Current Assistant Planner
CITY OF MERIDIAN
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Current Assistant Planner
Date:
February 2002
Department:
Community Development Department
Grade/FLSA Status:
H / Non-Exempt
Reports To:
Planning Supervisor
Revisions:
10/03, 8/06, 2/12, 11/14, 7/16, 8/17
Job Summary:
This entry-level planning position involves routine planning tasks and duties such as: assisting the
the general public, developers, builders, small business owners, and City staff by communicating ordinances,
policies and procedures; reviewing administrative level land use applications and submittals for
conformity to established plans and ordinances; composition of routine correspondence; and staff support
as needed and assigned.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Works independently and under the direction of the Planning Supervisor, the Planning Division
Manager and/or the Community Development Director;
Conducts research and collects and analyzes data to produce complete, accurate and logical staff
reports on a limited scope of development applications including but not limited to: sign permits,
certificates of zoning compliance, zoning verification letters and accessory use permits;
Reviews land use applications for conformity to established plans and ordinances;
Reads interpret, and reviews site designs, topographic plans, landscape plans, sign company
designs, and architectural plans and comments on needed changes and adjustments to plans;
Analyzes routine planning projects and answers questions related to the project;
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the Planning and Zoning Commission,
Mayor, City Council members, other civic leaders, customers, state and federal authorities, other City
departments, and local planning agencies;
Occasionally attends special meetings or facilitates public meetings held in the evening;
Uses ArcView and associated database to research property ownership and land use information;
Uses Accela Automation for application review and tracking;
Provides timely, accurate and specific planning and zoning information to applicants and to the public
at the front counter and through written correspondence;
Conducts on-site inspections of landscaping, parking and other required improvements to ensure that
development complies with conditions of approval;
Prepares comments on applications referred to the City by Ada County for compliance with Meridian
Comprehensive Plan and/or ordinances;
Identifies and corrects potential conflicts before they become a problem;
Demonstrates a positive, solution-focused attitude through optimism, decisiveness, and team decision
making;
Maintains a positive attitude of cooperation in the performance of work assignments, including
adaptability, flexibility, proactive engagement with customers, clients, and co-workers. problem
solving, decision making, resiliency, organization and time management;
Provides outstanding customer service by communicating respect, being open-minded, having a spirit
of collaboration, and calmly resolving conflict with individuals that may be upset or angry;
Develops and uses empathetic listening skills;
Demonstrates good judgment and initiative to interpret and apply City policies and procedures;
Provides excellent oral, written, and graphic communication with co-workers, clients, and supervisor;
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Demonstrates integrity in the performance of assigned tasks;
Works with Planning Division Manager on a training program for employee’s professional
development;
Attends continuing education conferences, workshops, and other training opportunities to remain
current with planning and/or development trends;
Performs other duties as assigned or needed.
Job Specifications:
1) High School diploma plus a minimum of four years of experience in community development
and/or planning field; or 2) Bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field; or 3) equivalent
combination of experience, education, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities
necessary to perform the job;
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Must be detail-oriented, have strong public relations skills;
Must be self-motivated and able to work independently;
Must have proven skills in conflict resolution, problem-solving, time management, decision making
and customer service;
Must have the ability to be flexible and adaptable;
Requires working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of programs, and ArcView GIS for desktop
basic;
Must be able to interpret related government regulations, policies and procedures and to explain
department policies and procedures under adverse conditions;
Must be able to read and interpret maps, construction blueprints, legal property descriptions and
subdivision plats;
Requires the ability to perform mathematical computations quickly and accurately; consolidate
information from various sources into a prescribed format;
Must be able to perform research and make recommendations for process and procedure changes;
Must have a strong customer service ethic and skills;
Ability to manage and complete multiple tasks and projects;
Must have excellent writing and research skills; have strong attention to detail; be a persuasive
speaker; be even-tempered, fair; and be committed to the American Institute of Certified Planning
Code of Ethics;
Requires strong computer skills and the ability to operate a 10-key;
Knowledge of principles and terms related to general and applied planning, development regulations,
comprehensive planning and zoning requirements;
Must have strong research techniques;
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and operation of Geographic Information Systems and
ArcView in particular;
Ability to perform Accela Automation;
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and
PowerPoint;
Working knowledge of state and local laws related to land use, permitting and subdivisions;
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Ability to prioritize, organize and perform work with minimal direction;
Ability to type at least 30 words per minute;
Must be able to compose clear and concise correspondence and technical written documents;
Ability to collect, prepare, and analyze statistical information;
Ability to operate a computer terminal and other office equipment, e.g., photocopier, facsimile
machine, digital camera, etc.;
Ability to read and interpret site plans and plats;
Ability to work with frequent interruptions;
Must be able to perform mathematical operations quickly and accurately.
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Certifications/Licenses:
Possession of a valid Idaho driver’s license and a safe driving record is required. If selected for
employment, out-of-state candidates must obtain a valid Idaho driver’s license within the introductory
period.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with a moderate noise level. The employee in this
class is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions which provide protection from weather
conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes;
The employee is occasionally subject to outside environmental conditions and is required to negotiate
rough terrain in order to conduct site visits which may also involve extreme heat and/or cold;
Frequently requires sitting at a desk for long periods of time, up to 8 hours;
Requires ability to lift up to 40 pounds;
Constantly requires repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers;
Constantly requires clarity of speech and hearing, which permits the employee to communicate
effectively;
Constantly requires clear vision to read printed materials and computer screen to accomplish work;
Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in
a general office environment to accomplish the tasks noted above.
Travel Requirements
Frequent local travel is required using city-owned vehicles.
Disclaimer:
Incumbent must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable
accommodation efficiently and accurately without causing a significant safety threat to self or others. The
above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of
all responsibilities, duties, and/or skill required of all personnel so classified. This job description is not an
employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the
exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
To comply with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), the City may make reasonable accommodation
for qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential job functions.