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Planner/Assistant Planner

Salary

$69,347.20 - $93,474.16 Annually

Location

Iowa City, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

00862

Department

Planning, Development & Sustainability

Opening Date

07/01/2025

Closing Date

7/20/2025 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

Definition & Duties

Under general supervision, research and review applications for development including rezoning, subdivision, commercial site planning, variance, and conditional use. Prepares policy proposals and implementation measures regarding current land use regulations and long-range planning. Utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to produce maps, reports, and spatial databases. Conducts analysis in decision-making processes for County staff, other government agencies and the general public.

*Position will be filled at either the Assistant Planner or Planner level dependent on the qualifications of the selected candidate. Starting annual salary of $69,347.20- $83,200.00 for Assistant Planner or $77,895.22- $93,474.16 for Planner*

Knowledge of & Ability to

+ Planning and zoning history and theory

+ Urban and regional planning methods and practices

+ Subdivision plat review

+ Current planning techniques

+ Development impact analysis

+ ESRI’s ArcGIS Desktop

+ Geospatial Data Management

+ Geoprocessing techniques and methods

+ Cartographic principles

+ English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and proofreading skills

Ability to:

+ Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner

+ Interpret, understand and apply planning and zoning laws, governmental regulations and county/department policies

+ Collect data, keep accurate records, prepare reports and technical correspondence

+ Be detail oriented and accurate while performing duties

+ Perform complex analysis using spatially-derived data

+ Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

+ Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive

+ Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, elected officials, consultants/engineering firms, attorneys and members of the public

+ Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias

+ Use a computer and related software programs for the purpose of GIS, data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email and Internet

+ Operate common office equipment such as calculator, fax machine, photocopier, multi-line telephone, scanner, computer projector, printer and large format plotter

+ Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position

+ Follow oral and written instructions

+ Organize and present facts, ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals in formal and informal situations

+ Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication

+ Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate to heavy use of a keyboard and mouse

+ Have sufficient vision including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, which permits production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms

+ Occasionally work outdoors in different terrains in all weather conditions

+ Sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, squat, bend, twist and reach

+ Push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 35 pounds

+ Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work and attend meetings at various county facilities and other locations

+ Work flexible schedule and additional time as needed

Minimum Education, Training & Experience & Special Requirements

Assistant Planner

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or related field AND six (6) months experience. Master’s Degree preferred. Must have training in GIS.

Special requirements: Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage. May also require use of personal vehicle for official business. Ability to obtain American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) professional credentials within 4 years of hire.

Planner

Education and Experience: Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or related field AND 2 years of related experience OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have training and experience in GIS.

Special requirements: Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage. May also require use of personal vehicle for official business. Must possess American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) professional designation. Ability to obtain Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) professional designation within 2 years of hire.

Specific Duties

to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

+ Reviews applications for subdivision, site plans, rezoning, variance, special exception, and conditional use proposals.

+ Prepares written reports; recommends measures regarding development projects and rezoning requests; and ensures compliance with County regulations and policies.

+ Assists in planning activities.

+ Under supervision, advises Board of Supervisors and appropriate boards and commissions regarding planning and county development issues and reports findings and recommendations in documented staff reports and memos.

+ Answers inquiries regarding proposed developments, zoning issues, and policies.

+ Researches and prepares amendments to the Johnson County Unified Development Ordinance, and other ordinances under the auspices of the Planning, Development, & Sustainability Department.

+ Assists in updating Comprehensive Plan, Fringe Area Agreements, and other sub-area plans.

+ Works with various types of spatial data (image, vector, tabular, and GPS derived data) that the Planning, Development, & Sustainability Department collects and maintains.

+ Develops and maintains Planning, Development, & Sustainability Department spatial databases in shapefile and ArcGIS Geodatabase formats. Conducts data conversion as needed.

+ Conducts several degrees of geographical analysis using software and spatial data for a variety of purposes.

+ Produces customized maps and reports.

+ Attends work-related meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.

+ Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.

+ Attends work regularly

In addition to the items listed above, the Planner position is responsible for the following:

+ Leads Planning activities vs. assists in planning activities

+ Assist in updating the Economic Development Plan

Resume and cover letter must be attached to online application.

For questions regarding this position please contact Ines Beltre at [email protected] or 319-356-6003

Employee Benefits

The following is a summary of benefits for full-time, non-bargaining County employees. Benefits, privileges and duties for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary depending on specific contract provisions.

Compensation

Employees serve a six-month probationary period and are eligible for meritorious performance compensation increases based upon performance evaluations. Across the board compensation increases are considered by the Board of Supervisors, and are made effective July 1 annually.

Vacation

+ During 1st through 4th years: 3 working weeks

+ During 4th through 9th years: 4 working weeks

+ During 9th through 19th years: 5 working weeks

+ During 19th or later years: 6 working weeks

Holidays

12 paid holidays per year plus 2 personal holidays:

+ New Year's Day

+ Martin Luther King's Birthday

+ President's Day

+ Memorial Day

+ Independence Day

+ Juneteenth

+ Labor Day

+ Veteran's Day

+ Thanksgiving Day and day after

+ Christmas

+ Floating Christmas holiday

Sick Leave

Accrues at the rate of 18 days per year on a per-pay period basis to a maximum accrual of 120 days. After accumulation of 90 sick days, employees may convert sick leave to vacation on a 4:1 basis.

Parental Leave

A paid two-week (80 hour) paid parental leave is provided to full-time benefit eligible parents to allow for child bonding time. This includes child's birth, adoption, placement in the home or court appointed guardianship.

Wellness Program

Voluntary wellness activities, screenings, educational opportunities and incentives are offered throughout the year for employees and their families.

Employee Assistance Program

Employees and their families may contact Synchrony for free EAP counseling and referral services.

Health Care Coverage

Eligible employees may elect health care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment.

+ Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa is the third party administrator for this self-funded plan

+ PPO with 90/10 in-network and 80/20 out-of-network co-insurance; $275 deductible single or $550 deductible family; $1000 out-of-pocket maximum single or $2000 out -of-pocket maximum family

+ Single coverage is $32/month for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is $112.00/month.

Dental Care Coverage

Eligible employees may elect dental care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.

Vision Care Coverage

Eligible employees may elect vision care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.

Flexible Spending

Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket health, dental and vision expenses that are not reimbursable through another source. Employees may also set aside pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses.

Life Insurance

Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. Coverage is 1 times annualized compensation rounded up to the nearest thousand in group term life insurance and AD&D. Max covered salary $100,000.

*Supplemental Life Insurance

The County offers to all benefit-eligible employees additional life insurance coverage that may be purchased for employees, spouses and children at guarantee basis.

Long-Term Disability

Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. County provides up to 2 years of long term disability coverage at 66 2/3% of the employees wages as a result of injury, sickness or pregnancy; employees may opt to purchase additional coverage.

IPERS

Iowa Public Employee Retirement System is a mandatory defined benefit retirement plan designed to supplement both Social Security and private savings. Non law-enforcement employees contribute 6.29% and the County contributes 9.44%.

Deferred Compensation (457)

A deferred compensation plan is offered that provides tax advantages and an additional means in which to save for retirement with an easy payroll deduction. Employees may select from several companies offering deferred compensation. The County will match up to $40/biweekly, and employees are vested on day 1.

Discounted Bus Pass

Full-time and part-time employees are eligible to purchase discounted bus passes for Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit for commuting to/from their jobs as Johnson County employees. Bus pass availability is subject to available funds and continuation of the program.

Johnson County is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.

Women, minorities and elderly are encouraged to apply.

Employer

Johnson County

Address

913 S Dubuque St Suite 103 Iowa City, Iowa, 52240

Phone

319-356-6003

Website

https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/

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