GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, performs technical and professional planning work; participates in planning projects that range from routine to moderately difficult; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level class in the professional planning series. Associate Planners are responsible for providing assistance to higher-level planners in the areas of research, data collection and report preparation. Incumbents initially work under close supervision and are expected to become increasingly knowledgeable and carry out assignments with increasing independence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. 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 this class.

Conducts research studies and prepares reports and findings regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing and environmental needs; maintains, updates and analyzes demographic and other data required for the planning function; reviews, develops, or revises various elements of the General Plan, environmental impact reports, plans, ordinances and other policies and procedures. Investigates and processes requests for variances and subdivision plans. Investigates and processes permit requests for fences, patios and other tenant improvements; investigates and processes requests for residential and business signs. Uses computers and software programs for various technical planning projects and studies. Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, policies, regulations, standards and procedures with respect to the submission of plans, processing of applications, and implementation requirements; reviews, investigates and processes various plans and applications for subdivision, housing and commercial developments, variances, use permits and business licenses; determines conformity with laws, policies, regulations and procedures. Prepares reports and recommendations for various commissions, boards and community groups; reviews draft materials and prepares comments; prepares a variety of written communications, including analytical reports, commentaries, correspondence and drafts of revisions to local ordinances, policies and procedures. Compiles, analyzes and interprets data to define environmental conditions, social, economic and housing trends, and community and zoning projects or requests; answers questions and provides information and assistance to the public in person, on the telephone and in writing; prepares maps, graphs, charts and other visual aids to illustrate presentations of planning studies; develops and prepares material for pamphlets, brochures and publications.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, and information sources of municipal urban planning; implementation of zoning and other municipal ordinances; methods used in developing information for General Plan modifications; application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental, and/or social concepts to the planning process; community trends and market analyses techniques; mathematics concepts, including statistical analysis techniques relevant to the planning process; terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning and map drafting; applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Ability to:

Perform routine to moderately difficult assignments under decreasing degrees of supervision; understand and apply federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the planning process; interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs and statistical data; research, analyze and summarize planning data both manually and with computer programs; prepare clear visual displays, such as maps, graphs, and illustrations; make presentations of ideas and recommendations; prepare clear and concise technical documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials; exercise sound judgment within established guidelines and supervisory direction; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of the work.

Training and Experience:

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in urban planning, public administration or a closely related field; and some technical and professional-level urban planning experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

A valid Arizona driver’s license.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to sit; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; and interact with officials and the public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee works under typical office conditions; the noise level is usually quiet. Some field work is required.