transportation, urban design, legislation, road and easement vacations,  and/or other subjects. 
 
Receives defined assignments and assists in problem identification; research; data gathering; prepares graphics and maps; and prepares final products, staff reports, or decisions. Utilizes computer software programs including GIS, and internet applications. May be responsible for multiple projects. 
 
Attends public hearings, community meetings, City Council meetings, and committee meetings, to  present information in areas of expertise. Occasionally makes formal presentations orally and in writing.  Presents information to other professionals, government officials, and lay persons.
 
Provides technical and planning assistance to customers; reviews applications to ensure compliance with permit application processes.  Responds to customer inquiries regarding planning processes, zoning, timetables, and related rules, regulations and/or policies.
 
The significant differences between the Assistant Planner and Associate Planner are the complexities, responsibilities and impacts of assignments on the City and community. This position prepares individuals for career advancement with increasingly specialized knowledge to meet the requirements and expectations of the job duties.
 
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
May make presentations before the Hearing Examiner, City Council, or at public and advisory committee meetings and hearings within assigned areas during regular working hours or during evenings or weekends.
 
Requires regular and reliable attendance.
 
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Major Worker Characteristics

General knowledge of:  the principles and practices of urban planning, urban design, community development, housing and neighborhood conservation, environmental regulations, land use planning and growth management, and other relevant fields. Knowledge of  federal and state guidelines, Growth Management Act, governmental processes, land development processes, environmental processes, techniques of work program design and scheduling; and methods of techniques of community involvement.
 
Ability to:  perform technical review of projects and development permit applications; apply policies and codes to zoning, architecture and site design, housing and other issues; collect, organize and analyze numerical and qualitative data to support recommendations' think conceptually, draw logical conclusions, make sound decisions, prepare reports and findings; and make recommendations. Ability to perform research and assemble findings, conclusions, and decisions in support of land use decisions.
 
Ability to:  perform field investigations and gather, analyze, interpret, evaluate and report on various land use and characteristic data related to developmental proposals. Coordinate with other City Departments and governmental agencies to ensure that their input is incorporated into reports, plans, and projects; work effectively with others.  Ability to:  work independently and as part of a team of professional and technical staff; operate and effectively use personal computers and other pertinent office machinery; communicate in English effectively orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, representatives of other governmental agencies, representatives from community and special interest groups, citizen committees, builders, developers and property owners. Experience with: computer software programs, including proficiency in GIS.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time.  Frequently needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constant use of both hands in reaching/ handling/grasping/fingering, while performing duties operating on computers and other machinery. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and ladders while maintaining balance. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties, and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May work alone, with others, or in noisy work area.   May work outside with all weather extremes, be exposed to pollen and dust, and will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  


UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:  
May work extended hours and attend evening and weekend meetings.  May be exposed to angry or upset individuals or groups.

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
  • FREE healthcare clinic!
  • WA State PERS pension plan
  • 1% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
  • Generous accruals for vacation and sick leave
  • Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
  • Much more!
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaing unit.  Click here to view the union contract and benefits.

01
Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?
  • Yes
  • No
02
What is your highest level of education?
  • High School diploma/GED
  • Some College
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Technical/Trade Certification
  • None of the above
03
Select your level of education related to Urban Planning or Public Administration?
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • None of the above/ no related degree
04
Do you possess at least 3 months (480 hours) working or interning in a municipal or private planning organization?
  • Yes
  • No
05
How many years of progressively responsible job experience with a municipal or private land use planning organization do you possess?
  • None
  • Less than 4 years
  • At least 4 years
06
If you have the experience referenced in question 4 and/or 5, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure your application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)
07
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.

Required Question

Agency
City of Yakima
Address
129 N. 2nd Street

Yakima, Washington, 98901
Phone
(509) 575-6090