Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB: The Planning Technician is primarily the first point of contact for the public, property owners, and developers seeking basic land use and development information. The position requires a great deal of public contact including answering questions in person and over the phone. The Planning Technician is responsible for review and analysis of planning applications submitted to the Planning Department for completeness and conformity with the Department’s policies, procedures, and the comprehensive plan.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Planning Manager or designee. This is a non-supervisory position. Works closely with City personnel, has frequent contact with representatives of various governmental, business entities, developers, and the general public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provide customer service to the public in person, via telephone and by email; responds to inquiries regarding the planning application process and/or other Planning matters.
• Responsible for the review and processing of land development applications and for compliance with City codes and ordinances and coordination with other City departments and outside consultant agencies.
• Coordinate the timely review of all types of land development applications and documents submitted for review; checks submittals for required items; enters information into permitting software; calculates fees; and routes information to reviewers.
• Create maps and updates data in GIS system.
• Provide planning-related information to property owners, architects, surveyors, engineers, developers, realtors, appraisers, and the general public.
• Perform research into past actions taken by the City, or the history of a specific issue or project, in response to a public inquiry.
• Create or amend documents, forms, pamphlets, or checklists to assist the public.
• Assists in the preparation of Packets to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustments, and other Boards and Committees as needed.
• Review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
• Conduct site and landscape inspections to ensure compliance with approved site plans and conditions of approval.
• Research special projects required by Planning staff or management in conjunction with land development applications, special projects, and public requests.
• Assist other Development Services staff and other City staff as needed and/or assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

The ideal candidate should have:

• Basic knowledge and understanding of planning principles and practices, including comprehensive planning, zoning, platting, site development, and codes and ordinances.
• Excellent communication and customer relations skills; experience in public speaking and making both verbal and written presentations; excellent critique and organization skills as they are related to the field of planning, design, and community development.
• Skills to clearly interpret planning and zoning programs and codes to the public.
• Ability to remain positive and service-oriented in a difficult situation involving demanding or difficult customers.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, and to suggest process improvements as needed.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products and case management software(s).
• Working knowledge of ESRI GIS system.
• Ability to multitask a course of action to completion.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.

ACCEPTABLE EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING:

• Associate’s Degree in Planning; GIS; Geography; Government or related field and two years of experience in a municipal development services department; or
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Planning; GIS; Geography or related field; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES REQUIRED OR PREFERRED:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License
• CNU-A Preferred
• AICP Preferred