ASSOCIATE PLANNER - Range 14 / AMEA

$80,080 - $80,080/Yr

Municipality of Anchorage - Anchorage, AK

Full-time - Mid Level

Anchorage, AK

Administration of Economic Programs

About the position

The Associate Planner position within the Municipality of Anchorage is a mid-level professional role that operates under the direction of the Long-Range Planning Manager. This position is integral to the Long-Range Planning Division, where the successful candidate will engage in a variety of planning services aimed at developing and implementing the comprehensive plan for the Municipality. The role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including environmental planning, municipal site selection studies, and district and neighborhood planning. The Associate Planner will also be involved in zoning code amendments and will review and comment on proposed rezones, conditional uses, subdivisions, and site plans, ensuring that all projects align with the adopted plans of the Municipality. In addition to planning duties, the Associate Planner will conduct research and analyses on both short and long-range planning issues. This includes reviewing public and private development projects for consistency with established plans, preparing technical reports and plans, and conducting presentations to the general public as well as municipal boards and commissions. The role also involves grant administration and project management, which are crucial for the successful execution of planning initiatives. Public involvement is a key aspect of this position, requiring the Associate Planner to update municipal websites, manage social media accounts, and produce publications that inform the community about planning efforts. The planner will coordinate with various stakeholders, including local, state, and federal agencies, the development community, and the public, to ensure collaborative planning efforts. As the lead planner on assigned projects, the Associate Planner will also be responsible for answering inquiries related to the Anchorage Municipal Code Title 21, which governs Land Use Planning. Attendance at some night meetings is required, reflecting the position's commitment to community engagement and transparency in the planning process.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of the comprehensive plan for the Municipality and its elements.
• Conduct environmental planning and municipal site selection studies.
• Engage in district and neighborhood planning activities.
• Review and comment on proposed rezones, conditional uses, subdivisions, and site plans.
• Perform research and analyses of short and long-range planning issues.
• Review public and private development projects for consistency with adopted plans.
• Prepare technical reports and plans related to planning initiatives.
• Conduct presentations to the general public and municipal boards and commissions.
• Administer grants and manage projects effectively.
• Update municipal websites, social media accounts, and publications for public involvement.
• Coordinate efforts between local, state, and federal agencies, the development community, and the public.
• Function as lead planner on assigned projects and answer inquiries on AMC Title 21, Land Use Planning Code.
• Provide staff support to municipal boards and commissions as needed.

Requirements

• Mid-level professional planning experience or equivalent education.
• Knowledge of comprehensive planning processes and environmental planning.
• Familiarity with zoning codes and land use regulations.
• Strong research and analytical skills related to planning issues.
• Experience in project management and grant administration.
• Excellent communication skills for public presentations and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various agencies and the public.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with municipal planning processes in Alaska.
• Familiarity with social media management and public outreach strategies.
• Knowledge of local government operations and community engagement practices.