Planner I

Henry County Government•140 Henry Parkway McDonough, GA

17h

About The Position

The Planner I performs analysis and makes staff recommendations regarding rezoning applications, subdivisions and development plans, federally funded community development projects, and other planning requests. This is an entry-level position involving beginning-level, routine planning, zoning, and community development work, with opportunities to assist on larger and more complex projects. The position supports long-range and current planning, evaluates proposals for compliance with applicable codes and regulations, conducts environmental reviews, performs research and data analysis, and coordinates approved federally funded community development projects. It also involves public engagement, preparing reports and presentations, processing departmental documentation, maintaining records, communicating with County officials and the public, and conducting field evaluations. Evening and weekend meetings may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, public administration, or a related field, and two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
Depending on the area of assignment, may be required to obtain and maintain certification or licensure as deemed necessary.
Knowledge of local government operations, planning and zoning programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and similar programs.
Skill in using computers and software applications related to the job’s essential functions.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to interact effectively and courteously with employees and the public, and work effectively with others.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings, and attend evening and weekend meetings as needed.
Ability to multitask and meet deadlines; handle confidential and sensitive matters; and work with and process account payments within the budget and department.
Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting, and to operate a copying machine.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force, and to perform work requiring mental acuity, spoken communication, and close visual acuity.

Responsibilities

Participate in long-range and current planning activities related to County land development and zoning codes and comprehensive plan goals, objectives, and policies.
Attend development review and pre-development meetings to provide information and guidance on planning and zoning codes and community development goals and initiatives.
Provide professional and technical assistance and consultation on planning and zoning issues to industry professionals and the public.
Evaluate proposals, construction plans, and related information, including land use, zoning, transportation, housing, and community development proposals, for compliance with applicable laws, codes, ordinances, and standards.
Review zoning-code compliance, conduct environmental reviews, assess project impacts, identify non-compliance or adverse impacts, and recommend approval, denial, or corrective or mitigating measures.
Conduct routine statistical research and comparative analyses; compile, maintain, update, and analyze planning, zoning, and community development data; and identify trends, deficiencies, and problems.
Assist in developing planning and zoning improvements, identifying opportunities to use federal grant funds, and adjusting proposed objectives as needed.
Coordinate approved federally funded community development projects, including schedules, approvals, change orders, engineering design, permitting, costs, quality, and related matters.
Review and approve payment requests, facilitate construction meetings, conduct building and site inspections, and maintain required project documentation and records.
Participate in public meetings and hearings, Board of Commissioners’ meetings, advisory council meetings, and other assigned meetings.
Prepare routine materials, reports, and documentation; create or deliver presentations; answer routine questions; and receive and compile public comments on proposed and ongoing projects.
Process departmental documentation, prepare forms, reports, correspondence, and other materials, compile data, and maintain computerized and hardcopy records.
Use computers and office software to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, and operate general office or other equipment as needed.
Communicate with County officials, employees, contractors, the public, governmental agencies, and other individuals to coordinate activities, share information, review work status, and resolve problems.
Conduct field evaluations and assessments as needed.
Attend evening and weekend meetings as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned.