Senior Planning Technician

DESCRIPTION

Join the City of Allen—a vibrant community of over 100,000 residents where strong economic growth, excellent schools, and an exceptional quality of life make it a great place to live, work, and play.

Our mission is simple: “To achieve excellence in managing community development and city services, continually enhancing the quality of life and public confidence.”

At the City of Allen, our employees bring the PRIDE values to life:

• 
  People First – Prioritizing others
• Respect – Treating everyone with courtesy and dignity
• Integrity – Serving with honesty and trust
• Deliver – Following through and exceeding expectations
• Excel – Driving innovation and continuous improvement
  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Provides information and support to citizens, developers, engineers, and other departments by assisting with the application process, responding to questions and inquiries regarding zoning, development, ordinances, and regulations, and researching existing codes and ordinances for staff, other City departments, and customers.

• Provides assistance with the weekly Technical Review Committee by assisting in the coordination of meeting agendas, coordinating meetings with developers, distributing plans, receiving and compiling staff comments, and distributing communications to developers.

• Assists in the processing of development applications for compliance with the Allen Land Development Code, Zoning Ordinances, and land use entitlement requirements by intaking applications.

• Provides technical support and assistance to the City’s Geographical Information System (GIS) by preparing information for public hearing notices and other supporting documents, conducting analysis of mapping data in support of development cases and planning projects, addressing private properties, and routing to GIS department for final review.

• Assists with the review and processing of specialized permits and property data by evaluating sign permit and TABC permit applications for regulatory compliance, and managing the assignment and maintenance of addresses to ensure accuracy within City records and emergency response systems.

• Provides research by collecting information, analyzing data, and preparing and delivering reports including population data, assisting with long-range forecasts of demographics, and maintaining the land use inventory.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Education and experience that provide the necessary knowledge and skills may also be considered, but a typical way to qualify is by obtaining:

• Associate's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field with two (2) or more years of relevant planning-related experience, or equivalent.

• Safe driving record and a valid Texas Driver’s License
• Clear criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen

• This is a full-time non-exempt position with benefits.
• Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• The schedule may be modified if departmental needs arise.
• May be required to work overtime.

• Primarily sitting while performing research, reviewing development applications, preparing reports, and utilizing computer systems.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, map review, document preparation, and operation of standard office equipment.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, or stretching to access files, records, plans, or office equipment.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of files, maps, plans, presentation materials, and office supplies weighing up to 15 pounds.
• Adequate vision to review site plans, maps, ordinances, development applications, and technical documents.
• Adequate hearing and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with citizens, developers, consultants, staff, and public officials.

• Knowledge of planning, zoning, land development, and municipal government principles and practices.
• Knowledge of applicable ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures related to development review and land use administration.
• Ability to interpret site plans, development applications, maps, legal descriptions, ordinances, and technical documents.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mapping concepts, and related software applications.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and present data and prepare reports, exhibits, presentations, and supporting documentation.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with citizens, developers, consultants, and City staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and other applicable software programs.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and assignments while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to conduct research, evaluate information, and make recommendations based on findings.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, databases, and files with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, consultants, developers, and the general public.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment within established policies and procedures.

• Flexibility to perform other duties and special projects as assigned
• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with professional and support staff, vendors, the public, and City employees.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Providing outstanding customer service and conflict resolution.
• Operating highly technical computer applications, such as GIS.
• Reading and understanding City, State and Federal rules and regulations.
• Creating, preparing, writing, and proofing reports, documents, and correspondence.
• Working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities.
• Effectively communicating in both oral and written formats.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Allen and employee and may be revised by the employer as needed.

The City of Allen is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or military status in employment or in the provision of services.

The City of Allen participates in the federal e-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Jump into a full-time role (40 hours/week) with the City of Allen and enjoy a benefits package designed to support you at work and in life! You’ll receive comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, basic and optional life insurance, long-term disability, accrued vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, TMRS retirement with a 2-to-1 city match, a 457 deferred compensation plan, and longevity bonuses.

All City employees also have free access to recreation centers, including: