Hearing Coordinator

Department: Planning
Supervisor: Assistant Planning Director
Supervision Exercised: None
Exempt Status: Hourly
Benefits Eligibility Status: Eligible
BOCC Approval: 01/25/2022

SUMMARY

Work performed involves a high degree of complexity where critical, independent judgment is
required. Works independently with minimal supervision under the general direction of the
Assistant Planning Director. Work involves extensive coordination and facilitation of land use
planning-related public hearings and special meetings of the Planning & Zoning Commissions,
the Board of County Commissioners, and the Hearing Examiner. The Hearing Coordinator
communicates heavily with others inside the Planning Department and regularly with elected
county officials, Planning and Zoning Commissioners, and other departments throughout the
county. Work has significant, distinct impact on the operations of the Planning Department
with noticeable impact on the County in its relations with the public and with the need to
produce error-free documents. Work is typically performed in an office environment with
considerable stress due to critical deadlines. Position does not typically require travel outside
the local area, but does involves travel to attend training or public meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following duties and responsibilities
which are not listed in any particular order of priority and may be amended or added to by the
County at any time:

• Works is performed in the planning management software program.
• Regularly coordinates and attends public hearings and special meetings of the Planning

Commission, Zoning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, and special
appointed Plan Committees. Responsible for taking minutes, recording proceedings,
registering exhibits, and producing minutes of the various hearings and meetings, and
liaising with County Commissioners, Planning and Zoning Commissioners, and County
Commissioner support staff.

• Creates public hearing legal notices for publication in the newspaper of record, posting

consistent with Idaho’s Open Meeting Law, and for mailed notices to adjoining
landowners, taxing districts and agencies. Composes minutes, prepares mailing lists,
public hearing and meeting agendas, and other documents as assigned. Tracks affidavits
of publication, records of mailing, and certified letters to ensure noticing requirements
are met. Assists planners as directed. Assembles necessary file documents for the Board
of County Commissioners, the Planning & Zoning Commissions, and Hearing Examiner

Bonner County

prior to public hearings and meetings. Prepares and processes decision letters following
hearings.

• Responsible for preparation of Planning legal documents, including but not limited to

preparation for appeals and judicial review, court exhibits, ordinances, resolutions, and
issuances.

• Maintains, and updates various land use files and databases. Scans and assists in the

maintenance of the digital record process for the department, as well as other general
filing duties as assigned.

• Prepares room setup for all public hearings and meetings, including any necessary

documentation.

• Updates the department web page by posting meeting agendas, minutes, staff reports

or other documents, as directed.

• Composes letters and drafts documents, as requested by supervisors.
• Functions as a backup to answering general information questions and routing all other

questions regarding planning and zoning to appropriate employees, other departments,
or agencies. Performs routine clerical assignments, such as copying, faxing, mailing
correspondence, handling money, writing receipts, and distribution of incoming and
outgoing mail etc.

• Demonstrates a professional and positive representation of the Planning Department.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Performs all other administrative duties as assigned. Duties include but are not limited

to recording documents with the County Recorder, copying, scanning, filing maps and
cross-training to assist in various department functions.

• Composing advertisements to run in the local newspaper for open seats on the Planning

and Zoning Commissions as well as any other special committees.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• Sufficient combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities to competently perform the

essential functions of the job. Bachelor’s degree in relatable field or a combination of
education and experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree.

• Three years administrative experience required with previous experience in land use

planning office or closely related office (surveying and engineering office, for example)
preferred.

• Working knowledge of planning and zoning terminology and procedures preferred at

time of hire but may be learned during first year of employment.

• Must possess excellent organizational, telephone, and communication skills. Must be

able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to prioritize workload
and meet deadlines is critical.

• Ability to multi-task and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment. Must be able

to transition between multiple tasks on a frequent basis.

• Proficient grammar skills as used in the composing and proofreading of documents.

Bonner County

• Ability to follow directions, work in an effective and professional manner and develop

effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisor, and general public.

• Must possess basic math skills and the ability to solve practical problems using a variety

of instructions.

• Ability to use a variety of general office equipment, including personal computers, multi-

line telephones, fax machines, scanners, copiers, labelers, etc.

• Required computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
• Must possess current driver’s license with history of good driving record.
• Must complete notary public certification within 6 months of hire.
  

PHYSICAL ABILITIES & WORKING CONDITIONS

Ability to perform those physical activities necessary to complete the essential functions of the
job, either with or without reasonable accommodation. Requires continual communication
(hearing and talking, both in person and over the telephone); frequent fingering, grasping,
pushing, pulling, stooping, lifting walking, and repetitive motions. Requires good general vision.
Regular travel outside area for training or attendance at public meetings.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract, and management
reserves the right to modify it when necessary.