Planning Technician

The Planning Technician performs a variety of para‑professional to professional technical planning duties and assignments in current and/or advanced planning. The Planning Technician is responsible for general office and project organization and providing administrative assistance to further the efforts of the Planning Division, including the in‑take process and the review of petitions. The Planning Technician provides a large amount of information to the public and is a main point of contact for zoning and development questions and customer service.

This position will be under the immediate supervision of the Planner III.

• Serves as primary customer service contact and provides general information regarding land use, zoning, petitions, and fees.
• Greets and answers the phone regarding various questions concerning zoning and land use.
• Assists in collecting and analyzing data for various planning projects and programs.
• Prepares advisory board agendas and minutes.
• Receives, accepts for filing, and processes a variety of planning and land use petitions and reviews petitions to ensure completeness of application and provision of pertinent information.
• Provides administrative support to inspectors, planners and plans examiners.
• Preparation of board packages and agendas.
• Maintains department records and filing systems as required.
• Maintains informational materials for the public.
• Updates the City’s website.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned, including City‑directed work assignments in the event of a declared emergency.)

• General knowledge of administrative principles and practices, including maintaining accurate records.
• Excellent skills in customer service, including ability to communicate effectively, both in person and in writing.
• Skilled in the use of office equipment, including copy machines or multi‑line telephone systems.
• Skilled in using computers for word processing and accounting purposes.
• Ability to organize and communicate effectively.
• Ability to use computer software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and enter data accurately from a wide variety of source documents.
• Ability to produce and maintain financial and statistical records, if required, and to prepare periodic reports from such records.
• Ability to plan, organize and use mature judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions in accordance with established policy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Excellent time management and accuracy.

• High School Diploma from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma is preferred.
• Four (4) years responsible office experience.
• Two (2) years of experience in customer service and public contact work.

(A comparable amount of relevant training, education and/or experience may be substituted for the above qualifications.)

• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Florida Driver’s license by date of hire.

Every City employee has emergency response responsibilities, though not every position will require routine assignments during an emergency event. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee’s official job description.

Assignments in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature, with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically and operationally challenging conditions.

The City of North Port, FL is an affirmative action/ADA/veterans’ preference and equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.