The City of Boise is seeking a collaborative and motivated planning professional to join our Planning and Zoning Division as an Associate Planner. In this role, you will help shape the city’s growth and development through meaningful work in land use planning, development review, policy implementation, and community engagement. You will partner with a talented planning team and work closely with applicants, residents, neighborhood organizations, boards and commissions, and other stakeholders to guide projects, solve problems, and support policy and process updates that strengthen Boise’s development services and long-range planning efforts.
To ensure internal equity and alignment with the approved budget for this position, offers are made within the posted hiring range. Although the hiring range is fixed, employees receive an exceptional benefits and total rewards package that enhances the overall value of employment with the City of Boise.
Why the City of Boise?
The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:
- Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family (easily a $10k+ added value!)
- PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution, fully vested after 5 years) 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
Disclaimer: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.
Applications received for this recruitment may be used to fill similar vacancies within the City of Boise as they occur.
Receives, reviews and processes both administrative and hearing level applications for zone changes, site and design variances, subdivisions, records of survey, conditional uses, rezones, annexations and appeals. Reviews development applications for completeness and ensures all required information has been provided. Reads, interprets and applies regulatory policies, codes and guidelines. Reviews engineering plans and writes detailed technical analysis with regard to site planning and adherence to the Boise city code and comprehensive plan. Conducts research regarding site locations, subdivision plat notes, property easements and zoning codes. Acts as a liaison to the associated agencies that may be impacted by a development application. Reviews legal documents such as development agreements, cross access agreements, shared parking agreements, etc. Ensures all public hearings are published through official public notice postings and the state and Boise code required communications are accurate and timely. Uploads electronic documents, as well as organizes and maintains files. Prepares detailed reports and presents applications to the hearing examiner, Planning and Zoning Commission and city council public hearings.
Responds to planning and zoning related questions from the public by answering telephone calls, emails, facilitating in-person meetings, and assisting walk-in customers with questions, interpreting zoning regulations, following city code processes and procedures, etc. Conducts general parcel research through the archived city records, GIS system, subdivision plats and assessor’s records. Reviews and provides feedback for development permits. Complies with public information requests. Ensures all information is available to the public. Assists in the setup and review of early assistance applications for completeness.
Provides construction plan reviews and conducts inspections for final occupancy to ensure that all of the required conditions of approval have been met. Reviews and releases construction bonds for completion of work.
Conducts presentations on current planning processes and property rights to various groups such as staff, neighborhood associations, elected officials and professional groups. Reports on trends, code interpretations and questions, and recommends efficiencies to improve customer support process.
Serves on or leads planning-related advisory committees on city-initiated projects. Drafts municipal code. Assists other planning divisions with special projects. Provides comments, clarifications and recommendations on other agency plans, policies and codes.
Handles moderately complex issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff. Is capable of performing all duties of an Assistant Planner and provides team support and training, as needed.
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.
Required Knowledge, Experience, And TrainingBachelor’s degree in city or urban planning, geography, architecture, public administration or a closely related field and two years of experience in urban planning, urban design, architecture or a similar field.
Knowledge of:- Principles and practices of planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas
- Principles, standards, practices and information sources of subdivision ordinances, zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans
- Laws, codes and other regulations pertinent to subdividing, planning, zoning and community development
- Planning research, zoning and community renewal activities
- Current literature and developments in planning
- 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
- Source and availability of planning information, including demographic and economic data, environmental determinants of land use, land development trends and legal requirements
- Research methodology as applied to the collection and analysis of planning data
- Computer usage including related software.
Ability to:- Analyze planning issues related to the entitlement process, subdivision of land and site planning
- Interpret policies and develop operating guidance related to urban planning laws, regulations, executive orders and other technical material
- Provide customer service assistance and formal recommendations relating to urban planning policies, procedures, guidelines and/or regulations
- Plan and implement new initiatives and promote technological advances relating to urban planning
- Work independently in the preparation of plans and special studies
- Prepare extensive written reports that are easily understood
- Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
- Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.
Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And TrainingMaster’s degree in planning, geography, architecture, city or urban planning or a closely related field and four years of experience in architecture, professional planning, urban design or a similar field and experience in the public sector.
Certification from American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Licensing And Other RequirementsValid state-issued driver's license.
Special RequirementsApplicants must be able to pass:
City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
Driving Record Check
Education Verification
The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds. Also, the employee is frequently pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk and hear. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, reach and grasp. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
Working EnvironmentThe work environment will include inside conditions and outdoor weather conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.
This position works: scheduled hours after work and occasional weekends to attend meetings and public hearings.
