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.
Job Summary
This position performs with considerable independence under limited direction and requires frequent contact with the City Council, boards and commissions, other City departments and divisions, and the general public. This position performs professional Urban/Land Use Planning work focusing on both current and long-range planning. In addition, the Senior Planner may be responsible for coordinating activities of the planning staff. The position performs other complex planning work to support the Supervising Planner and Division Manager as required.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A Bachelor Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Architecture or a closely related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible and directly relevant planning experience is required. Experience must include work as a project manager or lead in a planning project or program. A Master’s Degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional Planning experience. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES:
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
Essential Functions
Performs lead role (Project Management) for the preparation, review, and adoption of:
A. Zoning Ordinance Amendments
B. Subdivision Ordinance Amendments
C. Development Standards and Regulations
D. Neighborhood and Sub-area Plans
E. Special Studies and Reports
Responsible for the preparation of special studies and detailed reports to the management staff, boards and commissions, and the City Council on planning policy issues and related matters. Attends public hearings, community meetings, City Council meetings, and committee meetings and presents information during regular working hours or during evenings/weekends. Makes formal presentations orally and in writing. Presents information to other professionals, government officials, businesses, community groups, residents, and others.
Provides planning staff support and direction to the Yakima Planning Commission. Provides assistance, guidance, direction, training and constructive feedback to subordinate planning staff on other issues and topics as assigned and/or appropriate.
Short-Range:
May assign files to planners and assists in processing permit applications; reviews and investigates applications for annexation, subdivision, right-of-way vacation, zoning and city utility extensions; provides policy guidance on staff recommendations. Conducts thorough research, prepares graphics, maps, reports and recommendations for presentation to various government officials. Works with other governmental agencies and city departments in a support role. Provides advanced technical planning assistance to the public on request and assists subordinate planning staff respond to difficult questions, issues or situations. Answers planning questions posed by the general public efficiently and effectively with courtesy and respect.
Long-Range:
Assists in problem identification and development of Comprehensive Plan goals and objectives. Designs programs necessary to meet assigned planning objectives. Develops methodology; performs in-depth research, data gathering and applies complex statistical techniques. Performs lead role in zoning and subdivision amendments and other regulatory programs. May coordinate land use programs. Researches grant opportunities. Writes planning-related grant applications; develops RFP/RFQ, and contract documents for consultants when appropriate. Manages grant programs/projects through to completion.
Contributes to the effective administration of City government by fostering an attitude among staff that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts, productive time management, and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
Requires regular and reliable attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
