COUNTY PLANNER

Benton County•Bentonville, AR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The County Planner assists in all Planning Department matters including conducting research, maintaining the planning databases and addressing planning questions from a variety of both external and internal sources. The County Planner’s primary duties include providing administrative support and project reviews for the Planning Department. The position of County Planner is the entry-level position within the County Planning Department.

Requirements

Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain planning and development regulations and procedures clearly to the public, surveyors, engineers, contractors and other developers
Creative, problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems
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
Ability to work independently, with other County offices or in a team environment as needed
Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind
Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning
Knowledge of a relevant specialization as to land use regulations
Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection
Knowledge of effective technical writing techniques
Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations
Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
Requires a Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, public policy, or related area of study OR two years of planning experience.
Must possess a valid Arkansas State Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record.
Must possess a Notary Public for the State of Arkansas or be able to obtain one within one year.

Nice To Haves

Ability to create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics highly desirable.
The ability to create attractive graphics using adobe illustrator, Canva, or some other software is desirable.

Responsibilities

Acts as liaison between citizens, community groups, state and local government agencies, developers and elected officials in land use planning and development regulations, planning applications and associated fees.
Assists in resolving external citizen and customer issues as well as internal issues relevant to the County.
Prepares for Planning Board meetings including the creation of the agenda, creation of physical exhibits, and dissemination of Planning Board meeting notices to the general public, agenda applicants, and Planning Board members.
Respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests as assigned.
Reviews plans and specifications for minor subdivision, boundary/ lot line adjustment, variances and waivers, stormwater permits, temporary use permits, and other developments for compliance with County Ordinance as assigned by the Planning Manager.
Reviews building permit applications for compliance with Planning regulations
Manages departmental project database including the input, and tracking fees paid and outstanding
Completes intake for land use complaints that are received, and manages initial outreach to property owners
Conducts site visits and inspections
Completes tasks as assigned by the Planning Manager to resolve land use complaints.
Create graphics to visually demonstrate planning concepts and to engage in education and outreach.
Manages and implements outreach projects to County citizens, stakeholders, and industry professionals.
Prepares month end/year end department productivity documents and financial reports
Prepares financial deposits of fees as necessary
Attends and manages evening meetings of the Planning Board or Board of Appeals
Assists with the development of reports and presentations to various County Boards and Committees
Review and implement County Special Development Regulations for administrative review proposals
Coordinate and assist with County public outreach projects
Perform other duties as assigned
Regular and reliable attendance.

Benefits

Employee Medical
Basic life and ADD Insurance
Long‑term disability insurance
Medical (Spouse/Children)
Dental, and Vision coverage
Supplemental life insurance
Short‑term disability
Critical Illness coverage
Accident insurance
Hospital indemnity plans
Participation in the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System (APERS) pension program
Voluntary Nationwide Deferred Compensation 457(b) Retirement plan
11 Paid Holidays annually
Paid Sick Leave (up to 12 working days per year)
Paid Vacation Leave (up to 10 working days per year)
Paid Personal Day annually