HomeMy WebLinkAboutAssociate Planner - Urban PlanningUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Associate Planner - Urban Planning
Department: Neighborhood & Development Services
Division: Development Services
Supervisor: Senior Planner
FLSA: Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 15
Job Number: 1501
Job Summary
Under direction, researches and reviews applications for development proposals. Prepares
policy proposals and implementation measures regarding current and long-range urban
planning. Provides staff assistance to various City boards and commissions.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Reviews applications for a variety of planning related cases and permits including
annexations, rezonings, subdivisions, changes to historic properties, special exceptions,
variances, site plans, floodplain development, and appeals to ensure compliance with
City regulations and policies.
• Prepares written reports; recommends measures regarding development projects and
rezoning proposals; ensures compliance with City regulations, policies, and urban design
principles.
• Advises boards and commissions and the City Council regarding urban planning issues;
prepares staff reports to document findings and recommendations.
• Provides staff support for City boards and commissions and internal staff committees.
• Assists assigned commissions in ongoing and special projects; manages grants as
assigned.
• Provides customer service and answers inquiries from developers and the general public
regarding proposed development and planning issues.
• Researches and drafts ordinances, conditional zoning agreements, resolutions and legal
decisions.
• Researches and drafts legislative amendments to the City Code including the zoning
ordinance, environmental regulations, and the subdivision regulations, and site plan
regulations.
• Organizes public outreach and resident planning workshops to update comprehensive
plan, including district plans and historic and conservation districts.
• Drafts amendments to comprehensive plan and district plans based on research and
public input.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
• Meets with public, community organizations and local media regarding ongoing
development issues.
• Prepares public presentations related to long-range planning efforts or legislative
changes. Conducts research and analysis on various policy topics and presents findings.
• Collaborates as a team member to ensure effective communication to meet tasks, goals,
and deadlines.
• Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all
community members and coworkers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related
experience; or five years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Degree in Urban Planning or related. Experience in urban
planning or related.
• Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of
age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Master ’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related
experience; or six years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Experience in design, form-based codes and historic
preservation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to analyze and critique plans and proposals for zoning and land development.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to
practical situations.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or
boards of directors.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or
schedule form.
• Ability to prepare and present technical reports and resolutions.
• Ability to read and interpret legal agreements and documents.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory
agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in
situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
• Ability to write reports and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and
format.
• Knowledge of development process and local government operations.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
• Knowledge of principles and practices of urban planning.
• Knowledge of zoning and subdivision regulations.
• Skill in the operation of a number of office machines and equipment such as computers,
copiers, and facsimile machines.
• Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook) and GIS tools.
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in
an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of
time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant
work pace pressure.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director (4/2024)
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
I have read and understand the duties of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
________________________________ __________________