Planning Technician I

Responsible for performing technical review and processing of submittals to include: project confirmation and entry of associated fees; providing counter assistance to the general public, contractors, and developers; requires the ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative while assuming more difficult tasks.Essential Functions:

• Conducts reviews on project submittals, which include: accepting and processing project applications; processing and managing of 3-Way Development Contracts, monitors the status of planning projects; completes review of zoning to assure compliance with requirements such as use, parking ratios and landscape requirements; prepares Zoning Verification letters and gathers information for such; reviews existing city codes and ordinances and communicates applicable sections to various members of the public and/or business community.
• Coordinates the circulation of final plats for signature approval; determines the required legal documents for each project; calculates and collects required fees at the recordation stage, facilitates bonds and processes bond release requests; monitors letters of credit and coordinates extensions as necessary; and reviews and researches legal documents.
• Provides technical support and assistance to staff and the public on issues related to planning, zoning, platting, and development. Assists with meeting coordination and preparation associated with project activities, updating codes, updating weekly project review list descriptions and ordinances, submittals and project requirements. Assists in ensuring reviews are complete and projects are closed out.
• Performs financial activities in support of department operations, which includes: calculation and data entry of fees required for submitted projects, generating revenue reports; and/or, performing other related activities. 
• Provides excellent customer service, which includes: greeting customers; answering phones; responding to requests for information or service; and, performing other related activities.
• Maintains/prepares a variety of records for the department related to development activities. 
• Performs routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying.
• Prepares narrative staff reports and recommendations of limited complexity, such as special use permits and variances.
• Researches and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
• Prepares public notices or property owner verifications.
• Prepares maps, charts, tables of limited complexity.
• Attends public meetings, assisting other planning staff as appropriate.
• Maintains regular and punctual on-site attendance.  

Additional Duties:

• May investigate violations, conduct field inspections; or attend public meetings during and outside of normal business hours. 
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications / Acceptable Equivalency:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency
• Three (3) years of experience in plans review, zoning administration, building code, code enforcement or related field

OR              

• An Associate’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Geography, or related field
• One (1) year of customer service experience 
• One (1) year of experience in construction/design/planning in a municipal setting

OR              Core Competencies:                                           

• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices; 
• Skilled in providing customer service;
• Skilled in problem solving
• Knowledge of basic filing principles; 
• Knowledge of basic bookkeeping practices; 
• Skilled in reading and interpreting development/construction documents; 
• Skilled in interpreting and applying applicable code requirements and permitting processes; 
• Skilled in gathering and analyzing information and making recommendations based on findings and in support of organizational goals;
• Skilled in reading and comprehending highly technical or specialized materials;
• Skilled in reading and interpreting plans, blueprints, schematics, and/or other related development documents;
• Skilled in applying independent judgment, personal discretion, and resourcefulness in interpreting and applying guidelines;
• Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications;
• Skilled in communicating effectively with a variety of individuals;
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to form and maintain effective relationships with coworkers and customers

 Preferences:

• Bilingual in Spanish and English
• Certified Permit Technician 
• Previous customer service, construction or municipal experience

 Conditions of Employment:Physical Requirements:
Overall Strength Demands: The italicized word describes the overall strength demand of the functions performed by the incumbent during a typical workday.
• Sedentary – lifting no more than 10 pounds
• Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carry up to 10 pounds
• Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds, carry up to 25 pounds
• Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds, carry up to 50 pounds
• Very Heavy – lifting more than 100 pounds, carry more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes: The following describes if the incumbent is expected to exert the following physical demands during a typical workday and the overall frequency.

Codes for “how often”:
Y = Yes
N = No
E = extensive (100-70%)
M = moderate (60-30%)
I = infrequent (20-10%)
A = almost never (<10%)

Task: Code:
1. Standing: I
2. Sitting: M
3. Walking: M
4. Lifting: A
5. Carrying: A
6. Pushing/Pulling: A
7. Overhead Work: A
8. Fine Dexterity: A
9. Kneeling: A
10. Crouching: I
11. Crawling: A
12. Bending: I
13. Twisting: A
14. Climbing: A
15. Balancing: A
16. Vision: E
17. Hearing: E
18. Talking: M
19. Video Display: E
20. Other:

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:
The essential functions of this position require the use of a computer, various software applications, phone, measuring instruments, level, ladder, testing devices and the occasional operation of a motor vehicle

Environmental Factors:
The essential functions of this position are normally performed in an office environment.

Salary : $19 - $25