Associate Planner

The Position

The City of Beaverton, recognized as one of the 100 best places to live in the United States, is seeking an experienced current planner to process a wide variety of development applications and collaborate on research and policy development with the dynamic, inclusive 19-person Planning Division team.

Beaverton is a diverse first-ring suburb with a growing population more than 95,000 people. The city is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment and building community, creating a vibrant downtown and enhancing livability.

About The Job:
The city is looking for two current planners with experience in Oregon land use regulation. This role will focus primarily on review of land use applications for a full range of development projects. In addition, there will be some opportunities to conduct research and public engagement; collaborate across departments and with other jurisdictions in the region; and recommend policies that further Beaverton’s goals. Planners with experience reviewing projects for compliance with transportation or natural resources requirements are particularly encouraged to apply.

This is a non-exempt, SEIU-classified position. This position may require evening and weekend work. There are two vacancies.

**A cover letter and resume is required with your job application submission.**

Please note: Grammar and technical writing skills will be evaluated during the application review process. Only required or requested documents are guaranteed to be considered.

The vacancies for Associate Planner are pending Beaverton City Council approval.

Responsibilities

Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform a combination of some or all the following duties:

Prepare clear and effective written staff reports, technical reports and presentations.

Research, analyze and evaluate land use applications and technical reports.

Read and interpret maps and plans.

Explain technical matters in person, on the phone and in writing in a manner accessible to non-technical audiences.

Meet with and assist community members and developers to ensure satisfactory completion of the development review process. Respond to inquiries concerning planning projects or development projects and city standards.

Work closely with staff from Site Development (staff that permit and inspect public improvements built by developers), Building, Public Works (including engineering staff), and partner agencies to facilitate problem solving for complex development applications.

Manage projects, conduct research and develop policy recommendations under supervision.

Regularly attend meetings and public hearings, some of which are outside regular working hours.

Use a computer and compose materials for publication related to land use issues and applications.

Ability to travel as necessary to meet the needs of the position.

Create a workplace that promotes the organizational values of workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.

Assist in creating a positive and supportive work environment with a culture of teamwork and communication.

Actively promote an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society.

Perform duties outlined in the Associate Planner classification or other duties as assigned: Class Specifications.

Qualifications

The Ideal Candidate Is:
Self-motivated and organized;

A superb communicator verbally, visually, and in writing;

Experienced in applying transportation, urban design, historic resources, natural resource and sustainability policies and land use regulations to real world projects;

Strives for equity in planning and meaningful public engagement;

Experienced in planning for denser areas such as downtown environments;

A problem solver that both gets the “big picture” and is attuned to technical details;

Accustomed to working in a political environment;

Knowledgeable about the principles and practices of land use planning at the city, county, regional and state level, Oregon experience a plus;

Possesses strong interpersonal skills to work with a wide variety of people, including historically underrepresented communities.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, geography, public administration, transportation planning, landscape architecture, urban design or related field

Three years of progressively responsible experience in urban planning; OR

A Master’s Degree in a related field and one year of progressively responsible experience in urban planning

Valid driver’s license and ability to meet the city’s driving standards.

Ability to pass reference checks, a degree verification check and satisfy the requirements of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s Degree

Five years of progressively responsible experience in city planning

Bilingual Competency in English and any of the following: Spanish or Arabic or Korean or Vietnamese or Chinese or Russian or Japanese, including speaking, reading and writing.

Beaverton is a diverse city, boasting a large population of qualified persons, including women, veterans, Black, Indigenous and people of color, persons with disabilities, generational groups, persons who speak many languages and are of diverse national origins.

It is widely stated—and supported by studies—that candidates, especially women, are less likely to apply for a job unless they believe they meet 100% of the hiring criteria. The city’s talent acquisition goals include hiring the candidate who is best able to meet the performance objectives of the role. We therefore encourage persons with non-traditional skill sets and experiences to apply, even if you believe you do not meet 100% of the qualifications and hiring criteria described.

Compensation

Wage Range: $30.16 – $40.41 per hour

Starting rate will be determined depending on relevant work experience as outlined in the Equal Pay Act. New hires who meet minimum requirements will start at step one. Higher steps may be offered to those who have additional years of directly related experience to the position within the posted wage range.

The city pays the full retirement contribution to PERS; provides employees with an opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation retirement plan; makes available a public service loan forgiveness program and tuition reimbursement program; and offers excellent health, dental, vision and life insurance coverage. In addition to the hourly wage, bilingual pay (4% above the base) may be offered, contingent on the candidate passing a proficiency test provided by the city.