Planning Technician

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Planning Technician will provide para-professional, technical and support assistance in the development and implementation of the Plan Commission’s activities. This position provides land use and planning information and assistance to developers, the business community, and the public.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Provides technical support for planning applications including zoning compliance and certification documents, lot splits, minor and major site plan review, zoning and special use permits. 
• Provides informational and technical assistance concerning land use issues including, but not limited to, zoning and subdivision regulations, development policies and procedures, and code interpretation to development professionals, the general public.
• Researches, collects and organizes statistical and non-statistical data.
• Assists Planners with preparation of preliminary reports.
• Prepares and reviews completed maps and plans.
• Dispenses verbal or printed information regarding planning regulations and activities.
• Reads blueprints to update plans and maps.
• Reads and interprets legal descriptions and prepares maps from these descriptions.
• Assists with various projects including adjacent landowner notifications and indexing cases utilizing GIS.
• Performs public assistance functions such as providing customer service at the front counter and resolving phone-in questions and concerns.
• Provides support to boards and commissions.
• Designs various planning documents as needed.
• Researches and collects data for special planning studies and assembles findings for reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Professional planning theories, concepts, principles, and methodologies.
• Processes, codes and regulations sufficient to review plans
• Computer programs, to include Microsoft Office products, Internet applications, and GIS. 

 Skill In:

• Researching and organizing data into a meaningful format.
• Dealing effectively with developers, staff and the general public.
• Presenting ideas in a clear, concise manner.
• Understanding zoning and subdivision matters.
• Communications, both verbal and written.

Ability to:

• Interpret development plans, regulations, laws and legal descriptions.
• Work on several projects or issues simultaneously. 
• Work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Read legal descriptions.
• Be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and interruptions throughout the workday.
• Have strong customer service skills and abilities required.
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Handle detail with accuracy and recall information.

 REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from high school or General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Tests equivalency, supplemented by two (2) years of college level course work in planning preferred.
• One (1) year of technical planning work or related experience.
• Related college course work (land use, urban planning, geography, environmental programs, architecture, public administration, business administration, or other similar field of study), to include customer relations coursework, may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required work experience. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described within this job description must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
In this position, the employee will constantly stand, frequently walk and continuous sitting. Speaking and listening are constant essential functions of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee will continuously work indoors. The employee will occasionally work extended hours with rare travel to multiple worksites. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

If you need assistance or an accommodation,  or if you have questions about completing the online application, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (419) 245-1500.

Class Code: Planning Technician (4111)