Associate Planner

**Open Continuous/Until Filled**

Are you looking to join a team that values Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness?   Do you want to be a part of a strong team dedicated to serving our community, building relationships, and creating opportunities?  Then this might be the opportunity for you! 

We are looking for someone to join Team Yuma as an Associate Planner working with the City of Yuma Department of Planning & Neighborhood Services Community Planning Division.  The ideal candidate will be responsible for Current Planning cases and activities.

Under basic supervision, this job classification provides experienced technical assistance to developers and the general public to achieve compliance with the City's planning and zoning policies and procedures in the Department of Planning & Neighborhood Services (P&N); performs professional planning, research, data analysis, and report writing duties; assures that City codes, policies and procedures are followed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides experienced technical planning services and customer service for P&N; assists developers and the general public with planning and zoning issues, including complex commercial projects, and special zoning issues; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Assists the public with inquiries and problems in submitting applications for development plans, proposed zoning changes, variances, conditional use permits, text amendments, subdivision plats, and General Plan amendments; explains and interprets P&N programs, zoning codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews business, special event, and liquor license applications; verifies license meets P&N policies, standards, zoning codes and ordinances.
• Reviews and processes a variety of building permit applications and technical documents; researches property history, and zoning cases and codes.
• Enforces City zoning code through plan and case review; reviews planning drawings and technical documents, and reviews applications for planning actions to be heard by City Council and commissions.
• Completes plan review checks for site plans, subdivision plats, and inspections; conducts site inspections to verify projects are in compliance with regulations, codes, and P&N standards.
• Performs research, compiles data, reviews case files, and writes reports for review by P&N staff and City commissions and committees; prepares and presents assigned planning and zoning cases and issues.
• Facilitates pre-development meetings to review and discuss project proposals; coordinates meetings with staff from other City departments, and public meetings for neighborhood residents.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and the “Yuma Way”, and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Business or Public Administration; AND one year municipal planning experience, preferably in Arizona; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge of: 

• City policies and procedures.
• Federal and state regulations, and City codes and ordinances governing planning and development, including special historic district and building safety regulations.
• Principles of urban planning, community development, land use, and permitting.
• Project planning and management principles.
• Research techniques and resources for regional land use trends and regulations.
• Personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software, including GIS software applications.
• Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.
• Customer service methods and techniques

Skill in:

• Researching and analyzing the factors and components affecting community planning projects.
• Interpreting and applying building and safety standards, state and Federal regulations, and City land use and zoning regulations, codes and policies.
• Presenting and defending planning reports and P&N issues in public meetings.
• Checking designs, details, estimates, plans, and specifications of planning projects.
• Collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting data and information.
• Maintaining accurate and interrelated technical records.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment. May occasionally be required to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects. 

Salary : $60,573 - $81,967