Planning and Land Use Technician

About the Role

Do you enjoy helping people navigate rules, maps, and local development codes? Do you thrive in a team setting where collaboration, curiosity, and public service drive the day? As the Planning and Land Use Technician, you’ll serve as the friendly face of our Community Development front counter, assisting community members with permits, land use applications, and development questions. You’ll translate complex zoning details into clear answers, process applications with accuracy, and conduct field inspections to ensure compliance. This role blends customer service, technical work, and teamwork to shape the places where people live, work, and play.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing short- and long-range plans, gathering and interpreting data for studies, reports, and recommendations.
• Provide information on land use applications, ordinances, codes, plans, and related programs to architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and the public.
• Prepare studies, reports, and recommendations for decision-making, including technical research and statistical analysis.
• Evaluate land use proposals and site plans for compliance with local, state, and federal laws, and make recommendations.
• Monitor land use applications through approval stages and prepare required reports.
• Conduct field inspections to verify compliance with land use regulations.
• Assist in enforcing local ordinances and interpreting City codes and master plans.
• Support City Boards and Commissions (e.g., Planning Commission, Hearings Board) with staff assistance and report preparation.
• Update maps, prepare graphics, and assist with grant applications related to planning and land use.
• Maintain planning databases and respond to public inquiries about zoning and regulations.
• Attend professional development workshops to stay current on municipal planning trends.
• Represent the City professionally, delivering prompt and courteous service to the public and colleagues.
• Collaborate with planners, building staff, and inspectors to solve problems and streamline processes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including occasional training of new personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in land use planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, public administration, or a closely related field AND one year of job-related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver’s license.
• Knowledge of zoning laws, comprehensive plans, and planning processes.
• Basic knowledge of GIS applications is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public.
• Proficiency in operating computers for data entry, word processing, and office equipment.

Skills

• Customer service excellence and a welcoming demeanor.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative team player with adaptability to varied tasks.
• Curiosity about planning and land use, with a willingness to learn.
• Ability to work in both office and field environments.

Work Environment

The role primarily operates in an office environment with occasional fieldwork. Work settings include offices, conference rooms, public spaces, and outdoor sites. Noise levels are typical of an office or moderate in the field. Travel is limited to city work sites.

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work with occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force.
• Ability to balance, climb, crouch, crawl, kneel, stoop, and stand for sustained periods.
• Frequent use of hands for fingering, grasping, and handling objects.
• Ability to hear and speak effectively for customer interactions and instructions.
• Mental acuity for decision-making and problem-solving.
• Occasional lifting, pulling, pushing, and reaching.
• Substantial repetitive motion of wrists, hands, and fingers.