Senior Planner

POSITION TITLE:              Senior Planner

DEPARTMENT:                 Development Services

FLSA STATUS:                    Non-Exempt

SALARY GRADE:               H - ($33.89 - $44.13 range) - A 6% COLA will be added to this range on July 1st

REPRESENTATION:         None

Full Time - 40 Hours Per week M - F to start - With the future option of partial telecommuting.  

Join our team! Do you want to help guide development in Sandy? If the answer is yes, then the Sandy Planning Division is the place for you. The Senior Planner will be an integral part of the Development Services Department, where we focus on precision, impartiality, and collaboration! Don't miss an opportunity to become part of a team that implements the Sandy Development Code, creates long range planning documents, implements long range planning objectives, and applies best practices in land use planning.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

This position requires advanced professional planning experience. This position often leads or is significantly involved with larger, more complex planning projects, especially more complex land use applications. The Planning Division lead in the absence of the Development Services Director. The Senior Planner may also be required to coordinate volunteer groups or staffing of officially appointed groups.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs advanced professional work related to a variety of planning assignments.
• Interprets and applies applicable state and city codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Compiles and analyzes data and formulates reports and/or studies for long range planning projects.
• Assists in the research and report preparation of comprehensive land use matters, which includes, but is not limited to, the analysis of population characteristics, land use inventories, Comprehensive Plan and ordinance revisions.
• Conducts review of various development applications, which includes, but is not limited to, design reviews, conditional use permits, variances, adjustments, partitions, subdivisions, annexations, and zone changes.
• Writes, or assists in writing, a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls.
• Evaluates land use applications for compliance with applicable local, state, and Federal laws. May be the project lead on implementation of house and senate bills.
• Prepares staff reports and gives oral presentations to boards, commissions, and the City Council pertaining to applications for various community development projects.
• Provides staff support to the Planning Commission and various other commissions and committees as needed and assigned.
• Assists in the coordination of planning activities with other departments, divisions, and outside agencies and organizations as needed and assigned.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding zoning, land use and planning requirements, fees, and other planning program areas. Conducts field inspections as necessary.
• Updates a variety of maps. Prepares graphics and maps for a variety of reports, plans, grant applications, publications, and meetings.
• Provides technical advice to administrative staff, as needed.

• Maintains contact with other cities, counties, regional, and state government organizations for coordinating planning and community development tasks.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relations with coworkers, citizens, builders, developers, and the general public.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Mandatory Requirements:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, public administration, or closely related field and four year of professional planning experience. A Bachelor’s degree with six to eight years of experience may be substituted for a Master’s degree.

• Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices, and techniques of planning.
• Advanced knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as urban design, needed housing, economic development, or land use.
• Knowledge and experience in construction processes.
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices, or research and data collection.
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects.
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include but is not limited to Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint, and Geographic Information System (GIS).

Special Requirements/Licenses:

• Possession of, or required to obtain a valid driver's license within thirty (30) days of hire.
• Must be able to pass the department’s security clearance standards, including reference check, criminal history check and satisfactory driving record.  

Supervision Received:

Works under the direct supervision of the Development Services Director who holds the employee accountable for achieving the Council goals and objectives and job responsibilities in this job description.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Is the Planning Division lead in the absence of the Development Services Director.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Works in an office environment under usual office working conditions.  The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments, with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises. 
• Work is performed in numerous meeting settings in offices, conference rooms, and public spaces.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles.
• Some outdoor work involves conducting field inspections on uneven ground or in various buildings and construction sites.
• Work duties sometimes require evening hours.

BENEFITS

The City offers a full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, sick and vacation leave, and PERS. Please see our website for more details. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Sandy will give consideration to all qualified applicants for appointment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, political affiliations, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor.

Veterans who meet the minimum qualifications for a position open for recruitment may be eligible for preference in employment under Oregon law. If you are a Qualified Veteran or Qualified Disabled Veteran and would like to be granted preference in the selection and hiring process for a specific posted job, please fill out this Veterans’ Preference Form and provide proof of eligibility by submitting a copy of form DD-214 or 215 (copy 4). This completed form and required supporting documentation must be submitted with your application in order for consideration for Veterans’ Preference.

To Apply:  Complete the on-line application and upload your Cover Letter and Resume.