Planning Technician

Job Summary

The employee in this classification is responsible for performing a variety of planning tasks at the public counter, the office, and in the field, including intake, processing, reviewing, approving, and inspecting a wide variety of land use proposals and zoning applications; disseminating zoning information to applicants and the general public; conducting file research and maintenance; utilizing GIS applications related to those duties; preparing memoranda, technical summaries, and public meeting agendas; creating and maintaining databases; assisting with research and planning studies; and performing other duties as required.

Provides support to other County staff members and the general public by disseminating requirements enumerated in the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations and Zoning and Development Standards Ordinances. Must be able to deal courteously and effectively with fellow employees and citizens.

Essential Job Functions

• Data entry and advanced use of word processing and spreadsheet software programs.
• Draft, edit and distribute correspondence.
• Affords assistance with research, planning studies, and trend analysis by compiling data and preparing reports.
• Interfaces directly with the public by fielding inquiries and complaints and disseminating zoning and subdivision information.
• Receives and determines completeness and acceptability of various types of land use applications including land use permits, subdivisions, conditional use permits, zone changes, variances, and other applications/permits.
• Makes routine field investigations to assure compliance with conditions of approval contained in approved land use permit, conditional use permit, variance, or other authorization.
• Utilizes ArcView to search/interpret spatial data and obtain relevant property information.
• Utilizes MS Office Suite and specialized software/computer applications in fulfillment of job responsibilities.
• Administers the Zoning and Development Standards Ordinance and Land Development and Subdivision Regulations by reviewing, and upon demonstrated conformance, approving certain land use proposals and plat submittals, conditional use, home occupation, sign, and other ministerial permits; advises applicants of required land use standards and application contents; refers discretionary land use applications to the Planning Director or designee.
• Affords assistance to citizens in obtaining county services; may answer highly complex questions from citizens regarding services; provides a variety of procedural and recorded information to the public including case file information, zoning, and land use requirements, and assists in obtaining assessor's parcel numbers.
• Affords assistance to administrative support staff with administrative processing and similar duties when necessary.
• Deals courteously and effectively with the public and fellow employees.
• May perform tasks which involve driving a county vehicle.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements To Perform Work

• PLANNING TECHNICIAN I: Associates Degree in Planning, Public Administration or other closely related field and one (1) year of related experience; or a comparable combination of experience and/or education.
• PLANNING TECHNICIAN II: Associates Degree in Planning, Public Administration or other closely related field and three (3) – five (5) years of related experience; or a comparable combination of experience and/or education.
• PLANNING TECHNICIAN III: Associates Degree in Planning, Public Administration or other closely related field and five or more years of related experience; or a comparable combination of experience and/or education.

Special Requirements

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for South Carolina with a safe driving record.
• Departmental testing may be administered during interview.
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not on file.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of personal computers including proficient knowledge of Word and Excel and capable of learning specialized computer applications/software.
• Skill in excellent interpersonal and customer service communication.
• Ability to efficiently complete tasks by following established guidelines/procedures with minimal direct supervision.
• Ability to prepare and present clear, concise reports both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, public officials, employees, and the general public.
• Ability to manage efficient and effective documentation, read, interpret, and administer Zoning and Development Standards and Land Development and Subdivision Regulations.

Physical Demands

• The work is regularly performed in-office in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs.
• Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week.
• Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the ability to work flexible hours when necessary.
• May be requested to attend evening Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, and/or County Council meetings on occasion.

Work Conditions

• The work is regularly performed in-office in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs.
• Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week.
• Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the ability to work flexible hours when necessary.
• May be requested to attend evening Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, and/or County Council meetings on occasion.