Temporary Assistant Planner

Job Summary

This is a Temporary opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. The anticipated end date is subject to departmental and budgetary considerations. The role of the Assistant Planner is to act as a customer liaison for the Planning Division of the Planning & Building Department. It implements the mission of the Department to assure the orderly growth of the City.

The incumbent undertakes and coordinates planning services involving providing public information about City planning policies, regulations, and activities, conducting technical plan review, and processing minor administrative development applications.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the entry-level classification in the Planner series. The incumbent follows routine procedures and guidelines in the application of prescribed duties and works under close supervision with work frequently reviewed by a superior. Assistant level work is performed under close to basic supervision and assignments are accompanied by clear, detailed, and specific instruction. This classification is distinguished from the Planner in that the latter performs more complex technical duties requiring a higher level of knowledge and skill.

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 information about the City's development regulations and policies to the general public and permit applicants - over the telephone, at the counter, through e-mail, and tes inquiries concerning specific development permits to project planners.
• Conducts technical review of single-family and other minor residential and commercial building permit applications.
• Processes minor administrative development applications to ensure compliance with City development regulations and policies, and conditions of approval for prior discretionary development permits.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

Peripheral Duties:

• Accepts development permit applications for filing, reviews for completeness, calculates and receipts fees, enters permits into permit tracking software and routes to supervising planners for further processing.
• Ensures that the public counter information is up to date, including City codes, maps, and forms.
• Supports Code Enforcement, including code analysis and site visits.
• Performs research tasks as assigned.
• Prepares standard City legal documents associated with building permits and minor administrative development applications.
• Works with other members of the Department in collaborative problem solving and completion of tasks.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!

If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they'll tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive management and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!

Competitive Wages: We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome Benefits: The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs: To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional service providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland's reserved spots as soon as they start employment.

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing its employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent customer service/public relations skills.
• Knowledge of land use codes and land use practices.
• Ability to analyze code provisions.
• Knowledge of basic…