Planning Assistant

The Town of McCandless is seeking experienced, self-motivated applicants for the position of Planning Assistant. This full-time position performs duties as assigned by the Community Development Director and Town Manager. Typical duties include, but are not limited to, processing zoning and permit applications; coordinating and monitoring land development submissions from initial application through project closeout; maintaining accurate project records; tracking project escrows; monitoring compliance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code; and performing related administrative and accounting duties. The expected hourly rate for this position is $25.00 to $28.00 per hour. A complete job description and application instructions are available at www.townofmccandless.org. The Town of McCandless is an EOE and offers an excellent benefit package.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to employment@townofmccandless.org. Applications will be received until 4 p.m. on October 9, 2026.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Planning Assistant is the first point of contact for planning and zoning matters and primary administrative support for the Community Development Director. On a day-to-day basis the Planning Assistant answers basic zoning and code enforcement inquiries, provides guidance to permit applicants, prepares letters, legal notices and mailings, maintains official Town development records, and performs general office management tasks for the Community Development Department. Additionally, this position supports the Director during public meetings and carries out other routine tasks associated with meeting preparation and administration.

The Planning Assistant works closely with other team members in the Community Development Department, with some tasks performed with a high level of independence. Work is typically performed during regular business hours with 2 monthly evening meetings (Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board). Occasional attendance may be required at additional meetings of committees that do not meet regularly, such as the Code Appeals Board, on an as-needed basis and with advance notice.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist and support the Community Development Director in day-to-day operations. Coordinate the receipt of zoning and land development applications from submittal to project closeout, maintain official department records, and distribute pertinent information to Town officials, staff, and stakeholders.
• Function as the first point of contact for inbound calls, walk-ins, and other general communications related to zoning and land development matters. Route inquiries to appropriate Town staff members as necessary and involve the Director in resident and stakeholder concerns when appropriate.
• Maintain working knowledge of active development projects and codes and ordinances relevant to department operations.
• Communicate submission requirements and timelines to applicants and ensure all submittal and public notice deadlines are met by the Town. Prepare mailings and public notices and distribute as required.
• Coordinate obtaining required signatures on approved recording plans, plats and agreements.
• Maintain accurate records of plan review escrows with attention to detail. Generate account replenishment notices when balances fall below required thresholds. Collaborate with finance staff as needed.
• Manage development agreement documents and maintain secure files for all sureties, performance bonds, and other associated records.
• Attend and provide administrative support at all regularly scheduled Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board meetings, with occasional additional as-needed board/committee meetings. Prepare agendas and meeting minutes and maintain official Town records for respective committees. Distribute information and coordinate schedules for appointed officials and public meeting participants in a timely fashion.
• Cover the permit counter and process permit pick-ups and payments as needed.
• Perform general research on zoning and development matters when requested, such as reviewing other communities’ zoning codes to compare a practice or regulation or examining archive files for historical information. Prepare summary documents or spreadsheets where appropriate.
• Other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to field inquiries, de-escalate concerned residents, and understand when to bring information to the attention of management.
• Strong organizational skills and proficiency in records management.
• Ability to prepare reports and business correspondence on a daily basis as well as in compliance with recurring schedules and deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and draw conclusions from basic map documents such as property surveys and zoning district maps.
• Ability to learn and utilize computer-based permitting and project management systems. Familiarity with and ability to work in commonly used computer applications and online tools such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat/Reader.
• Ability to carry out duties and responsibilities with a public service ethos and connect with residents and stakeholders on a human level.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred, with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a professional office setting, or a high school diploma or GED equivalent with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a professional office setting is required. Other combinations of equivalent education, training and work experience will be considered.
• Prior experience in a municipal setting is preferred but not required. Candidates without prior municipal experience should possess a willingness to learn the basics of zoning and development administration and general public service provision.
• Prior experience in office management and/or customer service may be considered in lieu of prior municipal experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed mostly in a shared office environment with noise levels ranging from quiet to moderate throughout the day. Hand-eye coordination and repetitive hand movement is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of equipment, including use of a computer keyboard. The employee must be able to see and hear in the normal range with or without correction; and communicate both verbally and in written form with great facility and be understood.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, or crouch to access files, supplies, and other office equipment. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

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