See full job and application details at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma/jobs/3161520-0/associate-planner-long-range-planning

City of Tacoma’s Planning and Development Services Department is accepting applications for the classified, non-represented position of Associate Planner in the Long Range Planning Division.
 
The Planning and Development Services (PDS) Department’s mission is to conduct long-range, comprehensive planning activities pursuant to the State Growth Management Act and applicable federal, state, regional and local mandates.  PDS works together with the community, City Council, and Planning Commission to develop and update the Comprehensive Plan, along with neighborhood and subarea plans, and associated regulations and implementation strategies that guide the future development of the built and natural environment of Tacoma. Learn more about their mission and work program at www.cityoftacoma.org/planning.

The Associate Planner position supports this mission by contributing a diverse range of support to the Long Range Planning work program that includes citywide and subarea planning, regulatory code development, capital facility planning, and other partnership projects. For example:

• Collecting and analyzing socio-economic, land use, transportation and demographic data
• Research and information gathering relevant to Tacoma Municipal Code map and text amendment projects
• Public meeting design, preparation, and facilitation
• Responding to public inquiries and comments
• Researching relevant subject matter and case studies
• Preparing draft text, maps, graphics, presentations
• Preparation and support for internal and external stakeholder work sessions
• Support to website, social media and other project communication methods  

The ideal candidate will be a person who exhibits the following skills and experience:

• Strong personal motivation and drive – an energetic and committed self-starter
• Strong research and analytical skills, especially in relation to zoning and comprehensive planning policies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong collaboration and team member skills
• Have a general understanding of planning practices, public participation and engagement methods, as well as state laws that inform our daily work.
• A creative problem-solver

The Principles that Guide Us:
Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented and open-minded employees with unique skills and perspectives.  We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement in all that we do.  The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Depending on position/assignment, an Associate Planner typically:

• Develops or assists in the development of studies, reports, correspondence, maps and graphics related to all planning functions including comprehensive plan elements, implementing programs and development regulations
• Reviews or assists in the review of development applications and site plans for completeness and conformance with policies, codes, plans, and regulations, coordinates review with other City departments and governmental agencies
• Assists with updates and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations
• Coordinates environmental review of plan and code amendments and/or development applications and determines impact mitigation and requirements for compliance with codes and development standards
• May prepare and make presentations on development or planning issues or proposals to governmental bodies, the Hearings Examiner, Planning Commission, citizen groups, other advisory bodies, City Council and the public
• Researches, collects and analyzes a variety of statistical and/or technical data to apply to planning, regulation, zoning or land use issues
• Evaluates and prepares or assists in the evaluation and preparation of reports analyzing rezonings, conditional use permits, shoreline/environmental permits, variances and other discretionary permit applications
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Regulatory Code, the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans/permits
• Acts as liaison between citizens, community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing citywide, community, and neighborhood plans, and in developing new or revised zoning and development regulations
• Coordinates community review of public and private development projects and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and development regulations
• Assists senior planning staff with complex cases by gathering and analyzing data, assisting in the preparation of reports and documents for hearings and appeals and/or for review by advisory bodies, and/or appointed or elected officials
• Responds to inquiries on problems, questions, and complaints and assists in resolving citizen issues
• Provides information and technical assistance to the public, other agencies, and City staff
• May provide staff support to Planning Commission, other commissions and/or committees, including agenda preparation and meeting notification
• Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings
• Maintains records and files and performs routine administrative tasks
• Performs other work as assigned

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma’s diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma’s entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play. 

Qualifications

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (TRAINING AND EDUCATION):
Bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, public policy, urban design, public administration, engineering or related area of study.

OR

Four (4) years training and work experience performing the functions of an Associate Planner.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

• Depending upon assignment, a WA driver’s license may be required

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge and Skills:

• Applicable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies
• Proficiency with computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office products, Internet applications, GIS

Competencies:
Analysis
Use data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions.

Verbal Communication
Effectively express information through the spoken word using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.

Written Communication
Effectively convey ideas and information in writing using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the reader.

Customer Focus
Build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction with the services provided by the City of Tacoma.

Coordinating and Organizing
Effectively coordinate activities, services, and schedules to ensure smooth and efficient operation of work.

Adaptability/Flexibility
Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities. Adjust approach, goals and methods when needed to achieve successful solutions and results in dynamic situations.
 
Relationship Building
Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual regard.

To be considered for this opportunity:
Interested individuals must apply online and meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process. Applicants must attach a detailed resume and cover letter describing job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position. 

In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement. 

Candidates who are eligible for Veteran’s Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application, to be eligible for review for Veteran’s Preference points, with redacted birth date and social security numbers.

Examination Process:
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions # 5-14 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers.  DO NOT respond with “see resume” in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score. 

Candidates who obtain a passing score will be ranked on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration. 

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background and reference check. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

When you work for the City of Tacoma you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible work schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/   
http://www.traveltacoma.com/ 
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/newhires

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, please call Human Resources at (253) 591.5400 before 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.