Zoning Specialist jobs in Aiken, SC

• Assists in the processing of subdivision and development plans, site plans and other development-related projects.
• Interprets the application of codes and ordinances to development projects and consults with senior staff and representatives of other departments and agencies. Coordinates activities with other departments to share pertinent information and the efficient use of resources.
• Meet with applicants to review the requirements of development codes and ordinances.  Manages the processing of complaints and concerns from customers and others.
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
• Works with code enforcement staff to investigate and resolve zoning ordinance violations.
• Manages the application and review process for variances from the zoning regulations.  Acts as staff liaison to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Researches and writes reports related to proposed amendments to development codes and ordinances.  Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use and development issues and trends.  Research alternative solutions to resolve conflicting development issues.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

• Recommends changes to standard operating procedures for plan review
• Maintains all development application/ permit documentation and records
• Disseminates information on development codes and ordinances to the public and others
• Supervises record-keeping related to development projects and zoning

Education:    Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:  Five (5) years of experience in planning, public administration, architecture, or a related field.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Thorough knowledge of urban planning principles, practices and techniques.
• Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as land use or plan review.
• Knowledge of principles, methodology and practices of research and data collection.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with co-workers, elected and appointed officials and the general public.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information and solve problems.
• Ability to work independently on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet deadlines.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES:

• Data Utilization:  Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
• Human Interaction:   Requires the ability to work with and apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others to coordinate programs or activities of a project, and resolve typical problems associated with the responsibilities of the job.
• Equipment:  Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
• Verbal:  Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information.
• Math:  Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.
• Functional Reasoning:   Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.
• Situational Reasoning:  Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving broader aspects of organizational programs and operations, moderately unstable situations, or the direction, control and planning of an entire program or set of programs.
• Physical Abilities:   Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.
• Sensory Requirements:   Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
• Environmental Factors:  Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

This position requires staff call up in an emergency situation.

This position requires less than 50% travel from office to other locations.

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The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.