Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

FLSA: Hourly, Non Exempt

GRADE: 112

PAY: $19.13 - $23.91 (Depending on qualifications)

Employees of the County of Laurens and applicants for employment shall be afforded equal opportunity in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, religion, political affiliation, national origin, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, or age.

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be available to employees or applicants of this position under the ADA/ADAA if given prior notice by the employee or applicant.

The information contained within this document indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed by an employee within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or work required of employees assigned to this position.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

A Planning Technician position is considered an entry-level position and often works closely with the public on a regular basis to provide customer service on planning issues. Successful Planning Technicians may be asked to perform professional-level (Planner I) duties of limited complexity as a trainee. This position is in-person and FLSA classified non-exempt.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying, answering telephone, and responding to e-mails.
• Develops and maintains automated tracking systems, hard copy files and records.
• Provides information to the public regarding development regulations.
• Research and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
• Prepares public notices or property owner verifications.
• Prepare maps, charts, tables of limited complexity.
• Investigates violations of planning regulations and ordinances, including site visits.
• Attend public meetings, assisting other planning staff as appropriate.
• Attends monthly Board/Commission meetings to assist with setup and takes meeting minutes.
• Responds to FOIA requests through the county attorney applicable to the Planning & Zoning Division.
• Reviews or assists in the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations.
• Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to government bodies.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Knowledge of planning principles and practices, land use laws and zoning practices, plating, review of surveys, and entry-level GIS mapping is desired.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques
• Knowledge of computer programs and applications, which may include Microsoft Office, database management, Internet applications, and basic GIS mapping techniques.
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. [Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge skills and other characteristics.] An employee may not be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties which are not listed below. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

• The Planning Technician level requires, at a minimum, the completion of an associate's degree in urban planning, architecture, construction management, social sciences, or related fields.
• Two years of experience in plan review, office administration, zoning administration, report writing, public assistance, and experience with a Planning Commission is also required.
• A bachelor's degree is preferred and may substitute for two years of experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid SC Driver’s License and safe driving record.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be able to display professional courtesy when working with the public and planning professionals such as developers.
• Patience is required, along with the ability to manage a level of stress that can range from moderate to extremely high.
• May occasionally require long hours due to attendance at the County Council and other responsibilities that may be required.
• Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours, and occasional overnight travel to conferences and training sessions may be required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of principles, policies, and practices of office management, including secretarial, administrative, organization, and records management skills.
• Ability to effectively plan and organize work activities and prioritize task completion according to schedules and goals.
• Ability to exhibit good judgement and sound reasoning in communications and in interpreting and applying policies and procedures.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and through writing with the public, legal counsel, county officials, county employees, and outside referral agencies.
• Ability to serve in a confidential work relationship and manage confidential legal materials with tact and discretion.
• Must have familiarity with planning terminology and the forms of planning documents.
• Knowledge of Laurens County organization and structure, policies and procedures, and related laws and regulations.
• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public that will provide persuasive interaction in writing and speaking capabilities.
• Superlative writing skills.
• Concentrating for extended periods of time while working with highly technical data and the ability to dissect such data.
• Working successfully with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Managing stressful or emergent situations and finding solutions.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals.
• Ability to analyze and interpret federal, state, and local laws.
• Familiarity with using standard online research sites relating to the planning industry.
• Critical thinking skills to gather relevant information to solve practical problems and address citizen inquiries and concerns.
• Knowledge of Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and other related operating systems of the planning department.
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Operate general office equipment to include scanner, printer, copier, telephone, plotter, projector, and computer with Microsoft Office Suite and other job-related equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of the job successfully. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Working conditions include a great deal of sitting and use of either a computer screen or reading documents in paper form. Prolonged periods of concentration are necessary on a regular basis.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Strength and mobility to work in a typical office setting; stamina to perform sustained required physical labor, including standing, sitting, or walking; strength to lift a minimum of ten pounds unassisted; vision to read printed materials; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over a radio or telephone.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs