Planning Technician

Responsible for reviewing and tracking applications, permits and plans for completeness and compliance with Township of Lower Merion (Township) code. Work involves disseminating public information and facilitating reviews with outside agencies. Processes land development plans and land disturbance permits. Provides administrative support including answering inquiries, pulling property records and managing permit fees and escrow deposits.

Work is performed under general supervision with limited latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment based on professional education and previous experience.

Works under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Planning.

Processes and tracks land development plans and land disturbance permit applications for completeness and compliance with Township codes.

Tracks financial guarantees and escrows associated with land development, subdivision and permit applications.

Processes escrow releases and deposits; maintains database records for current escrow accounts.

Coordinates distribution of Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances (SALDO) application information to all review bodies and other interested parties; prepares and distributes letters for SALDO application approvals.

Coordinates the review and approval process with outside agencies such as County Board of Assessment and County Planning Commission.

Coordinates storm water requirements related to compliance with Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit process.

Processes final plans for subdivision and land development applications including coordinating the distribution of lighting plans to the Township’s lighting consultant.

Assists customers in purchasing advisory board program items such as rain barrels and compost bins; responds to inquiries about products.

Prepares agendas and minutes for various Commission and Committee meetings.

Maintains department files for all subdivision and land development applications, maps, permits and code amendments.

Assigns street addresses to new lots and manages address change requests.

Responds to email, phone and in-person inquiries regarding development regulations and procedures and subdivision, land development and permit applications.

Participates on steering committees as a representative of the department.

Assists other staff members with land development and final plan reviews.

Assists in the preparation of Right-to-Know requests.

Assists in the preparation of graphics for public meetings and presentations.

Assists with updates to the Township’s website including posting agendas, meeting minutes and updates to department social media accounts.

Upholds strict confidentiality in dealing with sensitive information, including personnel matters, legal documents, financial data, contracts, and other proprietary information.

Responds to inquiries, questions and comments from the public per established standards and protocols; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive inquiries, issues and complaints.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays current on new trends and best practices.

May be assigned to other departments/divisions to perform required duties, as needed.

High school diploma or GED and five (5) years of increasingly responsible land use planning experience;

OR associate degree in urban planning or a related field and three (3) years of experience as listed above;

OR bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field and one (1) year of experience as listed above;

OR a combination of experience, certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas.

Must successfully pass all conditions of employment which may include a pre-employment physical.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. 

Experience with raster and vector graphics editing software preferred. 

Knowledge of planning principles, urban design and land use laws.

Knowledge of Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247).

Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook and Excel) and applicable department and organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required.

Ability to read, interpret, draft and revise maps and plans.

Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met and to set priorities that move projects through efficiently to achieve customer and quality objectives.

Ability to correctly interpret and efficiently implement all applicable policies and procedures.

Ability to follow Township and public safety guidelines and protocols and perform job functions in a safe manner.

Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure, diffuse potentially confrontational situations and resolve disputes.

Ability to maintain regular attendance to ensure efficient and effective performance of job duties.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 30 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing and/or walking.

Tasks are regularly performed inside with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and/or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, machinery and/or moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils and other cutting fluids, violence and/or disease or pathogenic substances.

Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing.