Assistant Planner - Design Review

The City of Boise is hiring an Assistant Planner - Design Review!

The Planning Division is seeking a community-focused problem-solver to join the Development Services Team as an Assistant Planner. This role assists citizens and members of the development community that may have a wide range of questions concerning the use of property in relation to the zoning code. Additionally, the assistant planner will conduct detailed research and help guide community members through the development process to successfully submit complete applications.

Ideal candidates bring a solution-oriented attitude, refined customer service skills, and the ability to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences.

The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:

• Zero-premium medical coverage for you and your family
• PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution) plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
• 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
• 10 weeks paid parental leave
• $500 annual wellbeing incentive
• Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost

This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be provided prior to closing.

Assists the front desk planners by providing customer service on interpreting zoning regulations, city code processes or procedures, approving walk-in building permits, etc. Conducts general parcel research through the archived city records, GIS system, subdivision plats and assessor’s records.

Reviews building plans and administrative permit applications to ensure compliance with zoning requirements. Researches plat approval and zoning requirements, including previous entitlements, setbacks, height, parking and location within floodplain or foothills. Assists with various planning and zoning projects and duties.

Performs routine or repetitive tasks with specific instructions and set procedures. Handles basic issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration or a related field and one year of experience conducting research and analyzing problems and issues related to urban planning and land‑use controls, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education.

• Theory, principles, standards and practices of professional urban planning
• Application of land use, physical and environment design, ecological science and zoning theory and practices to the planning process
• Pertinent ordinances, codes and regulations
• Current literature and developments in planning
• Research methodology as applied to the collection and analysis of planning data
• Methods and techniques of citizen involvement as they apply to plan processes
• Research techniques and report writing
• Computer usage including related software.

• Understand, interpret, explain and apply federal, state and local law, regulations, policies, procedures and standards
• Interpret graphic information such as blueprints, layouts, maps, plans and specifications, graphs and statistical data
• Work effectively with others and deliver courteous, responsive and effective customer service related to planning issues
• Communicate technical information through graphic presentations and written correspondence
• Explain various codes pertaining to the development and subdivision of land, signs, annexations and general plans
• Deal with difficult people, angry citizens and upset applicants and resolve their issues within the confines of laws, rules, policies and processes
• Exercise sound judgment and reach appropriate conclusions within established policies and guidelines
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Perform all essential functions…