Position: Planner

Opening Date: April 28, 2025                                                                                           Closing Date: Until Filled

Salary: $53,000 up to $69,415 dependent on qualifications and experience

Department: Infrastructure, Planning & Growth                                                         Location: County-City Building

Description:

Planner serves as staff to the Area Plan Commission, Area Board of Zoning Appeals, and Plat Committee. Performs zoning administration functions for the County at the direction of the Director. Provides planning and zoning staff support to member towns as needed. Responsibilities include processing, reviewing, and preparing staff reports for various boards and commissions. Other major functions of the position include researching and responding to public and customer inquiries regarding planning and zoning related issues, as well as evaluating development proposals for conformance with plans, ordinances, and codes.

This position reports directly to the Area Plan Commission Director and may perform functions on behalf of County Surveyor, County Engineer, and Economic Development Director.

Essential Functions:

• Research and respond to public and customer inquiries regarding planning and zoning related issues
• Evaluate development proposals for conformance with plans, ordinances, and codes
• Work collaboratively with petitioners, members of the public, elected officials, and other stakeholders during the development review process
• Process, review, and write staff reports for Area Board of Zoning Appeals petitions
• Process, review, and write staff reports for Area Plan Commission petitions
• Process, review, and write staff reports for Plat Committee petitions
• Process, review, and write staff reports for street and alley vacations
• Responsible for zoning enforcement in designated territory
• Conduct onsite inspections as needed
• Update Geographic Information System (GIS) layers and maps
• Assists in the developing long-range plans and revision of ordinances
• Attend public meetings as needed, including some during evening hours
• Must possess a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one

• Provide staff support on various special projects, committees, and other groups
• Assist public and government agencies on a wide range of Planning, Public Works, and Economic Development issues

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or closely related field; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of one year work experience in the planning field preferred; can be demonstrated through professional work experience, internships, graduate assistantships, etc.
• Working knowledge of fundamental planning issues and concepts, including comprehensive planning, zoning and subdivision concepts, environmental issues, growth management, economic development, housing, and transportation
• Working knowledge of federal and state land use laws and regulations
• Ability to read, comprehend, and apply zoning and subdivision ordinances of the County and member cities and towns
• Proficiency in ArcGIS, Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe, file management or the ability to learn
• Ability to effectively manage the workday, multiple projects, budgets, and deadlines, and be attuned to the importance of the attention to detail
• Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment, often under time pressure, and on several tasks at the same time
• Ability to comply with county and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct
• Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with difficult persons

Physical Demands:            

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment, involving sitting for long periods, sitting/walking at will, keyboarding, lifting/carrying objects weighing less than 25 pounds, close vision, color/depth perception, speaking clearly, hearing sounds/communication, and handling/grasping/fingering objects.  Incumbent occasionally works extended and/or evening hours. Safety precautions must be followed at all times to avoid injury to self and others.