Associate Planner-Design Review

The City of Boise is hiring an Associate Planner – Design Review to oversee commercial, industrial, and multi-family developments. This role involves reviewing development proposals, collaborating with various stakeholders, and contributing to design guideline updates. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor's degree and two years of experience in urban planning or related fields. The position offers competitive benefits but is based in Boise, ID, indicating it is not remote.
Summary Statement


The City of Boise is seeking an Associate Planner – Design Review to support well-designed commercial, industrial, multi-family, and mixed-use development throughout the community. This role is a strong fit for a planning or design professional with experience in design review and a background in planning, architecture, urban design, landscape architecture or a related field.


In this position, you will have a direct role in shaping the built environment of one of the region’s fastest-growing communities. You will review development proposals, building plans, site plans and landscape plans; work with applicants, design professionals, residents and decision-makers; and present recommendations in public hearing settings. This role also offers the opportunity to contribute to updates to the City’s adopted design review guidelines, helping ensure Boise’s design standards remain clear, effective and aligned with community priorities.




To ensure internal equity and alignment with the approved budget for this position, offers are made within the posted hiring range. Although the hiring range is fixed, employees receive an exceptional benefits and total rewards package that enhances the overall value of employment with the City of Boise.






Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration or a related field
Two years of experience in urban planning, urban design, architecture or a similar field
Or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Licensing And Other Requirements

Valid state-issued driver's license.
Special Requirements

Applicants must be able to pass:

City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
Driving Record Check



Why the City of Boise?


The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:



Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family
PERSI retirement plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
10 weeks paid parental leave
$500 annual wellbeing incentive
Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost


Disclaimer: This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be provided prior to closing. Applications received for this recruitment may be used to fill similar vacancies within the City of Boise as they occur.





Essential Functions


Researches, reviews and issues decisions for administrative level applications such as changes to existing buildings and sites, landscape modifications and change in use requests.


Provides assistance to the public through answering telephone calls, emails, in-person meetings and assisting walk-in customers with questions, interpreting zoning regulations, following city code processes and procedures, approving walk-in building permits, etc. Conducts general parcel research through the archived city records, GIS system, subdivision plats and assessor’s records. Reviews and provides feedback for development permits.


Prepares and presents project reports to the design review committee, planning and zoning commission and city council, including researching previous entitlements, setbacks, uses, compliance with design guidelines, neighborhood plans, zoning ordinance and the comprehensive plan.


Reviews building plans to ensure compliance with design review and zoning requirements. Researches plat approval and zoning requirements, including previous entitlements, setbacks, height, parking and location within a floodplain or foothills.


Performs site inspections for projects to ensure compliance with all design review and planning approvals prior to the issuance of occupancy permits through the building department. Assists in the research, drafting, document layout and public processing of planning studies, including master plans, design guidelines, overlay zones and similar items. Prepares reports (at the staff and hearing levels) that analyze the project's compliance with the city's goals, policies and ordinances.


Handles moderately complex issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff. Is capable of performing all duties of an Assistant Planner and provides team support and training, as needed.


Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.




Requirements


Additional Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Knowledge of:



The principles and practices of planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas
Theories, principles, standards and practices of architectural design, including the ability to differentiate architectural styles and concepts
Planning, research, zoning and community renewal activities
Pertinent ordinances, codes and regulations and city goals for future development
Current literature and developments in planning methods used in developing information for general plan modifications
Application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental and/or social concepts to the planning process
Community trends and market analysis techniques
Math concepts, including statistical analysis techniques and formulas relevant to the planning process
Planning terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning
Construction methods and commonly used building materials
Plant species, planting practices and growth habits of landscape materials commonly used in the region
Research techniques, report writing and computer software applications related to the work.


Ability to:

Analyze planning issues related to the entitlement process, subdivision of land, site planning and architectural design
Interpret policies and develop operating guidance related to urban planning laws, regulations, executive orders and other technical material
Provide customer service assistance and formal recommendations relating to urban planning policies, procedures, guidelines and/or regulations
Plan and implement new initiatives and promote technological advances relating to urban planning
Analyze development plans and review building architecture in relation to adopted guidelines and regulations
Effectively read and analyze architectural floor plans, perspective renderings, elevations, building sections, site plans and landscaping plans
Analyze landscaping and site design in relation to adopted guidelines and regulations
Work independently in the preparation of plans and special studies
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Interpret the intent of a policy and apply it
Perform basic math
Use word processing and spreadsheet software applications at an appropriate level for efficient job performance
Organize and make oral presentations in public situations
Read and interpret plans and blueprints
Communicate effectively in the English Language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.



Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.



Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training


Master’s degree in planning, architecture, urban planning, public administration, landscape architecture or a closely related field and four or more years of experience in architecture, professional planning, urban design or a similar field.




Experience in the public sector.




Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).




Registration as an architect or landscape architect and knowledge of state statutes and planning case laws.




Skills, including photography, site plan sketching and the ability to use design-related computer programs.







Working Conditions


The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds and frequently pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds. The noise level is frequently moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk and hear. Work in this position also includes close vision. Employees will sit, stand and walk.

Working Environment

The work environment will include inside conditions and outdoor weather conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.

This position works: scheduled evening meetings/public hearings as required.