[geogu-l] entry-level planning job

[RICHARD ROTH]

There is currently an entry-level planning job open until Friday, in Everett;

http://www.ci.everett.wa.us/ViewJob.aspx?ID=68&JobID=181

This is a fairly rare opportunity, so I thought I'd circulate the job's excellent list of qualifications and the supplemental application questions. Even if you don't apply for this job, practicing answers to these kinds of questions--and using that same language in a cover letter--could put you ahead of the pack when applying for a planning job.

Rick
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JOB DESCRIPTION
This is entry-level professional work in urban planning. Work is performed under relatively close supervision unless the tasks assigned are
of a routine nature well defined by precedent. Work includes preparing public presentations on basic planning issues. An employee in
this class will provide technical support to a planner on complex planningprojects or coordinate smaller studies of limited scope. Work is performed under the supervision of the Planning Director or designee and is reviewed by observation and through evaluations of reports
and projects.

QUALIFICATIONS
The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are considered to be critical to successful performance in this classification:
• Demographics and statistics.
• Principles, practices, techniques, and purposes of city planning and zoning regulations.
• Principles and techniques involved in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive city plan.
• Principles, techniques, and sources of information applicable to the collection, compilation, analysis, and presentation of data
pertaining to city planning and community development.
• Local, state, and federal laws relating to comprehensive plans, zoning, land subdivision, SEPA, and land use.
• Issues and procedures associated with typical land use decisions such as short subdivisions, SEPA, zoning code interpretations, etc.
• Current trends in local and state legislation affecting city planning.
• Terminology, principles, techniques, and sources of information applicable to the collection, compilation and analysis of data and the
preparation of plans and reports for community development grants and projects.
• Federal laws and procedures applicable to Community Development Block Grants and housing.
• Annexation rules and procedures.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the public, personnel of other agencies, public officials, and other employees.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct field surveys and investigations.
• Perform the collection, interpretation and analysis of data pertinent to city planning and prepare clear, concise reports, sound
recommendations, and adequate supporting data.
• Demonstrate clear, concise, effective written and oral communication.
• Use computers for word-processing, basic databases, electronic calendars, and e-mail communications.
• Read maps, site plans and other construction drawings.
• Prepare graphic presentations and take photographs.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Graduation from a recognized four year college or university with a degree in urban planning, architecture, public administration,
environmental sciences or a closely related field OR four years of experience in city or regional planning, community development, zoning
administration or closely related field OR any combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the requisite
knowledge, skills and abilities.
The City of Everett requires new hires to establish identity and employment authorization in accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of
1986. THE CITY OF EVERETT VALUES A DIVERSE WORKFORCE. THE CITY DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF SEX, DISABILITY,
RACE, COLOR, CREED, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN.
"AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER" Information and Application Mailing Address – Human Resources Department, 2930 Wetmore Ave.,
Suite 6A, Everett, WA 98201. Phone (425) 257-8767. Open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.1. 

SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Please explain how you meet the minimum qualifications of graduation from a
recognized four year college or university with a degree in urban planning, architecture, public administration, environmental sciences or a closely related field OR four years of experience in city or regional planning, community development, zoning administration or closely related field OR any combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

2. Describe any education, training, and work experience you have in working
with city comprehensive plans. Please include your role and title while working with comprehensive plans in the past.

3. Please describe your experience in applying land use regulations such as
zoning code, subdivision codes, design review or shoreline master programs.

4. Please describe your experience in customer service and working with the
public.

5. Please attach an example (less than 5 pages) of your writing ability such as
reports,letters, etc.
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Richard Roth				Assistant to the Chair
rroth at u.washington.edu 			Department of Geography
voice: (206) 543-3246			Box 35-3550   fax: (206) 543-3313
University of Washington
			Seattle, WA  98195