Planner I​/Planning

REPORTS TO: Development Services Coordinator or Comprehensive Planning Coordinator

FLSA STATUS: Exempt – Professional

CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System; requires satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.

PAY GRADE: 116

SAFETY SENSITIVE: No

The purpose of this job is to research and prepare information related to current planning and zoning services. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting the public by answering questions, researching issues, and providing information to elected officials, members of appointed bodies, other Athens-Clarke County staff, Planning Department customers, and the general public, and performing additional tasks as assigned.

• Work Schedule – Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm with some evening meetings required. May be required to work on religious holidays.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Must work cooperatively with others.
• When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC’s safe driving policy.

Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Historic Preservation, or related field with one year of work related experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Assists the Development Services Division with the Plan Review process, including, but not limited to, Plan Review intake, scheduling and Plan Revision submittals.
• Assists the Long Range Planning Division with submittals including rezoning and variance applications.
• Reviews site plans and prepares comments for the Development Review Process.
• Assists in the administration of the Unified Government’s zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations; conducts research on various issues related to zoning or development regulations.
• Explains zoning, sign, historic preservation, and development regulation requirements for developments and land use to applicants, government officials, and the general public.
• Provides information to other Planning Staff on plan review and site conditions; conducts site plan review.
• Assists in the review and preparation of reports regarding variances, subdivisions, appeals of interpretation of design review, and planned development concepts for the development review process.
• Prepares zoning verification correspondence and answers public inquiries regarding zoning and subdivision issues.
• Reviews and processes Manufactured Home Permits, Home Occupation Permits, Alcohol License Applications and Building Permits.
• Prepares legal advertisements for public hearings in accordance with the Athens-Clarke County zoning ordinance.
• Assists Planning Staff in the preparation of special reports and presentations as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Knowledge of the Athens-Clarke County zoning and development-related ordinances, codes, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to use a personal computer and a variety of software applications, including word processing, database management, and graphics applications.
• Ability to read maps and review site plans.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to coordinate meetings and conduct public presentations.
• Knowledge of functions, principles, methods, and techniques of public sector planning, including those related to community planning, outdoor recreation planning, and natural and cultural resource planning.
• Knowledge and understanding of the methods and tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and managing planning, design and construction projects.
• Knowledge of landscape architecture theory and practice.

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of a Planning Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Assistant Transportation Planner.
• Knowledge of the terminology used within a planning department.
• Knowledge of Georgia DOT rules and…