Planner II / Associate / Junior Planner

Junior Planner Job Descriptions

The position of Planner II, also known as Associate Planner or Junior Planner, requires professional planning work of moderate difficulty. It is characterized by increasingly specialized knowledge of the planning field and a more elevated level of required duties and responsibilities compared with the Planner I. The Planner II is expected to possess in-depth knowledge within one or more planning specialties such as economic development, comprehensive planning, or environmental planning.

Although senior planners and supervisors closely review the work of the Planner II, planners at this level receive somewhat less immediate supervision when compared to the Planning Technician or Planner I.

Typical Functions

• Interprets and applies applicable state, county and local codes, ordinances and regulations
• Initiates actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of regulations
• Assists with updates and maintenance of Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations
• Conducts review of various development applications including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests and rezonings
• Conducts extensive research in specific or general project areas
• Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence
• Identifies community problems, issues, and opportunities in particular neighborhoods that could be mitigated through better community planning
• Develops long range plans for communities with common developmental issues
• Develops strategies to promote economic and community development or efficient land use consistent with community goals
• Evaluates adequacy of community facilities in meeting current and projected needs
• Recommends priorities, schedules, and funding sources to implement public improvements plan
• Writes, or assists in writing, a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls
• Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings

Typical Knowledge

• Well-developed knowledge of planning principles and practices
• In-depth knowledge of one or more planning specialization, such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques
• Knowledge of or experience in community remediation and redevelopment, and knowledge of relevant Federal programs
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations
• Knowledge of computer programs and applications, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, and database management
• GIS programs and applications

Typical Skills

• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to present research findings to various boards and committees
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined practical problems
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed
• Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual public participation activities

Minimum Qualifications

The Planner II level generally requires a master's degree with two years of experience in the planning profession. Organizations may accept candidates with a bachelor's degree and four years of professional planning experience. AICP Certification is preferred.

Updated May 2021