Description

This position aspects of plan review, and development, including, but not limited to, infrastructure review, development plan review, minor subdivision review, zoning enforcement, long-range plan development and implementation, and Comprehensive Plan implementation. This position is responsible for administering areas of development within the Town, including minor subdivision, permits, zoning, and construction. The position participates in staff support to the Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, and Design Review Board; reporting to the Director of Planning.

The successful candidates will possess research and analytical abilities, be able to clearly organize and communicate information; know and understand best practices in land use planning; review regulatory requirements; apply appropriate federal, state, and county codes; and prepare written technical reports. The ability to present to citizen groups and public officials is essential. 

This is entry-level position professional level position. The Planner I is expected to be able perform professional level duties and excise judgement. The position receives considerable immediate supervision from the Senior Planner and director of Planning. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Reviews and processes site plans, plats, special exceptions, and variances.
• Reviewing development applications for completion and providing comments to applicants for forest conservation exemptions, natural resources inventories/forest stand delineations (NRI/FSD), and forest conservation plans.
• Develop and conduct research projects that identify trends and problems. 
• Ensure compliance with development regulations.
• Make recommendations to improve development quality.
• Coordinate development activities with other Town staff and representatives from other agencies. 
• Reviews and prepares reports and written recommendations on all types of zoning and land use applications.
• Makes oral presentations before scheduled meetings of boards and commissions regarding staff analysis and recommendations on zoning and land use applications.
• Assist in support to the Town Council, and other Boards and Commissions on zoning and land use, long range planning, or urban design issues as assigned.
• Provide information to the public at the counter, on the telephone, or in the field regarding zoning and land use, including the permitting process, variances, and re-zoning process. 
• Maintains records on development including but not limited to approved units and square footage by use, non-conforming building usage, and non-conforming structures.
• Assist in the periodic updating of the zoning ordinance and Comprehensive Plan.
• Assists in updating zoning and land use maps as necessary; check maps for accuracy; and make maps available to all involved or interested persons. 
• Explains and interprets zoning regulations and procedures to citizens, applicants, and other agencies and departments; and provides assistance in compliance with the regulations. 
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and the public using principles of good customer service and emphasizes that; "Service is our Business".
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Requirements

To perform this job satisfactorily, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education, Certification, and/or Experience

Possession of a High School diploma or GED.

Any combination of training and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in architecture, civil engineering, geography, long-range planning, urban planning, environmental science, or related field and four (1) year of planning experience in long-range or neighborhood planning, development review, transportation planning, or urban design etc., or a Master's degree in planning.