Planning Technician

The employee in this classification is responsible for performing a variety of planning tasks at the public counter, the office, and in the field, including intake, processing, reviewing, approving, and inspecting a wide variety of land use proposals and zoning applications; disseminating zoning information to applicants and the general public; conducts file research and maintenance;  utilizes GIS applications related to those duties; prepares memoranda, technical summaries, and public meeting agendas; creates and maintains databases; assists with research and planning studies; and perform other duties as required. Provides support to other County staff members and the general public by disseminating requirements enumerated in the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations and Zoning and Development Standards Ordinances. Must be able to deal courteously and effectively with fellow employees and citizens.  
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Data entry and advanced use of word processing and spreadsheet software programs. 
• Draft, edit and distribute correspondence.  
• Assists with research, planning studies, and trend analysis by compiling data and preparing reports. 
• Interfaces directly with the public by fielding inquiries and complaints and disseminating zoning and subdivision information.
• Receives and determines completeness and acceptability of various types of land use applications including land use permits, subdivisions, conditional use permits, zone changes, variances, and other applications/permits. 
• Makes routine field investigations to assure compliance with conditions of approval contained in approved land use permit, conditional use permit, variance, or other authorization.  
• Utilizes ArcView to search/interpret spatial data and obtain relevant property information.
• Utilizes MS Office Suite and specialized software/computer applications in fulfilment of job responsibilities.  
• Administers the Zoning and Development Standards Ordinance and Land Development and Subdivision Regulations by reviewing, and upon demonstrated conformance, approving certain land use proposals and plat submittals, conditional use, home occupation, sign, and other ministerial permits; advises applicants of required land use standards and application contents; refers discretionary land use applications to the Planning Director or designee. 
• Assists citizens in obtaining county services; may answer highly complex questions from citizens regarding services; provides a variety of procedural and recorded information to the public including case file information, zoning, and land use requirements, and assessor's parcel numbers. 
• Assists administrative support staff with administrative processing and similar duties when necessary.  
• Deals courteously and effectively with the public and fellow employees. 
• May perform tasks which involve driving a county vehicle. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PLANNING TECHNICIAN I - 

• Associates Degree in Planning, Public Administration or other closely related field and one (1) year of related experience; or a comparable combination of experience and/or education. 
• Personal computer experience including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Windows Office Applications (including Word and Excel) and Internet research techniques required. GIS experience preferred.  

 
PLANNING TECHNICIAN II - 

• Associates Degree in Planning, Public Administration or other closely related field and three (3) – five (5) years of related experience; or a comparable combination of experience and/or education. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows Office Applications (including Word and Excel), ArcView (GIS), BlueBeam, and Energov. 
• Fundamental understanding of zoning laws and permitting processes.
• Completion of the MASC Planning and Zoning Orientation Course.

 
PLANNING TECHNICIAN III - 

• Associates Degree in Planning, Public Administration or other closely related field and five or more years of related experience; or a comparable combination of experience and/or education. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows Office Applications (including Word and Excel), ArcView (GIS), BlueBeam, and Energov. 
• Proficient in the dissemination of general zoning information and the permitting and entitlements process. 
• Completion of the MASC Planning and Zoning Orientation Course and three (3) hours of Planning and Zoning continuing education per year.  

Special Requirements: 

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for South Carolina with a safe driving record.         
• Departmental testing may be administered during interview. 
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not on file. 

• Advanced computer skills with knowledge of: office procedures and record keeping operations; general planning, GIS/mapping applications, or construction terminology; English grammar and usage. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of personal computers including proficient knowledge of Word and Excel and capable of learning specialized computer applications/software. 
• Skill in excellent interpersonal and customer service communication.
• Ability to efficiently complete tasks by following established guidelines/procedures with minimal direct supervision.
• Ability to prepare and present clear, concise reports both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, public officials, employees, and the general public.
• Ability to manage efficient and effective documentation, read, interpret, and administer Zoning and Development Standards and Land Development and Subdivision Regulations.

This position requires the employee to sit and use hands to handle or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use mental acuity; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) 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.The work is regularly performed in-office in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs. Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week.  Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the ability to work flexible hours when necessary. May be requested to attend evening Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, and/or County Council meetings on occasion. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during special events or emergency situations.