Associate Planner

Incumbent serves as Associate Planner for the Planning and Development Department, responsible for assisting the Senior Planner in administering, enforcing, and educating the public regarding the city Unified Development Ordinance and the City Code of Ordinances concerning weeds, junk cars, trash, etc., and the zoning and land use ordinances.Assists in administering city Unified Development Ordinance, including responding to inquiries, interpreting and explaining local regulations, investigating complaints, and initiating appropriate action for non-compliance, such as preparing and filing legal documents and correspondence with property owners.
 
Conducts plan review and reviews applications for permits and various zoning petitions within the planning jurisdiction, including studying documentation, communicating with applicants, and resolving problems.
 
Assists Senior Planners in providing administrative support to Board of Zoning Appeals, Plan Commission, and Common Council, including preparing/distributing agendas, staff reports, and related meeting material, attending meetings when needed, periodically taking/preparing minutes, making presentations, performing compliance inspections, and performing site visits as needed.  Responds to inquiries from the public, providing technical assistance regarding applications, hearings, and decisions.
 
Assists in answering phone and assisting office visitors as needed. Assists in issuing building permits as needed, reviewing documentation to ensure compliance with city codes, collecting fees, and preparing/providing receipts.  Maintains various databases on computer, and researches historical data as needed or requested, such as land use, public hearings, and building permits.   Responds to zoning verification letters.
 
Provides information for residents, business owners, developers, consultants, contractors, community groups, elected officials and others related to ordinances, policies, plans, and other city programs. 
 
Provides follow-up field inspections to determine compliance with city ordinances.
 
Researches and responds to the public and customers regarding planning and zoning related issues.
 
Evaluates development proposals for conformance with ordinances, codes, and policies of local, state, and federal government.
 
Prepares and provides analytical reports and materials on petitions and manages files.
 
Assists in completing various special projects as assigned.
 
Coordinates department events with local schools, non-profits, and other organizations. 
 
Attends various meetings as needed. 

Baccalaureate Degree in Urban-Regional Planning, Public and Environmental Affairs, Land Studies, or a related area, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working knowledge of and ability to make practical application of state and city ordinances regarding zoning, subdivision control, drainage/flood control, public environmental nuisances and land development.

Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions. 

Working knowledge of city topography, including roads, subdivisions and drainage, and ability to read and interpret detailed prints, specifications, property legal descriptions, plat maps, and aerials. 

Working knowledge of the City of Noblesville Civilian Employee Personnel Policy Handbook and the ability to apply these regulations/standards to employment.

Ability to make arithmetic calculations, maintain accurate reports, and prepare detailed reports as required.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other City departments, related county departments, Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, Common Council, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to maintain accurate records, prepare detailed reports, and properly operate office equipment, including computer, printer, calculator, copier, transcriber, camera, video recorder, and telephone.

Ability to operate department technology and various computer programs. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.

Working knowledge of Standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to type with speed and accuracy and properly operate office equipment, including computer, printer, calculator, copier, cameras, and telephone. Ability to make simple arithmetic calculations, maintain accurate records, and prepare documents/reports as required. Ability to operate department technology and various computer programs. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint. 

Ability to provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.

Ability to work on several tasks or issues at the same time, and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions. Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.

Ability to use creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems. 

Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment with minimum supervision, often under time pressure. 

Ability to occasionally work extended, weekend, and/or evening hours.

Possession of a valid Indiana driver’s license, a demonstrated safe driving record, and must remain insurable through the City of Noblesville’s liability insurance carrier.  (Refer to the Civilian Personnel Policy for additional information.)

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, other City departments, BZA, related county departments, and the public for purposes of exchanging and explaining information, interpreting and enforcing ordinances, and resolving code violations.
 
Incumbent reports directly to the Development Services Manager. 

Incumbent performs duties in an office environment, in a vehicle and outdoors, involving driving to/from various sites, sitting and walking at will, and lifting/carrying objects weighing under 25 pounds, hearing sounds/communication, close/far vision, and handling/grasping/fingering objects.  Incumbent occasionally works extended, weekend, and/or evening hours.