Planning Technician

Hiring Range: $45,404 – $47,702

Description
Performs entry level technical planning work implementing a variety of planning activities and programs specializing in development review and current planning along with related work as required.

Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class utilizes specialized planning techniques to provide coordinated guidance and regulation of the growth and development of the Town. Work involves conducting plan review, assisting citizens and developers with various issues; managing addressing for the Town; and providing administrative support to the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment. Work involves providing technical guidance to department staff, and considerable public contact often in sensitive or emotional issues requiring judgment, firmness, and tact. The role also includes developing a favorable relationship between the Town and the community. Work is supervised by the Planning Director and is evaluated through direct interaction with other staff and the public, interdepartmental communication and relationships, the quality of work products, and the success of planning

Duties & Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Tasks

– Reviews residential and commercial building permits for compliance with the Town’s Unified Development Code (UDC), performs related inspections, and manages all related correspondence.
– Reviews minor subdivisions, exempt and final plats, and assigned site plans for compliance with the Town’s Unified Development Code (UDC), performs related inspections, and manages all related correspondence.
– Provide administrative support to the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment in the form of agenda packet preparation, packet distribution, and the taking and transcription of Board minutes.
– Assigns street addresses for all new structures; sets block ranges for new streets and adjusts block ranges as needed; notifies appropriate parties of new address assignments or address changes.
– Reviews and processes new road name applications; coordinate with the County on new road names; reviews development plans to assign addresses and determine the number of road names required; set block ranges; makes recommendations regarding road alignment to ensure streets numbered in safe manner for emergency response.
– Maintains address database for Town-wide use; enters all new addresses; street names; corrects discrepancies in addresses and street names; updates inside or outside town limit status with each new annexation.
– Assigned to Planning Department’s primary phone number and ensures all calls are answered and directed to the appropriate personnel.
– Cross-trains with other staff and assists as needed.
– Provides information to the public regarding development regulations.
– Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues.
– Conducts site inspections, field evaluations, and assessments.
– Attends evening meetings as required.
– Performs related duties as required.

Special Requirements, Education & Experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
– Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning.
– Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection.
– Knowledge of effective writing techniques.
– Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
– Knowledge of computer programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint, Internet applications, AutoCAD and GIS.
– Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public.
– Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
– Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
– Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
– Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
– Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.

Desirable Education and Experience
The Planning Technician position requires a bachelor’s degree in degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Urban or Regional Planning or closely related field of study. Experience in addressing and subdivision review is preferred.