Planning Technician

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Job Description

Do you thrive on connecting with and supporting others? Are you highly organized and skilled at juggling multiple priorities? Are you looking for a meaningful career in a fast-growing county that offers opportunities for professional growth? You found it In Chatham County, we value flexibility, teamwork, wellness, and a healthy work-life balance. If these are important to you too, this could be the perfect fit.

Don't miss this opportunity — apply today

Performs professional administrative support work assisting with a variety of planning-related development, maintaining the front window, answering and coordinating calls, working with residents, developers, contractors, and others to guide them through the permitting process,and providing accurate and courteous customer service related to zoning and development regulations. This position is also responsible for maintaining records and files for various permits and aiding with other planning projects as needed. This position involves regular interaction with the public. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Zoning Administrator.

Essential Functions

• Acts as the front counter representative for the Planning Department by greeting visitors, answering the telephone, forwarding calls, providing information, answering questions, and responding to inquiries concerning specific planning-related permitting, programs, and ordinances;
• Interprets and applies county land use ordinances, enforces development standards as they pertain to permitting;
• Assists the public with the completion of various records, applications, etc. by verifying the completeness and accuracy of information;
• Process planning development applications via Open Gov permitting software and prepare files;
• Responds to inquiries regarding zoning and floodplain regulations, property use, and permit requirements;
• Reviews site plans for accuracy for flood plain determinations and residential zoning compliance permits;
• Reviews and issues a variety of permits, including residential, non-residential, and floodplain determinations;
• Researches and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources;
• Creates and maintains records on all residential developmental permits and others as needed;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED and at least two years of administrative office experience or completion of a two-year program related to responsibilities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in a public sector planning environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and techniques;
• Considerable knowledge of the county's land use and development ordinances, FEMA regulations, land use and building permitting processes, and related regulations and policies of the county;
• Proven experience reviewing and processing permit applications within a planning or land development environment;
• Proficient in reading and interpreting zoning maps, land surveys, procedure manuals, and local development policies;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to convey complex land use regulations clearly and

professionally, both in writing and in person;

• Ability to analyze development issues and recommend solutions;
• Ability to keep office records and to prepare accurate reports from file sources;
• Ability to perform and organize work independently;
• Ability to prepare effective correspondence on routine matters and to perform routine office management details without referral to supervisor;
• Ability to read and comprehend various types of maps and site plans;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn and use permitting and GIS software, including OpenGov, ArcGIS, or similar software;
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, contractors, developers, public agencies, colleagues, and the general public.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking, hearing, handling or feeling and repetitive motions, frequently requires reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; work requires vocal communication to express or exchange ideas orally; work requires hearing to perceive information at normal spoken levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Chatham County is fully committed to equal employment opportunity (EEO) principles and issues this anti-discrimination/EEO compliance clause to support and maintain employee's rights and responsibilities relating to equal employment. The core of equal employment opportunity is the right to work and advance on the basis of merit, ability, and potential, free from prejudice or discrimination. In accordance with the applicable anti-discrimination statutes, executive orders, and other authorities, Chatham County protects employees against discrimination, to the fullest extent of law, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, whistleblower activity, parental status, and military service (past, present, or future), and against retaliation for participation in EEO activity or opposition to discrimination.

Salary : $45,000 - $55,000