County Planner

SUMMARY:

The County Planner assists in all Planning Department matters including conducting research, maintaining the planning databases and addressing planning questions from a variety of both external and internal sources. The County Planner’s primary duties include providing administrative support and project reviews for the Planning Department. The position of County Planner is the entry-level position within the County Planning Department. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The County Planner receives direction from the Planning Manager. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Acts as liaison between citizens, community groups, state and local government agencies, developers and elected officials in land use planning and development regulations, planning applications and associated fees. 
• Assists in resolving external citizen and customer issues as well as internal issues relevant to the County.
• Prepares for Planning Board meetings including the creation of the agenda, creation of physical exhibits, and dissemination of Planning Board meeting notices to the general public, agenda applicants, and Planning Board members. 
• Respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests as assigned.
• Reviews plans and specifications for minor subdivision, boundary/ lot line adjustment, variances and waivers, stormwater permits, temporary use permits, and other developments for compliance with County Ordinance as assigned by the Planning Manager.
• Reviews building permit applications for compliance with Planning regulations
• Manages departmental project database including the input, and tracking fees paid and outstanding
• Completes intake for land use complaints that are received, and manages initial outreach to property owners
• Conducts site visits and inspections 
• Completes tasks as assigned by the Planning Manager to resolve land use complaints. 
• Create graphics to visually demonstrate planning concepts and to engage in education and outreach. 
• Manages and implements outreach projects to County citizens, stakeholders, and industry professionals.
• Prepares month end/year end department productivity documents and financial reports
• Prepares financial deposits of fees as necessary
• Attends and manages evening meetings of the Planning Board or Board of Appeals
• Assists with the development of reports and presentations to various County Boards and Committees
• Review and implement County Special Development Regulations for administrative review proposals
• Coordinate and assist with County public outreach projects
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Regular and reliable attendance.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

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

ESSENTIAL SKILLS 

• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain planning and development regulations and procedures clearly to the public, surveyors, engineers, contractors and other developers
• 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 such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions
• Ability to create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics highly desirable.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to work independently, with other County offices or in a team environment as needed
• Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind
• The ability to create attractive graphics using adobe illustrator, Canva, or some other software is desirable.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning
• Knowledge of a relevant specialization as to land use regulations
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection 
• Knowledge of effective technical writing techniques
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Requires a Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, public policy, or related area of study OR two years of planning experience. 

Other Licenses / Certificates:

The County Planner must possess a valid Arkansas State Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record.

The County Planner must possess a Notary Public for the State of Arkansas or be able to obtain one within one year. 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to use close vision in use with large amount of computer screen work. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to travel by foot across all types of terrain in all weather conditions. Must be able to operate two-wheel and four-wheel drive County vehicle.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.

Work Environment:

The employee must be able to perform routine tasks normally associated with an office setting. The noise level is moderate and the lifting requirements are minimal. The position may require limited outside work, including but not limited to development site visits and inspections.