Planning Specialist

City of Melissa•Melissa, TX

4d•$52,000 - $57,000

About The Position

Under general direction, the Development Permitting Specialist supports the City of Melissa’s Development Services Department by coordinating, reviewing, and processing a wide range of development-related permits. This includes development permits, transportation permits, drainage permits, and Certificates of Occupancy. The Specialist assists in ensuring compliance with city ordinances, engineering standards, and zoning regulations while providing exceptional customer service to applicants, residents, and development professionals. This role also assists with permit tracking, reporting, and research to support department operations and continuous improvement

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED; Minimum of two (2) years previous experience and training that includes clerical, administrative work, and customer service; OR An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that will allow the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
Must posses a valid Class "C" driver's license prior to employment.
Must be able to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Knowledge of: Policies and procedures of department; Basic principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation; Basic mathematical principles; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; Principles and procedures of filing; Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment; utilizing standard office equipment to include: routine incoming calls, taking and transmitting messages, making photocopies, receiving, sorting and distributing mail, performing data entry, faxing documents and word processing.
Skills in: General office procedures and in the operation of standard office equipment, including computer keyboard, and Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook); Excellent customer service; and time management.
Ability to: Apply principles of rational systems; Perform clerical work including maintenance of appropriate records and compiling information for reports; Work independently in absence of supervision; Respond to citizen inquiries politely; Understand and carry out oral and written directions; Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Handle money accurately; Edit and proofread documents accurately; Exhibit regular and punctual attendance; Exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving a variety of general pre-defined duties which are characterized by frequent change; Perform some lifting, sorting, carrying of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds); Bend and reach to file.

Responsibilities

Receives, reviews, and processes development-related permit applications, including development permits, transportation permits, driveway/ROW permits, drainage permits, and Certificates of Occupancy.
Conducts preliminary reviews of submitted plans and documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with city codes, ordinances, development regulations, and engineering standards.
Coordinates permit reviews with Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Fire, and other departments to ensure timely and thorough evaluations.
Provides excellent customer service by assisting applicants, developers, residents, and design professionals with submittal requirements, processes, timelines, and city standards.
Tracks permits through each stage of review, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information in the city’s permitting software.
Prepares, maintains, and distributes reports related to permit activity, trends, and project tracking.
Communicates clearly with applicants regarding corrections, approvals, conditions, and next steps.
Assists with updating and improving permit forms, checklists, workflows, and public-facing informational materials.
Provides support during development review meetings, pre-development conferences, and interdepartmental coordination efforts.
Provides excellent customer service to applicants and the public.
Responds to inquiries from the public regarding the permitting processes and requirements.
Provides various routine clerical duties, utilizing standard office equipment to include routine incoming calls, taking, and transmitting messages, making photocopies, receiving, sorting, and distributing mail, performing data entry, faxing documents, and word processing.
Assists in the preparation, processing, receipting, sorting, and distribution of a variety of lists, correspondence, packets, invoices, and materials.
Inputs a variety of information into the computer system relating to permits and inspections.
Performs file maintenance functions and searches, pulls, and routes files appropriately.
Assists with special research assignments.
Utilizes permitting software.
Performs other duties as assigned.