Planner II

Hall County•Gainesville, GA

16h•$60,252 - $75,966•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction of Planning leadership, this position performs advanced professional planning work. The Planner II reviews land disturbance permit (LDP) plans, commercial building plans, and residential building plans for compliance with local zoning codes, development standards, and subdivision regulations. The role also includes supporting the long-range planning department where needed, site inspections and regular interaction with the public, development professionals, and other departments and staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in planning, Landscape Architecture, Engineering or related field with three-year relevant experience.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban and regional planning.
Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain an assortment of records, reports, and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.
Ability to effectively communicate and interact with supervisors, other employees, government officials, and the public.
Ability to assemble information, research and analyze related topics, draw conclusions, and create written reports and documents that communicate in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
Ability to use independent judgment in routine situations.
Ability to plan, organize, and/or prioritize daily or long-range assignments and work activities.
Ability to prepare and deliver public presentations and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with the public.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.
Essential functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lbs.
Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs.
Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.
Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, or ability to obtain the certification within 1 year
Valid Class I Driver's license and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours.

Responsibilities

Conducts detailed reviews of residential building permit applications, commercial development plans, and land disturbance permit (LDP) applications to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, design standards, environmental constraints, and applicable ordinances.
Performs site visits and field inspections as part of the development review process to assess on-the-ground conditions and verify plan accuracy.
Reviews and processes applications for rezoning, variance, conditional use, and special use permits, as well as drafts staff reports, legal ads, and public hearing materials.
Research and interprets zoning codes, subdivision regulations, and land use policies in response to internal reviews and public inquiries.
Drafts annexation reports, zoning verification letters, and technical memoranda for internal and external stakeholders.
Provides daily front counter and phone support to assist the public with zoning questions, development feasibility, and permitting procedures.
Meets with property owners, developers, engineers, and other stakeholders to explain applicable development regulations and guide them through the review and permitting process.
Provides staff support to the Planning Commission, preparing meeting agendas, staff reports, presentations, and responding to commissioner inquiries.
Maintains accurate records of development activity and ensures timely processing of all applications and reviews.
Provide support to the Long-Range Planning Division as needed. Support responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: conducting research for zoning ordinance updates, drafting zoning ordinance amendments, attending daytime or evening meetings when requested, performing research to support comprehensive plan revisions, and identifying opportunities for improvement within the zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Performs other related duties as required.