Planning Assistant

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Position Title:

Planning Assistant

Department:
Planning & Community Development

Division:
Planning

Retirement: KPERS

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

Effective Date:
April 2, 2026

Provides administrative and technical support in the oversight of multiple programs to include planning, zoning and community development. Assists with permit reviews and planning research; provides basic zoning information and planning assistance to the general public, developers, private consultants and other outside public agencies.

Works under the supervision of the Associate Planner. The individual in this position usually receives only generalized instructions and is frequently required to make independent work decisions.

Assists with the training of the administrative clerk position.

(Duties listed below do not include all tasks which may be performed)

• Serves as primary point of contact for citizens, developers, and professionals, providing information and assistance on planning, zoning, development procedures, and regulations while maintaining tact and confidentiality.
• Responds to inquiries (oral and written) and interprets applicable state laws, local ordinances, and departmental policies.
• Performs intake, review, and processing of applications, permits, variances, and plans; ensures completeness, tracks files, and coordinates distribution to staff and departments.
• Prepares and manages legal notices, correspondence, reports, and departmental communications including agendas, minutes, and website updates.
• Maintains and manages departmental records, files, data entry, and reporting in compliance with federal, state and local requirements.
• Conducts research, compiles data, and assists with report preparation, including grant reporting and submissions.
• Provides administrative support including purchasing, processing payments, scheduling, calendar management, and general office coordination.
• Coordinates meetings and activities with Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Preservation Commission, City departments, and external agencies.
• Communicates planning comments and project updates to stakeholders.

• Represents the department at local meetings as requested.
• May serve as a division representative on various employee committees, as assigned.

• Principles and practices of municipal planning, including pertinent federal, state and local statutes, laws and rules.
• Paper and electronic file systems and the support such systems provide to the administrative staff.
• Proper and accurate business English, spelling and business math.
• Word processing and data entry programs, mapping software, Kansas and US grant programs, especially historic preservation, tourism & attractions, environmental issues, specialized planning and survey grant programs.
• Building construction (as it relates to rehabilitation and redevelopment work), inspection processes, construction and project time management.

• Comprehend and adhere to mandatory file and report directives of the department, federal regulations, state statutes and local policies;
  Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Analyze situations and develop reasonable course of action; analyze and interpret data, policies, procedures, codes and ordinances.
• Compile, review and evaluate data; organize materials and present information clearly and concisely in verbal and written form.
• Work in a centralized office, maintaining a high level of accuracy and efficiency with numerous interruptions; work independently; prioritize work; and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Operate and maintain office, data processing and copier equipment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, contractors, agency representatives, citizen advisory boards, departmental personnel and City employees.
• Understand the importance of public relations, interpersonal and organizational skills; deal tactfully and professionally with the public and others.
• Transcribe from a digital recording, handwritten, e-mail and a variety of drafts.

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• One year of experience working in a local or regional planning office; AND
• Two years of experience in implementing and maintaining manual filing systems; OR
• Three years of broad administrative experience in a business, professional or governmental of