EMPLOYMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Wasatch County Planning Office is seeking qualified applicants to fill a fulltime opening for the position of Senior Planner (Grade R $94,910-$102,211 plus a competitive benefit package). Under direction of the Planning Director, this position is responsible to perform complex planning and land use administrative duties with limited supervision.

Wasatch County is situated in a rural mountain valley on the back of the Wasatch Mountain range approximately 15 miles south of Park City and less than an hour drive to Salt Lake City and the Provo Orem metropolitan area. The County is surrounded by State and Federal lands and provides abundant recreational opportunities including skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and water sports. Due to the county’s proximity to the Wasatch Front, the recreational opportunities, and the beauty of the area, the county is experiencing rapid growth in all types of development from traditional residential subdivisions to mixed use and high-end resort development.

WASATCH COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:  Senior Planner

GRADE NUMBER:  Grade R $94,910-$102,211 plus full benefits package

EFFECTIVE DATE: May, 2018 Revised: 03-2024

JOB SUMMARY

Under limited supervision, performs complex planning and land use functions for the Department including overseeing the DRC (Development Review Committee) process; provides information to the public regarding zoning and development; and assists various Boards and Commissions in the County.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

·         Provides professional and accurate information to the public, elected and appointed officials.

·         Performs all functions of processing and review of land use applications and overseeing the County DRC (Development Review Committee) process.

·         Reviews other permit or license applications for compliance with County regulations.

·         Meet regularly with developers, the public, and other departments. 

·         Prepares proposals for amendments to county ordinances or policies. 

·         Prepares staff reports, presentations, and other findings to staff, Boards and Commissions, and the County Council.

·         Schedules, attends, and conducts meetings with advisory boards and officials presenting on county land use planning, codes, ordinances, and policy issues.

·         Provides technical assistance regarding planning activities including, but not limited to, researching best practices, gathering technical data, and providing analysis of existing and potential policies.

·         Perform field inspections of development projects and document inspection.

·         Maintain records, file reports, communicate orally and in writing.

·         Assist in community outreach on issues relating to community development.

·         Review citizen complaints regarding code compliance.

·         Provide mentoring and work direction to other department planners and staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

·         Current planning issues and trends.

·         Mixed use and resort type developments.

·         Unique aspects to developing on mountainous terrain.

·         Procedural administration of land use and building permit applications.

·         Computer equipment and programs including Microsoft and Adobe suites. ESRI experience producing maps is helpful though not required.

·         Legal systems and procedures affecting planning and zoning including in-depth knowledge of land use regulation in the State of Utah.

Ability to:

·         Complete essential functions independently and efficiently.

·         Be proactive and self-motivated to identify and solve problems.

·         Communicate effectively in both verbal and written communications.

·         Maintain cooperative positive relationships with various stakeholders.

·         Be detail oriented and maintain accurate records.

·         Interpret and apply adopted ordinances in the issuance of permits and review of applications.

·         Attend public meetings as assigned, which may include hours outside of the typical work day.

Skill in:

·         Explaining complex rules and ordinances in an easy-to-understand manner.

·         Preparing and presenting technical reports with limited supervision.

·         Workload management including prioritizing timelines and meeting deadlines for multiple tasks.

·         Planning and organizing comprehensive research studies.

·         ESRI experience producing maps and technical analysis is helpful, though not required.

·         Performing functions with fairness, tact, and impartiality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typically sit at a desk or table.  Occasionally walk, stand, or stoop.  Occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to 30 pounds.  Use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.  Regularly drive a motor vehicle.  Work for sustained periods of time maintaining concentrated attention to detail.  Need to distinguish between shades of color.  Travel to local sites for field inspections and code enforcement which may include hiking.

Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an office, library, computer room, or other environmentally controlled room.  Work is occasionally performed outdoors in hot, cold, or inclement weather.  Work exposes incumbent to possible bodily injury from spending time at construction/development sites. 

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture or similar planning related field and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience performing civic planning duties.  Up to one year of experience may be substituted for a Master’s Degree in an applicable field. Specific experience with development in resort areas and/or mountainous areas is preferred.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION

Must possess a valid state of Utah driver’s license.  Current AICP certification, or the ability to obtain AICP certification within 6 months of employment is preferred.  

**This description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive.  Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.