Planning Specialist

Posting number: 00636

Department: PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Division: PLANNING & ZONING

Job classification: PLANNING SPECIALIST

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Administrative Assistant, Clerical & Data Entry, Customer Service, Office and Administrative Support

The purpose of this position is to provide administrative and technical support to the County’s planning and zoning functions. This position is an entry-level role. The Planning Specialist provides assistance to property owners, developers, engineers, surveyors, contractors, and the public regarding zoning requirements and development procedures.

• Provides technical assistance and information pertaining to the administration of specific planning program areas or ordinances to staff and the public; reviews zoning, land developments, site plan, subdivision, variance, conditional use, and rezoning applications for completeness and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Communicates review comments, deficiencies, and requirements to applicants, developers, consultants, property owners, and representatives; provides information and technical assistance regarding zoning classifications, permitted uses, setbacks, buffers, development standards, application requirements, and development procedures.
• Performs routine office tasks in designated program areas, including preparation of zoning certification letters, data entry for and the issuance of temporary sign permits, answering telephone calls and emails.
• Researches and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources; researches property records, zoning history, development cases, ordinances, plats, maps, and other documents to support planning decisions.
• Prepares public notices, property owner verifications, staff reports, case summaries, correspondence, notices, presentations, and other planning documents; assists with ordinance updates, code amendments, Comprehensive Plan initiatives, special projects, and other departmental assignments.
• Maintains and prepares department documents including maps, charts, and tables of limited complexity.
• Provides research by collecting information, analyzing data, and preparing and delivering reports; assists with long-range forecast of demographics and maintaining the land use inventory.
• Attends public meetings, assisting other planning staff as appropriate; assists with preparation for Planning Commission, Zoning Advisory Board, Board of Appeals, Board of Commissioners, and other public meetings and hearings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Requires an associate’s degree or equivalent and two (2) years of related experience in a municipal planning, urban planning, zoning, land development, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

None.

• Knowledge of local government operations, Planning and Zoning related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others, and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to work with and process payments for accounts within the budget and department.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes.
• Ability to operate a copying machine.

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity.

Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment.

Henry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described in this job description. Henry County encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Henry County will comply with all applicable federal regulations and Henry County's insurance requirements governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs. Henry County employees shall be subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.