Associate Planner at City of Wilsonville – Wilsonville, Oregon

Who We Are

We care deeply about the people who call Wilsonville home—and about the professionals who help shape its future. Planning here is more than zoning and maps. It’s about creating places where the community can grow, connect, and thrive. That meaningful work starts with you.

When you join our team, you become part of a group that values professionalism, balance, inclusion, innovation, and purpose-driven public service. We call it #thewilsonvilleway. It’s how we work across departments, partner with the community, and take pride in everything we do, from reviewing development proposals to guiding the city’s long-term vision.

We focus on thoughtful, sustainable growth. By working closely with city leaders, community partners, and residents, we make sure Wilsonville remains a vibrant, livable city for generations to come. Whether we’re reviewing today’s development projects or planning for the next 20 years, we stay focused on what matters most: a strong, connected community.

Who We’re Looking For

You’re an experienced and motivated planning professional who’s ready to make a difference. You enjoy working independently, but you also thrive in a collaborative environment. You bring a solid understanding of both current and long-range planning and know how to navigate complex projects with clarity and professionalism. You're skilled at writing clear, thoughtful reports, and you're confident presenting ideas to a range of audiences. Most importantly, you know how to turn technical concepts into practical, community-focused solutions. We’re looking for someone with three years of planning experience and a degree in planning, architecture, public administration, or something similar. A master’s degree, AICP certification, or LEED accreditation would be great to have, but they’re not required. If you have a different mix of education and experience that gives you the right skills for the job, we’d love to hear about that too.

Why Join Us

If you're excited about helping shape the future of a growing city and want to work with a supportive, innovative, and fun team, this could be the right opportunity for you. Submit your application along with a cover letter that explains why this role interests you and how your experience can help us continue building a better Wilsonville.

Additional information regarding this position, including minimum qualifications and essential job functions, can be found below.

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Under general supervision, performs various professional field and office planning work in the field of current and long range planning, including review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plan, and environmental review; technical assessments and written project analyses; professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, community development, zoning, permits, and environmental review; project management and administration; assistance to management staff, other departments, and the public in areas of expertise; staff reports and technical studies; and other related work as required.

The Associate Planner reports to the Planning Director and the Planning Manager. This position does not exercise direct supervision of staff. May provide technical direction and training to lower-level staff and may be assigned as lead worker on special projects.

This is the journey-level class in the professional planning series. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of professional and technical planning work in all of the following areas: current, long-range, and/or environmental planning activities; daily departmental operations; and project management and administration. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Planner in that the latter is responsible for technical and functional direction over lower-level planning staff and is capable of performing the most complex plans and projects assigned to the planning division.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The following tasks are representative and no to be considered all inclusive.

• Review permits, proposals and development requests for compliance with Development Code standards and Comprehensive Plan policies. Write findings and recommendations, conditions of approval or amendments to the Development Code or Comprehensive Plan. Prepare public hearing notices, staff reports and recommendations. Process Class I and II Administrative Review cases and Class III land-use applications.
• Assists in the development and implementation of plans and codes related to growth management, land use, economic development, utility, housing, transportation, and utilities to meet the City's needs and any inter-governmental agreements or requirements.
• Researches, prepares and presents reports on applications, projects and activities involving minor land use development, variances, land partitions, sign ordinance problems, and other related, current land use planning matters.
• Assists in the research, development, and report preparation of comprehensive land use matters, which includes, but is not limited to, demographic analyses, land use inventories, existing conditions analyses, citizen engagement activities, establishing goals and performance measures, and Comprehensive Plan and development code revisions.
• Meets with and explains to members of the development community and general public, City development policies, regulations and standards; zoning code and comprehensive plan compliance; and specific planning, zoning and development project activities.
• Researches, collects, records, analyzes, interprets, and summarizes statistical information;
• Prepares Geographic Information System (GIS) maps and graphics for a variety of reports, plans, grant applications, publications or meetings.
• Prepares staff reports for the City Council, various committees, and advisory boards as directed.
• Participates in coordinating City planning and development related activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Coordinates with and provides assistance to the larger City organization in data development, analysis, and planning activities.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and others accurately informed concerning assigned project progress, including immediate notification of present and potential work problems; provides suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Provides staff support to the Development Review Boards, Planning Commission, and City Council as needed and assigned.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Assists with the research and development of grant proposals; assists with the preparation of requests for proposals and analysis of responses; and assists with the management of contracts for a variety of contractual professional services.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Assists in the enforcement of local ordinances and in interpreting city codes and master plans.
• Complete other tasks as assigned.

Customer Service Standards for Employees
These standards are to ensure the organization is focused on providing high quality service to the public and other employees. Employees are expected to meet these standards as part of their job responsibilities.

Communication

• Acknowledge customers when they enter a city facility by greeting them with a smile and positive tone of voice whether in person, on the phone or in email.
• Gather necessary information to assist the customer. Where possible, handle issues/questions/requests without transferring customer to someone else.
• Seek out answers to questions first; if unsuccessful provide name/contact information of someone who can assist.
• Listen, understand, and clarify to gain in depth understanding of the needs to ensure they are being met.
• Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner.
• Be positive and enthusiastic when speaking with customers.

Respect

• Be courteous and polite.
• Treat customers with dignity and respect.
• Understand customer's expectations and treat them as a priority.
• Actively listen and give customer undivided attention.
• Appreciate differing perspectives, opinions, and needs.
• Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior.

Responsiveness

• Provide prompt and reliable service.
• Respond to phone/email as soon as possible.
• Follow through in a timely manner on commitments made to customers and provide estimated timeline for completion.
• Change voicemail and email when out of office/unavailable and provide alternate contact person for customers.
• Demonstrate a "can-do" approach.
• Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions.

Education: Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, public administration or a closely related field of study is required. Master's degree in planning, architecture, public administration, or a closely related field of study is desired.

Experience: A minimum of three years' experience in land use planning, or an equivalent
combination of education and experience.

Certifications/Licenses: A valid driver's license is required. Membership in the American
Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and/or LEED accreditation is desired.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures related to urban and regional planning, development, and zoning administration.
• Knowledge of geographic, socioeconomic, transportation, political, and other elements related to urban planning.
• Knowledge of comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process.
• Knowledge of site planning, architectural design principles, and the practice of sustainable principles and/or urban design.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, as well as community development program rules and requirements.
• Knowledge of project management and contract administration principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Knowledge of recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning and zoning.
• Knowledge of modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment, including computer hardware and software necessary for graphic presentation, mapping, and database management, such as Microsoft Office, City permitting software, and basic GIS concepts and applications.
• Knowledge of practices of assisting in researching planning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Knowledge of principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Knowledge of English language, including grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Ability to read plans and specifications and make effective site visits.
• Ability to identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain applicable Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform analysis of site design, terrain constraints, circulation, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
• Ability to conduct research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain technical written material and complex laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, and City planning policies and procedures and communicate this to the general public.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Ability to perform mathematical and planning computations with precision.
• Ability to respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Ability to make effective public presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
• Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer and related word processing, database, and spreadsheet software and applications.
• Ability to make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Ability to comprehend and use English effectively including producing all forms of communication in a clear, concise, and understandable manner to intended audiences.
• Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent sound judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive working relationships.
• Exceptional active listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Excellent reading comprehension skills, understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Skilled in critical thinking, using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Excellent judgment and decision making skills, considering the impacts of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Work Environment: Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. May be required to work outside of normal work hours such as evenings, early mornings, and/or weekends.

Physical Requirements: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites. Performs work of a sedentary to moderately active nature. Requires sufficient ambulatory ability to sit for extended periods of time, move to project locations, to stand for intermittent periods of time, and to bend, stoop, and reach for limited periods of time to retrieve work materials. Requires sufficient arm-hand-eye coordination to operate a computer keyboard, drawing equipment, and pointing devices to produce intricately detailed drawings, diagrams, and illustrations. Requires visual acuity to create and read three-dimensional and detailed drawings and observe structural work-in progress. Requires verbal and auditory ability sufficient to carry on conversations with others and make presentations to groups. Frequent repetitive motions including but not limited to: hand, wrist, and finger movements; exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently.

Cognitive Functions: The position incumbent works in a fast-paced office environment characterized by frequent deadlines, interruptions, and moderately to highly complex decisions. The incumbent must be capable of working effectively with members of the public with diverse positions on city issues. Work is performed independently but reports are reviewed regularly. Most problems are difficult with precedent occasionally available. An incumbent has significant control over the planning and performance of the work. Creativity and problem solving skills are required on a moderate to high level.

Tools/Equipment Used: Desktop computer, printer, photocopier, fax machine, telephone, city vehicle, and audiovisual equipment.