Associate Planner/Deputy Zoning Inspector

Under general supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty in county planning; assists the general public in applying professional planning and zoning information to private and public projects and land use plans; this position has department specific responsibility.

(Illustrative Only) Inspects property sites for conformance with the Yuma County planning, zoning and subdivision regulations; performs analysis and investigations involving the Yuma County zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations and Arizona Revised Statutes as the law pertains to splitting of parcels; performs field inspections, case investigations, case preparation, evidence collection, and witness interviews; provides testimony for violation hearings; conducts follow up on investigations and requests for assistance pertaining to planning and zoning regulation enforcement; conducts outreach and education regarding zoning regulations; reviews and evaluates rezoning and special use permits, commission initiatives, and variance applications at the initial intake phase for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, the Zoning Ordinance, and other regulatory documents; participates in the comprehensive review of construction and development permit applications through the single point management system; processes variance applications and interpretation case intake and processing; reviews site plans and elevation plans for residential, commercial and industrial building permit and development applications to determine compliance with the Zoning Ordinance; explains zoning regulations and procedural requirements; conducts research and analysis on county ordinances, rules and regulations; develops maps and other graphic presentations to illustrate planning concepts for variance cases; reviews and coordinates special events applications and temporary use permits to assure compliance with local, state and federal codes and regulations; assists in maintaining land planning records, files and maps; performs research and data gathering for population, housing, land ownership, land use and economic studies; produces professional quality staff reports to explain which regulations and policies apply to the consideration of a specific land use proposal and variance requests; reads and interprets site plans, building elevations, and legal descriptions in order to process variance cases and land division permits through the review process; uses engineering and architect scales to measure drawings in order to determine property dimensions and location; presents oral and written reports to the Board of Adjustment; interacts with the public, explaining rules, regulations; conducts research and collects data for a variety of reports, may present to the BOS, BOA, and PZ Commission; regular and reliable attendance is required; performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field; AND one (1) year of professional planning experience required; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience; must complete the CACCEO Zoning Inspector Certification Course as available from Arizona Western College within four (4) months of employment; must be eligible for certification by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) within three (3) years of hire. Special Requirement: May require considerable bilingual skills (English-Spanish); requires successful completion of a background check.

Knowledge of: County policies and procedures; County, state and Federal laws pertaining to community planning, industrial development and community conservation; land use regulations and zoning codes; principles and practices of community and long range planning and zoning; research techniques for land use trends and regulations; computer hardware and specialized Geographic Information software applications; graphic and digital mapping display techniques and topographic mapping.
Skill in: Providing effective customer service, including problem solving and conflict resolution; reading, understanding and interpreting land use law, engineering standards, building codes, right- of-way issues, zoning enforcement and State laws on environmental health; interpreting planning requirements and objectives to interested groups and the public; technical writing and making technical mathematical computations; compiling statistical information, and preparing and presenting technical reports; assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands; establishing effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; following written and verbal instructions; communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to: Interpret planning requirements and objectives to interest groups and the general public; perform research work, compile and analyze data and statistical information; plan, organize, coordinate and present; interpret and utilize current planning information pertaining to work assignments; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-works; lift up to 20 - 25 lbs.; stand and bend; (30%) walk and stoop.(20%)

Work Environment: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling. Generally the job requires 30% bending, 20% walking, 20% stooping and 30% standing. Working at a computer monitor for extended periods may be required. The job is performed under varying extreme weather conditions.