What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planner position at Franklin County?
Founded in 1818 and named after Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, Franklin County is home to over 100,000 residents. With such a large population, and a total area of 931 square miles, Franklin County is considered a First-Class County with a valuation exceeding $2.5BN. Housed in the County Seat of Union, Franklin County Government operates out of the government headquarters at 400 E. Locust St. Franklin County is community-centered focusing on serving citizens with Purpose, Respect, Innovation, Stewardship, and Mindfulness.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under general supervision, supports the County’s planning and land use objectives by contributing to the development, implementation, and administration of comprehensive plans, land use regulations, and related programs. This position promotes community engagement in planning efforts and helps ensure compliance with applicable ordinances through education, coordination, and regulatory support.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
- Reviews land divisions and adjustments, evaluating for compliance with current land use regulations and coordinating with GIS staff as needed, and makes administrative determinations within established policies and procedures.
- Provides information and technical assistance to members of the general public, property owners, surveyors, developers, title companies, and their representatives.
- Responds to and assists in resolving complex or sensitive inquiries and complaints related to land use and zoning
- Performs communication and networking with local, regional, state, and federal entities as necessary to facilitate the daily work of the Planning and Zoning Department. These communication-related activities primarily involve local communities, utility districts, fire districts, and the economic development community.
- Generate supplemental information regarding land use and community development issues via informational written materials and updates to the website.
- Perform regulatory review of the Franklin County Unified Land Use Regulations for the purpose of recommending changes.
- Monitor and report on financial status of escrow accounts established for approved developments.
- Performs follow-up and review of approved permits, such as Second Dwelling Agreements, Medical Hardships, Conditional Use Permits, Zoning Permits, coordinating as necessary with the Zoning Code Enforcement Officer. Makes recommendations regarding compliance issues.
- Attends various meetings, presents reports, and provides administrative support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, County Commission, Board of Zoning adjustment, and other Councils and Committees
- Prepares and maintains various reports and records.
- Provides support to the Planning Director and may assist with departmental operations in their absence, as assigned.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Ability to Learn:
- County and department policies and procedures.
- County codes, ordinances, and zoning regulations.
- Standard surveying practices.
- Reading, interpreting, and identifying required modifications to surveys and plats.
Skills in:
- Communicating clearly both verbally and in writing.
- Reading, analyzing, and interpreting general business periodicals, professional journals, technical documents, and governmental regulations.
- Exercising discretion and judgment with only general supervision.
- Developing and implementing new plans and strategies for economic development, planning and zoning, and other issues throughout Franklin County.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Writing and presenting concise and comprehensive reports, manuals, and other correspondence.
- Understanding principals, practices, and laws regarding land use planning.
- Understanding and utilizing basic GIS Mapping products.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, or related field; AND three (3) years of related experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Must possess a valid State driver’s license.
May be required to obtain and maintain Public Notary certification.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Normal physical job duties are working in a standard office environment. May be required the lift or move equipment up to 50-lbs.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITIES
None
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
Reports to the Planning Director
The intent of this job description is to provide a representation summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of specific duties and responsibilities of any position. Incumbents may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically represented in this description.
**Will be subject to a criminal background check, drug screen, and any job-specific requirements as deemed necessary.