Planner

The incumbent researches and evaluates zoning codes and zoning information, reviews applications for permits to determine compliance with zoning requirements and subdivision codes, recommend code amendments, acts as staff support for the Board’s decisions and researches and evaluates areas regarding possible rezoning.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Consulting with general public in person or by telephone.  Explaining applicable codes and regulations for development proposals, describing procedures for processing permits and applications
• Coordinating permit process activities with other departments.  Providing information on upcoming permit applications and status of existing applications
• Completing special projects, including research on zoning issues and comprehensive plans, and creating computerized forms, charts, graphics, and other visual aids
• Reviewing and approving property plats for compliance with zoning and subdivision codes
• May plan, assign and review work and provide instruction and training to one or two employees
• Reviewing and approving preliminary and final plats for compliance with zoning codes, subdivision codes and street numbering policy
• Reviewing and approving grading permits and soil erosion permits; ensuring confirmation of compliance with zoning codes
• Accepting, processing, and maintaining zoning application forms; reviewing and evaluating re-zonings and permissive uses.  Preparing and reviewing Zoning Board of Appeals applications and preparing legal ads; preparing staff reports and recommending staff actions
• Checking development sites for zoning compliance, including but not limited to zoning conditions and buffering
• Serving as the inspector for zoning condition compliance in Douglas County Planning Department when necessary or assigned
• Verifying zoning on individual parcels of land as requested; certifying official copies of zoning codes
• Attending public hearings to provide staff comments and technical data
• Working with census officials in reviewing maps and census data, providing census data to public and other departments as requested
• Providing back-up assistance to other department members as assigned
• Providing legal testimony on zoning issues as needed
• Making presentations to schools and civic groups as requested
• Performing other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:   

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability necessary.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major field of study in Urban Planning or related discipline 
• Minimum of two years professional work experience in related field
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 21 years of age or older

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• AICP Certification, or certification within two to three years from date of hire
• Possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver's License (Class C) and a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of or ability to learn county and department operations, ordinances, policies, procedures, terminology, building codes, and/or materials as they relate to assignment
• Knowledge of or ability to learn applicable federal and state, laws, rules, and regulations as they relate to assignment
• Knowledge of annexation laws
• Knowledge of business English, spelling, and grammar
• Knowledge of mathematical computations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals; compute rate, ratio, and percent; ability to perform specific computations that are applicable to the job
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for the safe operation, maintenance of all department equipment, tools, machinery, and vehicles as required by assignment
• Knowledge of OSHA and other health and safety regulations, requirements and practices as they relate to assignment
• Knowledge of planning, zoning, and land use principles, practices and theories; knowledge of county, state, and federal regulations relating to all aspects of development
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and terminology of Civil Engineering and Planning and Zoning
• Knowledge of projected growth, land development, water, and transportation needs of the county
• Knowledge of public administration principles, practices, and procedures
• Knowledge of right-of-way records, zoning classifications, and county ordinances
• Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, and equipment
• Knowledge of specialized software, machinery, materials, terminology, and/or forms essential to the assignment
• Knowledge of site planning and urban design principles and practices
• Knowledge of zoning, planning and land use laws, rules and regulations
• Skill in analytical thinking; ability to apply a wide range of abstract and concrete concepts to problems and issues
• Skill in coordinating and resolving daily operational and administrative problems and issues effectively with subordinate employees
• Skill in creating, maintaining, and organizing accurate, detailed, and complete records in accordance with standard record-keeping procedures
• Skill in effective inter-personal and public relations and customer service; excellent oral and written communication skills to satisfactorily resolve conflicts and issues, and to explain established policies and procedures to employees and the general public
• Skill in exercising discretion in determining data classification and in referencing such analysis, to establish standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships
• Skill in handling and operating all assigned equipment, tools, and/or vehicles in a safe and proficient manner
• Skill in managing confrontational situations and the stress and emotional issues related to clientele in a professional manner
• Skill in performing tasks which require attention to detail, and completing assigned jobs efficiently and correctly
• Skill in planning, prioritizing, and organizing work; ability to handle multiple work assignments and deadlines efficiently, accurately, and professionally; skill in planning, prioritizing, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others
• Skill in public speaking and public relations
• Skill in troubleshooting and problem solving
• Skill in the use of personal computers, MS Office Suite, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing; typing and entering data into a computer system accurately and efficiently
• Ability to apply commonsense  to understand, follow, and complete verbal and written instructions
• Ability to assess the problems and requirements of the community and to formulate, facilitate, and administer programs and activities to meet the community needs; prepare, implement, adjust, and maintain equipment, classes, and programs; promote programs and activities
• Ability to collect data, information, and trends
• Ability to communicate and interact clearly and effectively with all those contacted in the course of work in a professional and courteous manner, both orally and in writing; establishing and maintaining effective, professional, and cordial working relationships
• Ability to communicate and explain the theory and philosophy of planning and zoning to others
• Ability to coordinate and administer department policies and programs in an effective manner
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and respect in client interactions, with disabled individuals and others needing special assistance; ability to deal effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds; ability to counsel, empathize, and communicate clearly
• Ability to effectively brief supervisors
• Ability to handle confidential information professionally and to exercise discretion in performing assigned job duties; inability to maintain confidentiality will be grounds for dismissal
• Ability to make sound, independent decisions within policy guidelines by exercising good judgment and intelligent situation-assessment
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and comprehend a variety of documents including, but not limited to, memos, instructions, correspondence, technical reports, legal documents, ordinances, governmental policies and procedures, design plans, maps and deeds, blueprints, budgets, diagrams, tables, professional articles, as they relate to assignment
• Ability to reconcile data; make necessary additions, revisions, and updates
• Ability to remain composed, professional, and pleasant in a stressful, fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Ability to research, analyze data, and compile information to create clear and concise reports, records, correspondence, business correspondence, policies, and other written material; ability to create clear, accurate, and effective, and persuasive presentations; ability to develop promotional materials
• Ability to analyze and resolve routine, non-routine, and complex problems, evaluating alternative solutions and adopting effective course of action by applying or adapting established policies and procedures, and through negotiation and counseling
• Ability to utilize and adhere to a project plan
• Ability to work in a team setting
• Ability to work independently in the absence of specific instructions or direct supervision

Salary: $53,164.80 - $55,000.00 hourly, plus full benefits package 

Employment Opportunities (Section 13-50)

“The recruitment, selection, appointment and promotion of employees shall be in such a manner as to promote equal employment for all persons without regard to race, age, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, national origin, physical handicap or political affiliation or sexual preference.”