Blaine County Planner II

BLAINE COUNTY, IDAHO

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Job Title:           County Planner II                                   Salary Range:    $43,700 - $49,100

Department:      Planning/Zoning/Building                         Reports to:        Department Administrator

 

JOB SUMMARY

 

Plans, coordinates and performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical and professional work related to the current and/or long range planning and zoning programs of the County.  Analyzes impacts of growth and development in the County. Provides development regulation information to the public.  Facilitates the implementation of land use and related County plans, ordinances and policies.

 

            DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Essential: Explains and interprets zoning and subdivision ordinance, Comprehensive Plan and Local Land Use Planning Act to general public, developers, landowners, and appointed and elected officials. Facilitates Commission and Board decision-making by identifying and advising (verbal and written reports) on alternative courses of action available and impacts of same. Inspects property (may include steep slopes, river banks, developed and undeveloped property, etc.). Receives, processes and evaluates planning and subdivision applications for compliance with comprehensive plan and zoning and subdivision ordinances; writes reports to Commission and Board; and advises same including during meetings and public hearings on effect of alternative courses of action. Prepares land use inventories; conducts research; prepares technical and statistical studies and reports for variety of purposes including to recommend alternatives for new or revised local codes and plans, to project trends, monitor socioeconomic data, etc. Serves as a liaison to local and regional governmental officials and entities including representing the County in intergovernmental forum and presenting the County’s Comprehensive Plan position on planning-related issues or proposals. Facilitates long range planning projects to carry out goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. Reviews Comprehensive Plan and zoning and subdivision ordinances and recommends and writes changes to Comprehensive Plan and zoning and subdivision ordinances to address issues related to long range planning projects and to maintain compliance with state legislation, particularly the Local Land Use Planning Act. Works independently as a staff member for ad hoc committees, task forces, or other committees,  as assigned by Administrator, from time to time. Processes new ordinances and plans, revisions to existing ordinances and plans, and application for subdivision through the requisite public hearing process. Follows up on conditions of approval attached to development and subdivision plans. Updates and revises Comprehensive Plan Land Use Maps and Zoning Maps, as necessary, including making reproducible copies available for distribution.  Creates and updates maps as needed for presentation or other purposes. Interprets Zoning District boundary lines. Evaluates rezone applications, analyzing impact on economy and environment and compliance with Comprehensive Plan. Prepares findings of fact and recommendation/decision documents as required for decision of Commission and Board. Attends public meetings, advises the public, the Commission, the Board and ascertains public needs and desires; testifies on issues related to planning and zoning. Coordinates and schedules meetings and public hearings for the Commission and schedules public hearings on planning and zoning-related matters for the Board; provides input at said meetings and hearings. Responds to and serves the public with courteous good will.

 

Additional: Prepares visual aids for public meetings. Attends workshops and conferences to keep abreast of new trends and developments in the field of planning. Assists other staff as assigned by the Administrator, provides leadership role to other staff.  May be asked to direct and supervise other staff members. Investigates alleged zoning or subdivision ordinance violations as determined necessary by Administrator.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Essential: Bachelors degree in planning, a related field and/or equivalent experience, plus 2 years experience in related field. Ability to perform essential duties with efficiency and accuracy, including use of time managements skills, ability to prioritize and work independently. Draft and read maps. Read and interpret ordinances, plans, and other written material. Conduct outdoor site visits and property inspections, including traveling from site to site. Public relations skills. Written and verbal communication skills for use in office, with public and at public meetings. Valid state driver’s license. Ability to work in an office environment and operate standard office equipment.

 

Additional: Familiarity with rural planning desirable. Familiarity with Local Land Use Planning Act and related legislation of State of Idaho desirable.