Planning Specialist
About The Position
The Planning Specialist provides administrative and technical support to the County’s planning and zoning functions. This entry-level role assists property owners, developers, engineers, surveyors, contractors, and the public with zoning requirements and development procedures. The position reviews planning and zoning applications, communicates comments and requirements to applicants, researches property and planning records, and prepares notices, reports, correspondence, maps, and other planning materials. It also supports planning programs, ordinances, public meetings, long-range forecasts, and departmental projects.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree or equivalent and two years of related experience in municipal planning, urban planning, zoning, land development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
- 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 essential functions of the job.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interact effectively and courteously with employees and the public, and to work effectively with co-workers.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.
- Ability to multitask and work within deadlines.
- Ability to handle 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.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical assistance and information about planning program areas and ordinances to staff and the public.
- Review zoning, land development, site plan, subdivision, variance, conditional use, and rezoning applications for completeness and regulatory compliance.
- Communicate review comments, deficiencies, and requirements to applicants, developers, consultants, property owners, and representatives.
- Provide information about zoning classifications, permitted uses, setbacks, buffers, development standards, application requirements, and development procedures.
- Perform routine office tasks, including preparing zoning certification letters, entering data for and issuing temporary sign permits, and answering telephone calls and emails.
- Research and compile information on planning issues from multiple sources, including property records, zoning history, development cases, ordinances, plats, maps, and other documents.
- Prepare public notices, property owner verifications, staff reports, case summaries, correspondence, presentations, and other planning documents.
- Assist with ordinance updates, code amendments, Comprehensive Plan initiatives, special projects, and other departmental assignments.
- Maintain and prepare department documents, including maps, charts, and tables of limited complexity.
- Collect information, analyze data, and prepare and deliver reports; assist with long-range demographic forecasts and maintaining the land use inventory.
- Attend public meetings and assist planning staff as appropriate.
- Assist with preparation for Planning Commission, Zoning Advisory Board, Board of Appeals, Board of Commissioners, and other public meetings and hearings.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
