Associate Planner

JOB SUMMARY The Associate Planner processes land use applications ranging from simple to relatively complex applications such as conditional use permits and variances. This position also conducts research and prepares reports, occasionally makes presentations to the Planning Commission, provides explanations to the public of the County’s land use program, reviews building permits for compliance with development regulations, and performs associated administrative tasks. The goal is to fill this position as an Associate Planner. However, applicants who can meet the minimum qualification for an Assistant Planner are also encouraged to apply. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies and establish a pool of qualified candidates for future recruitments. For a complete list of the duties, responsibilities and physical requirements for the Associate Planner (TA42) position Click here For a complete list of the duties, responsibilities and physical requirements for the Assistant Planner (TA41) Underfill position Click here First review of applications will be August 25th, 2026. Applications submitted after this date may or may not be considered. Please note that this recruitment may close at any time after the first review date. BENEFITS Generous time off to maintain a healthy work-life balance! 11 Paid Holidays + 2 Floating Holidays + 8 hours of vacation accrual every month + sick leave! Vacation accrual increases with years of service. $0 Health Insurance Premium! Medical, Dental and Vision - cover your eligible family members without additional premium. In addition, the County contributes up to $1,900 per year to your Health Savings or Reimbursement account, depending on plan and personal contributions. Apart from your deductible you can use this money for things that aren’t traditionally paid by insurance – i.e. Ibuprofen, Tylenol and other preventative type medications You never lose your Health Savings Account funds as it rolls over from year to year Dependents up to age 26 are covered. Get ready for retirement. Generous employer paid contributions! After 6 months of employment: The County makes a retirement contribution of 6% of your salary towards Oregon PERS. The County makes a deferred compensation 457b plan contribution of 1.5% of your salary. You can add more if you wish. A free and award-winning wellness program Interactive and personalized approach focused on your whole health. Onsite and virtual seminars, wellness challenges and fun activities. Monetary incentives and cool prizes to engage everyone and meet your individual needs. 100% employer-paid coverage for AD&D ($100,000), Life ($50,000), and Long-Term Disability coverage. Supplemental plans are available at reasonable rates! Annual salary range of: Associate Planner: $69,716.88 - $104,019.11 Assistant Planner: $65,566.63 - $97,807.76 This position is eligible for up to two salary raises within your first year. Increases may be given at the end of the 6-month probationary period, depending on starting salary, and at the 1-year anniversary, as long as your performance is in good standing! Increases are given until the maximum of the salary range is reached. Salary Placement: Please ensure you have provided a thorough and updated application as it pertains to the position for which you are applying. Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please click on the link: Oregon Pay Equity Law Have benefits questions? Reach out to us anytime: recruiting@bentocountyor.gov MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Associate Planner (TA42) The following minimum qualifications are required for this position: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field ; AND 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in land use planning, zoning compliance and regulation, building project planning, or building permits. Assistant Planner (TA41) Underfill position The following minimum qualifications are required for this position: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field ; AND 1 year of work experience in land use planning, zoning compliance and regulation, building project planning, or building permits. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. Please note candidates must have at least 6 months of actual work experience to be considered as equivalent. Underfill Option: Applicants who can meet the minimum qualifications for the Associate Planner within one year or less of are encouraged to apply as "underfill" candidates. Applicants who do not meet the requirements for the underfill option may be considered for the lower-level option of Assistant Planner. Special Requirements (applies to both positions) Driver’s license A cover letter is required to be considered for this position. Please describe how your skills and experience would enable you to succeed in the essential functions listed for this position. Also, please briefly describe your experience working independently with a complex workload. The Ideal Candidate: Knowledge of Oregon's land use planning system. Ability to learn code and multiple review procedures. Ability to manage numerous simultaneous projects. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interaction with a wide array of people. Skill in the use of geographic information systems (GIS). Possess problem solving skills to solve complex issues related to land use, infrastructure, transportation, and community development. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Petra Schuetz, Planning Official Benton County Community Development Telephone: (541) 766-3556 petra.schuetz@bentoncountyor.gov Working & Living in Benton County Perfectly placed in the Willamette Valley, 90 miles south of Portland and 40 miles north of Eugene, Benton County has easy access to urban areas with ample opportunities for cultural activities. Combined with outdoor recreation galore in the Cascade Range 80 miles to the east and the Coastal Range and Pacific Ocean 50 miles west, the county’s 90,000 residents like to say they “have it all.” Working in Benton County Living in Benton County How to Apply To apply for this position, click on the "Apply" button to fill out all information in the online application and complete the questionnaire. Failure to do so may result in your application being removed from consideration. Only complete applications received by the posted application deadline date, or the first review date will be considered. Answer all supplemental questi