Department: Community Development & Planning
Classification: T-3 (I) or T-5 (II)
Representation: Bargaining Unit
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Nature of Work:

Planner I:

Planner I is the entry-level position of the planner series. Planner I assists the public by telephone, email and in person. Planner I performs general planner duties under direct supervision of the Community Development & Planning Director. General duties are to assist with processing land use applications and licenses relating to Community Development & Planning.

Planner II:

Planner II performs all the duties of a Planner I independently, with only general supervision from the Community Development Director. Planner II may be assigned to staff advisory boards that address land development issues in the Town, such as the Historic Preservation Review Board. Planner II explains ordinances, procedures and requirements to homeowners, developers and contractors pertaining to land development and permit requests and concerns.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Provide documents, permit applications and other general information as requested by the public, contractors, consultants, staff and other agencies.
  • Explain the review and approval process for land use and building permit applications.
  • Serve as Planner of the Day responding to walk-in customers’ questions as they relate to
    Community Planning, and returning voice mail and emails.
  • Assist applicants with the permit application process.
  • Assist with examining permit applications for accuracy and omissions.
  • Assist with processing land use applications and permit approvals consistent with Department
    procedures.
  • Prepare correspondence, public mailings, press releases, legal notices, memos and staff reports,
    as assigned.
  • Complete data entry for the CDP database for Town permit tracking, land use attributes and
    other parcel information and maintain other records for CDP department.
  • Assist the Community Development Director with historic preservation planning.
  • Assist the Community Development Director with comprehensive planning.
  • Assist the Community Development Director with code enforcement.

Geographical Information Systems:

  • Use the Town’s various ArcGIS Web Maps to answer customer questions
  • Assist with creating maps for all Town Departments

General Duties:

  • Assist with webpage maintenance.
  • Serve as a backup for other positions as directed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications Required:

Knowledge & Experience:

  • Modern office practices, procedures and use of common office equipment.
  • In-person and telephone customer service procedures
  • Microsoft Office 365 (all applications), Adobe and other software for mapping & indexing records

Abilities:

  • Demonstrate knowledge with MS Office Suite software, become proficient with job-related software applications and maintain written and computer-generated records.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Demonstrate proficiency in the English language including composition, spelling, and grammar.
  • Work accurately in a rapid-paced work environment; prioritize work, handle multiple tasks,
    accommodate interruptions and meet deadlines.
  • Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public.
  • Understand and follow oral instructions and written policies, procedures, and instructions.
  • Work independently within the Town’s policies and procedures with appropriate level of
    supervision.
  • Attend work regularly and arrive to work on time prepared to serve the public.
  • Interact well with co-workers.
  • Maintain confidentiality, in accordance with Town policies and procedures.
  • Physically perform essential job duties.

Education & Experience Required:

Planner I: 0-2 years of experience in planning with a 4-year degree in planning or a closely related field, or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job. Preference given to those with previous experience working for a municipality.

Planner II: 2-5 years of experience in planning with at least 2 years as a Planner I. Preference given to those with previous experience working for a municipality.

Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb stairs, to use hands to operate, finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, to reach with hands and arms, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervision Received & Exercised:

Planner I receives supervision from the Director of Community Development. This position has no
supervisory responsibilities.

Planner II receives supervision from the Director of Community Development. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Working Location & Hours:

Location: Town Hall Business Office, 60 Second Street
Work Period: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday; occasional overtime may be necessary.

Miscellaneous:

The duties listed above reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of the job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive list of work duties. Individuals may be required to perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

Notices:

  • Job-related tests might be required for employment consideration.
  • The Town of Friday Harbor will utilize the first 9 months of employment as an extension of the selection process.
  • The Town will request a background check as a component of the selection process.
  • The Town of Friday Harbor is an equal opportunity employer and assures equal employment regardless of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability.
  • Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed before employment commences as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
  • The Town of Friday Harbor has a no smoking policy in all Town facilities and Town vehicles.
  • As a condition of employment, employees are required to sign a drug-free workplace agreement.
  • This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.