Planning Technician

Definition:

Under the general supervision of the Town Planner, this highly motivated, organized professional provides entry-level Planning support. The position will provide customer service and information on planning issues, code enforcement, and local building permits, assist with conducting research and mapping functions, and assist in preparing reports on various issues as directed. This employee is a proactive team player who is flexible, able to multitask, and enjoys working with the public. The hours of the position are Monday through Friday from 8am until 4pm. Requires attendance of a minimum of two (2) evenings per month at public meetings, as needed.

Essential Functions of the Job:

The listed examples may not include all duties performed in this position. Duties may vary from time to time and are at the discretion of the Town Planner. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability.

• Perform on-site inspections of Code violations. Serve as point person in the adaption and implementation of dedicated Code Enforcement and permitting software with an ongoing role of managing this system.
• Assist with the review and evaluation of minor applications for development and zoning to ensure compliance with Town Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Design Guidelines, and Future Land Use Plan.
• Review Administrative permits such as signage, fence permits, and site modifications, and collaborate with the Town Planner toward recommendations for approval, disapproval, or revision.
• Assist the Town Planner in preparing agendas for Planning Commission, Design Review Committee, and Board of Zoning Appeals, keep notes from meetings, and assist with the preparation of public notices.
• Assist the Town Planner in the collection of information for staff reports to applicable boards and commissions, providing pertinent information and imagery, if necessary.
• Assist Planning Clerk with processing residential building permit applications in accordance with the Town’s Zoning Ordinance and building requirements.
• Assist with on-site inspections of residential and commercial developments to ensure compliance with approved plans, such as landscaping, exterior elevations, materials, lighting, parking layout, building locations, screening, and other details.
• Prepare letters, memorandums, forms, and timelines which sometimes require considerable research and discretion to internal and external entities; may interact daily with Town staff, developers, citizens, and external State, Local, and Federal jurisdictions.
• Provide strong Customer Service by assisting the public in a timely manner with in-person, email, written, and telephone concerns and requests regarding planning related issues.
• Handle sensitive information in an appropriate manner and maintain complete confidentiality as needed.
• Perform such other duties as may from time to time be designated or required by the Town Planner.

Required Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning.
• Ability to think creatively with a basic understanding of design and aesthetics.
• Ability to produce work that is accurate with focus on attention to detail.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment; Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, Outlook).
• Ability to effectively express ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate with tact and professionalism under various conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret federal, state, and local regulations and policy regarding planning.
• Ability to conduct effective independent investigations, analysis, and research related to land use.
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of Town ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations, and to apply regulations to field conditions.
• Ability to cope with a considerable volume of detailed work and adapt to frequent interruptions in workflow.
• Ability to effectively manage one’s time, solve problems and exercise sound judgement.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Working experience with relevant software such as Arc GIS and Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) speaking abilities a plus.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in urban or regional planning, architecture, public policy, urban design, or a related field.
• One (1) year of experience in a planning, urban design, architecture, transportation, civic engagement, or community development position preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license in the State of Tennessee.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment; Subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and light lifting. However, some field work is required, including traveling to job sites to perform inspections of sites and buildings in various weather conditions.
• Requires travel between building sites and to various meetings, offices, and other locations.
• Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of color, sounds, depth, texture and visual cues or signals.
• Normal work responsibilities not only require a sighted individual (vision corrected to 20/20) for computer usage and visual inspections of plans, development, and sites, but also requires an individual with normal hearing (hearing corrected to normal ranges) for direct and telephone contact with developers, employees, and the public.
• The typical work schedule is Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 4PM.
• Attendance at up to two (2) evening meetings (Planning Commission, Design Review Committee) a month is required, as needed.

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