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Planning Job Notification – Haines, Alaska

CLASSIFICATION:

Regular, full-time; hourly wage; union position governed by the Local 71 Collective Bargaining
Agreement and Haines Borough Code, especially HBC 2.06, 2.38, 2.62, 2.72-96, and 3.70-74.

DESCRIPTION:

The Planner I or II is responsible for general administration and assistance with enforcement of the
Haines Borough planning and zoning laws and policies, management of the GIS system, staffing with
the Planning Commission, and other duties as directed by the Manager. This job does not prescribe or
restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

This position reports directly to the Borough Manager or designee. The position supervises a planning
and zoning technician.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be
performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if
the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
• Performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical and professional work in the
conduct and implementation of Borough Planning and Zoning functions and programs, including
the development and implementation of land use and related Borough plans and policies.
• Lead project manager of comprehensive plan review, revision, and implementation.
• Manages all aspects of the Haines Borough Geographic Information System (GIS). Routinely
coordinates the GIS database with the property tax database to reflect borough wide platting
changes. Provides database analysis and map information to the borough administration via the
GIS system. Manages geo-referencing of new subdivision plats and parcel data adjustment for
new parcels. Assists in maintaining the database of information for planning purposes, updating
Borough maps and assigning addresses and street names per Borough standards.
• Evaluates land use proposals for conformity with established plans and ordinances; evaluates
proposals for development impact as they relate to the adopted codes and plans of the Borough.
Assists in the development and implementation of zoning, subdivision regulations, capital
improvement plans, land use plans, annexation studies, and other plans, studies, and codes to
meet the Borough’s needs. Researches and analyzes planning information and concepts, land use,
and legal issues relating to current and long-range planning matters, including socioeconomic and
land use trends.
• Serves as ex-officio of the Haines Economic Development Corporation.
• Supervises the planning & zoning technician, who is responsible for assisting with land use,
development, and community planning in the Borough.
• Provides staff support to the Planning Commission. Prepares planning reports and supporting
data, including recommendations for various land use proposals and code amendments.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and all
members of the general public.
• Operates a motor vehicle to assist in carrying out the business of the Borough.
• Other duties as assigned.

HAINES BOROUGH
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Planner I/II

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

The requirements, demands and characteristics listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill
and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Working knowledge of: zoning and subdivision laws; principles of land use planning and
development; comprehensive plans including their formation, process of adoption, and
implementation; planning programs and processes; planning related software and GIS
applications; basic statistics and mathematical calculations; computer and keyboard skills, and
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with architects, contractors, developers,
owners, supervisors, employees, and the general public; ability to establish effective working
relationships; ability to maintain a positive attitude in the workplace.

WORK CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics 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.
• Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of
various land use developments and construction sites. The employee is occasionally exposed to
wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in the field.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand or sit;
walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with
hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch,
or crawl; talk or hear.
• 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,
peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Hand-eye coordination is
necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

This position will be evaluated primarily on depth of knowledge required for the position and applicable
state and borough laws and the ability to apply them to the Haines Borough planning and zoning
program. Additional criteria include the ability to administer and enforce policy and to communicate
clearly and concisely, completely and respectfully with property owners, public officials, peers and
employees, orally and in writing.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

1. (PLANNER I) Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration or a related field and one
year experience in planning, administration, regulation, zoning and enforcement. Other
combinations of education and experience may be considered; OR (PLANNER II) Master’s
degree in planning, public administration or related field, with at least one year of experience
or a bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration or related field with at least three
years experience. AICP certification and municipal experience preferred. Other combinations
of education and experience may be considered; and
2. Experience with or working knowledge of GIS systems; and
3. Experience working with local and state laws and regulations; and
4. Valid Alaska Driver’s license (or ability to acquire within 30 days of hire) with acceptable driving
record for the past three years.
CONTACT:
For more information about this position please contact the borough clerk at (907) 766-6400 or via
email at clerk@haines.ak.us.

Planner I-II Public Notice