Planner, Associate

Full Job Description

The City of Eugene Community Planning and Design team, part of the Planning Division, is looking for two positive, productive and collaborative individuals to help us turn our community vision into reality.

The successful Associate Planner candidates will enjoy providing service to the community, thrive in a team environment, and demonstrate adaptability to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

These positions involve a wide range of work with a focus on long-range planning projects to implement our community vision of a compact, connected, livable Eugene.

Examples of long-range planning projects include policy development, community engagement, urban growth boundary analysis, growth monitoring program work, land use code changes, and implementing the Oregon Land Use Planning Program.

A major portion of the Community Planning and Design team’s work plan is advancing Urban Growth Strategies – a multi-year, collaborative effort that integrates state-required urban growth planning, equitable community engagement, and City Council-directed policy work.

Building off years of planning and community engagement through Envision Eugene, this project is evaluating the need for housing, jobs, parks, infrastructure, schools, and other urban land uses, as well as what tools can help Eugene to grow more efficiently.

This work will result in studies of what land is available for future development in Eugene, updates to the Envision Eugene Comprehensive Plan, other adopted City plans and land use regulations, a parcel-specific land use designation map, actions to help Eugene grow more efficiently, and an evaluation of whether there is a need to expand the urban growth boundary (UGB).

Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 17, at 5 p.m. P.T.
Accepting Online Applications Only

Information on How to Apply

Classification: Planner, Associate

Salary: $42.04 - $54.64 hourly / $87,443.20 - $113,651.20

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).

Department, Division: Planning & Development, Planning

Position Information: Non-Represented, Exempt. One regular full-time position and one limited duration full-time position.

Work Location: Atrium Building, 99 West 10 Avenue, Eugene, OR

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with flexibility per business need.

The City of Eugene is shifting to a work environment of primarily in office work to foster collaboration and connection.

New employees must work on site full-time for the duration of their probationary period.

Following the probationary period employees in the Associate Planner position may utilize a flexible work schedule of 3-4 days a week in the office, per the Alternative Work Policy.

Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits.

Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Please see “Supplemental Information” at the end of the posting for more information.

Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.

About Limited Duration Positions:

• This Limited Duration position could last up to 24 months per business need.
• If you are a current Limited Duration City employee, you will not have rights back to your Limited Duration position.
• Limited Duration employees are at-will and do not have a probationary period.
• Limited Duration Non-Represented positions receive the same health, retirement and paid time off benefits as Regular Non-Represented positions.

Requirements

• Compile and analyze information and make recommendations on community plans and special studies.
• Perform precise technical analysis, comfortable with varied levels of detail.
• Interpret and write findings for statewide planning goals and rules.
• Communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences in various formats.
• Develop informational materials for the general public regarding Planning Division projects, and related City ordinances, codes, plans, and other standards.
• Conduct planning studies and gather data for evaluating planning projects.
• Research and assist in drafting ordinances to amend zoning, other land use development standards, the comprehensive plan, or other community plans.
• Prepare maps, charts, spreadsheets and graphs for a variety of planning projects and presentations.
• Collect, record, and summarize statistical and demographic information; establish and maintain records and databases.
• Serve as project manager or staff team member on complex planning projects.
• Manage or serve as lead for a program, committee, or higher-level project.
• Prepare staff and planning-related reports for the City Council, Planning Commission, Hearings Official, and other committees and advisory boards; make presentations as required.
• Make presentations regarding a variety of planning issues, or specialized planning projects to neighborhood, educational, civic, and professional groups.
• Assist with the planning and hosting of community engagement events; may hire and supervise interns.
• Potential to participate in Planning Division teams and a variety of City committees.
• Actively supports and respects diversity in the workplace.
• Performs related and other duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Planner, Associate

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences.

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

Three years of professional planning experience.

Education

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in urban and regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a planning-related field is desirable

Background

Must pass a background check.

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities

Knowledge of:

• City laws and ordinances related to general plans, zoning and land divisions.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Modern principles and practices of research methodology, urban planning, economics, and development.
• Applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Community engagement techniques and processes.

Ability to:

• Interpret planning and zoning concepts to the general public.
• Analyze and compile complex technical information and prepare memos, reports and presentations. Perform professional planning work with minimal supervision.
• Translate complex planning issues and technical data into an easily understood format for the public.
• Manage controversy related to community planning issues.

Additional Information

Professional Development

The City of Eugene 2023-2026 Strategic Plan includes goals supporting organizational wellbeing and a culture of belonging.

To advance both goals, Planning Division staff are both required and encouraged to pursue individual and team professional development opportunities, including City-sponsored trainings on Belonging and Designing for Equity, department-wide racial equity learning, and other trainings and conferences, as budget allows.

Bilingual Pay Benefit

This benefit compensates non-represented employees up to 5% of their base salary. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must demonstrate fluency in an eligible language and pass a language proficiency test that is administrated by the City’s Employee Resource Center division.

Non-Represented Retirement Program

Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).

In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.

From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296.

If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement.

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training.

The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes.

In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations.

PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee.

We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community.

As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce.

Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.