Planning Technician

Provides a variety of administrative and clerical support to planning staff and applicants for project review and submittal; administers database systems; addresses questions related to specific projects. Serves as a first point of contact to the public via phone, email, and office counter. Duties include assisting public with planning services, processing administrative land use permits, clerical tasks, researching files, maintains Planning database, provides support to related commissions and boards.

Must be a highly organized individual with excellent communication and computer skills and the ability to multi-task and be self-motivated. Basic land development, real estate and planning techniques, practices and concepts are preferred.

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.

Assists the public with general questions pertaining to planning services and land development process; prepares/retrieves files, maps, copies, and other public documents.

Reviews, researches, and responds to liquor license inquiries from the licensing department.

Checks submittal materials for requests for land use applications. Uploads project submittals as needed into project management software. Checks and sends adjacent landowner lists to applicants as part of the project submittal procedure. Creates posters for posted notice.

Researches old files for the public, planning staff, various agencies and departments; researches deeds, plats, building permits and other official records as needed; assists with code enforcement research.

Creates, edits, updates, and maintains project applications, departmental forms and informational brochures which relay information to agencies and the general public about the planning process and regulations.

Creates, sets up and maintains database and trains staff to use system.

Develops forms and provides backup information on development improvement agreements regarding status and expiration. Coordinates meetings between the public, staff, and outside agencies.

Performs a variety of general administrative functions including: composing correspondence, creating files, copying documents, answering telephones and taking messages; troubleshooting copier and computer problems.

Receives incoming money.

Issues administrative land use permits such as accessory dwelling units, and special events.

Reviews building permit applications for compliance with the land use code.

Serves as administrative support to the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustments, Joint Planning Commission, and BOCC; records and transcribes meeting minutes for the official record; obtains and incorporates staff member comments into meeting minutes; maintains files of meeting packets for official record.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Material and Equipment Used:

General office equipment, computers and software

Education and Experience:

Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; and,

Two to four years of progressively responsible related experience; or,

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge of:

Basic land use development, real estate, and planning techniques, practices and concepts.

Basic legal terminology related to area of assignment.

Departmental services, programs, operating rules, regulations and procedures.

Office administrative and secretarial practices and procedures, such as business letter writing and the operation of standard office equipment, including a word processor and personal or on-line computer.

Principles and practices of customer service and telephone etiquette.

Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.

Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Standard business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.

Basic budgetary and accounting principles and practices.

All applicable state, federal and local laws, rules and regulations.

Computer applications related to the work.

Skill in:

Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.

Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a minimum of direction.

Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.

Keyboarding at a rate of 50 net words per minute.

Using a computer terminal to accurately and rapidly…