Planning Technician

Description

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Department: Community Development Department

Reports To:Zoning Manager

The City is seeking a Planning Technician to support development review and planning initiatives. This technical position reviews development applications and assists with code and policy updates to support responsible growth and land use. The role requires sound judgment, strong customer service skills, and the ability to work with a moderate level of independence.

Key Duties Include:

• Reviewing development applications for code and policy compliance
• Assisting with research and updates to planning codes and policies
• Coordinating with internal departments, external agencies, and the public
• Providing accurate, timely, and professional customer service
• Applying City values of accountability, empowerment, innovation, and ownership in daily work

This position plays an important role in optimizing land use, infrastructure, growth, and development while supporting the City's commitment to high-quality public service.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Provides professional and technical assistance to the public inquiries related to planning.
• Answers inquiries and assists the public in matters relating to land use and zoning.
• Reviews and approves building permit applications for compliance with the Land Development Code.
• Performs general property research and works with other agencies such as City, County, property appraiser, tax collector, and clerk of courts.
• Maintains development files electronically in the citywide land management system.
• Prepares and coordinates amendments to the City's Comprehensive Plan, including Small Scale and Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendments and the Evaluation and Appraisal Report and Land Development Code.
• Drafts technical and regulatory reports, including but not limited to ordinances, moratoriums, staff reports, inter-local and development agreements.
• Reviews land use development applications, prepares reports, and makes recommendations for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan.
• Provides staff support to various advisory boards and committees, such as the Historic Preservation Board including historical research, Economic Development Advisory Committee, and Planning Board.
• Coordinates and compiles staff reports for Historic Preservation Board, Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Perform as a Notary Public, as a service to the City officials and the public. Updates Division maps, such as annexation, future land use, and zoning, which are to be converted to an electronic format.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent supplemented by either an Associates Degree or three (3) years of relevant technical experience in local government, clerical or administrative support; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, public administration, geography, or other closely related field preferred.

Possession of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida state Driver's License with an approved driving history.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred with proficiency in both written and verbal communication.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

General Knowledge and Skills:

Principles, practices and trends of public planning; Statistical research methods as applied to the collection and tabulation of data affecting public planning; Working knowledge of laws and regulations governing planning in the State of Florida; Demonstrated computer skills, including proficiency in productivity applications.

Abilities:

Collect, analyze and compile, organize and present technical statistical and related information pertaining to planning and zoning research; Interpret, apply and explain laws, rules, regulations and ordinances; Prepare concise written and oral reports; Participate in planning presentations before Committees/Boards/Councils; Provide services to the public in a courteous and effective manner; Participate cooperatively and effectively as a contributing team member; prepare rough charts, maps and other graphic illustrations; Apply laws and ordinances and conduct field investigations as may be required; Produce acceptable work within a reasonable timeframe; Input, retrieve and analyze data utilizing a computer.

Physical Environment:

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 talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of St. Cloud is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in all of its employment practices based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran or family status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws. The City participates in employment eligibility verifications through E-verify. Veteran's preference is given in accordance with Florida Law.

City of St. Cloud Benefits Package

We believe our City employees to be our most valuable asset. To attract and retain those employees, we offer a competitive wages and benefits package including on-the-job training, seminars, and performance appraisals.

We invite you to look at the benefits the City of St. Cloud has to offer. We think you will find that the rewards of the job are equal to the challenge.

All of our Full-time regular employees are eligible for the city's benefits package, which includes:

• On-Site Employee Health Care Center - free for employees and their dependents on the health insurance plan
• Paid Vacation
• Sick Leave (Ability to roll over from year to year)
• 11 Paid Holidays for General Employees and Police Officers– The Fire department employees can earn up to 156 holiday hours per fiscal year (prorated from the employee's start date).
• One (1) Floating Holiday for General Employees and two (2) for Police Officers.
• Medical and Dental Coverage
• Pension Plan
• Awards Programs
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Discounted Automobile Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Holiday Bonus – subject to City Council approval
• Indianapolis Plan (Police Officers)
• Life and Accidental Death (One-time annual salary paid by City)
• Long Term Disability Coverage (paid by City)
• Management Leave
• Sick Leave Bank available for all employees - for Fire Union sick leave bank information, see union contract