Planning and Land Use Technician

City of Albany•Albany, OR

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

This role serves as the primary point of contact at the Community Development front counter, assisting community members with permits, land use applications, and development inquiries. The technician will explain zoning regulations, guide customers through requirements, and ensure a positive experience. Responsibilities include processing permits and land use applications accurately, collaborating with planners, building staff, and inspectors, and conducting field inspections to verify land use compliance. The ideal candidate will be customer-service oriented, organized, curious about planning and land use, willing to learn, team-oriented, adaptable, and energized by varied daily tasks.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in land use planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, public administration, or a closely related field.
One (1) year of job-related experience.
Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Talent for customer service.
Knack for staying organized.
Curiosity about planning and land use.
Willingness to learn.
Team-oriented.
Adaptable.
Energized by variety in your day.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, architects, contractors, developers, property owners, and the public.
Ability to operate computers for data entry, word processing and/or accounting purposes.
Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.
Basic knowledge of GIS applications is desirable.

Nice To Haves

Basic knowledge of GIS applications.

Responsibilities

Serve as the first point of contact for community members needing guidance on permits, land use applications, and development questions.
Translate zoning details into clear answers and help customers understand requirements.
Process permits and land use applications with care and accuracy.
Work closely with planners, building staff, and inspectors.
Conduct land use inspections in the community to verify compliance.
Assist in the development of short- and long-range plans.
Gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports, and recommendations.
Coordinate department activities with other departments and agencies.
Provide information on land use applications, ordinances, codes, plans, and related planning programs.
Prepare studies, reports, and related information for decision-making.
Conduct technical research studies and prepare statistical reports and recommendations.
Assist in the development and implementation of growth management, land use, economic development, utility, housing, transportation, facilities, and solid waste plans and codes.
Evaluate land use proposals for conformity to established plans and ordinances.
Evaluate development impact as it relates to adopted City plans and make recommendations.
Evaluate land use applications and site plans for compliance with applicable laws.
Monitor assigned land use applications through approval stages.
Evaluate environmental information and recommend mitigation measures.
Assist City staff in enforcing local ordinances and interpreting City codes and master plans.
Assist in designs for parks, streetscapes, landscapes, and other municipal projects.
Provide staff support to City Boards & Commissions.
Update a variety of maps.
Prepare graphics and maps for reports, plans, grant applications, publications, or meetings.
Prepare and write grant application components.
Assist in maintaining the database of information for planning purposes.
Respond to local citizens inquiring about local planning and zoning regulations and ordinances.
Attend professional development workshops and conferences.
Represent the City of Albany by responding to the public, citizens, employees, and others professionally and courteously.
Serve as a member of various City committees as assigned.
Assist other staff in the performance of their duties.
Maintain regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
Operate a motor vehicle safely and legally.
May provide training and orientation to newly assigned personnel.
Perform other related duties as required/assigned.