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Planning Assistant, Portland, OR

Planning Assistant

Salary 
$16.80 - $21.44 Hourly
Location 
1900 SW 4th Ave, OR
Job Type
Full Time
Bureau
Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
Job Number
2017-00624
Closing
8/21/2017 4:30 PM Pacific
The Position
Planning Assistant is the entry-level classification in the professional planning series.  Planning Assistants provide paraprofessional support to city planners by performing routine research, review and writing assignments.  Work is closely reviewed for quality, accuracy and appropriate application of code or specific planning policy.  Positions are located in the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) and in the Bureau of Development Services (BDS).

The eligible list generated from this recruitment may also be used to fill future Full Time and Limited Duration vacancies in both bureaus.  Positions in both Bureaus will help meet expectations of providing excellent customer service in an equitable manner to meet the needs of the City of Portland's community.  Fluency in a second language is desirable, but not required.  For more information about the scope of work for Planning Assistants at BPS and BDS, please see below under Additional Position Information.  

The current vacancy in BPS is Limited Duration.  Persons appointed to limited term positions will be designated as limited duration employees whose appointment shall not exceed two (2) years except for the extension of grants or funding from outside sources.  

This classification is represented by City of Portland Professional Employees Association. To view this labor agreement, please go to https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bhr/27840  and click on the appropriate link.
To Qualify
The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:
  1. Knowledge of urban theory and principles, and related fields such as urban design, landscape architecture or environmental science principles and practices.
  2. Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques and formulae relevant to the planning process.  
  3. Knowledge of terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning. 
  4. Ability to understand and apply City zoning and land use regulations including reading maps and site plans. 
  5. Ability to identify key planning issues associated with a project or study. 
  6. Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written formats. 
  7. Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and reach appropriate conclusions within established policies and guidelines.
The Recruitment Process
An evaluation of each applicant's training and experience, as demonstrated in their cover letter and resume, weighted 100%. Do not attach materials not requested. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list. You have 14 days from the notice of the examination results to let us know if you disagree with your results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information. Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.
Additional Information
Applicant Instructions
 
Applicants must submit a cover letter and professional résumé online, specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement in accordance with the following Application Instructions:

Your résumé and cover letter will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
  • Your cover letter should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.
  • Your résumé should support the details described in the cover letter.
  • If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, as identified below, please describe in your cover letter any transferable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to each of the required minimum qualifications under the "To Qualify" section above.
Your résumé and cover letter should be no more than a total of four (4) pages combined. Do not attach materials not requested.

All completed applications for this position must be submitted online no later than 4:30 pm, on the closing date of this recruitment.  E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, attach a copy of your DD214 / DD215 and / or Veteran's Administration letter stating your disability to your profile, as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veteran's Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment you apply for.

Veteran's Preference documentation must be submitted no later than 4:30 PM on the closing date of this recruitment.

Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at time of application.

It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply. If you wish to identify yourself as an individual with a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and will be requesting accommodation, the requests must be made to the Analyst(s) named below No Later Than the Closing Date of This Announcement.

Additional Position Information


Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS)
Under direct supervision, Planning Assistants at BPS provide paraprofessional support to City planners who work on plans, code update projects, and other planning activities. 

Work includes:
  • Conducting research and analysis and preparing background documents;
  • Assisting with field work to document natural resources and correcting GIS data;
  • Maintaining the project website, databases, listserv, and email lists;
  • Drafting presentations and outreach materials;
  • Organizing and assisting advisory groups, public meetings and property owners with information in group and one-on-one sessions;
  • Coordinating activities with other bureaus and nonprofit partners.
The current opportunities are on the Environmental Planning, Transportation Planning and Code Development Teams.  Flexible hours are available, ranging from 30-40 hours per week.

Bureau of Development Services (BDS)
Under direct supervision, Planning Assistants at BDS provide paraprofessional support to city planners who are performing land use reviews, permit reviews, land use studies and other planning activities. 

Work includes:
  • Reviewing applications for completeness;
  • Conducting basic research of property information;
  • Compiling data;
  • Performing initial analysis and fact checking;
  • Drafting of initial findings and written reports.
Planning Assistants have the opportunity to prepare for Associate Planner positions, which is the next level in the professional planning series. The hours for this position range from 24 to 35 hours per week, with a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the Bureau. The current opportunities are in Planning & Zoning; Land Division; Environmental; and Design & Historic Resources.

Questions? 
John DiGrazia, Senior Human Resources Analyst
Bureau of Human Resources
John.DiGrazia@portlandoregon.gov
(503) 823-4034
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Agency
City of Portland
Address
1120 SW 5th Ave, 404

Portland, Oregon, 97204.
Phone
503-823-6821