JOB TITLE:                      Planning Technician                                          PL/7

DEPARTMENT:              Planning

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for performing clerical duties and technical assistance in support of the department.                                                                       

MAJOR DUTIES

• Assists citizens at front desk window and via phone by answering questions and directing to the appropriate personnel.  Provides copies of plats and answers inquiries regarding zoning of property
• Attends Planning Commission meetings and prepares minutes as needed; types action agenda; assists Planning Assistant with receiving, assembling and distributing application packets for staff review
• Attends Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) meetings and prepares minutes as needed; types action agenda; receives, assembles and distributes application packets for staff review and determines mailouts with locating properties within 250 feet and creating mailing labels, public notice affidavits, and schedule
• Receives and processes applications and issues permits for minor home occupations and temporary signs; assists Planner with issuance of sign permits
• Receives and processes applications and issues permits for pools, decks, and auxiliary structures verifying setbacks, materials, sizes, etc. are in compliance with City Ordinances
• Receives new use and occupancy permit applications.  Determines use along with parking (as needed) and distributes to correct departments for sign offs.  Routinely reaches out to each department for sign off along with keeping detailed tracking spreadsheets for entire list of use and occupancy’s as well as for each department. Once all sign offs have been received, issue out the temporary or permanent use and occupancy permit.  If the permit is temporary, as deadline approaches, contact departments with temporary sign off to notify of upcoming deadline.  If additional time is needed, edit permit, and extend temporary permit. Request certificates of compliance from developers/contractors on new buildings for final inspections.  Issue final use and occupancy permit once all permanent sign offs have been obtained
• Performs general clerical tasks including filing, typing correspondence, working on spreadsheets, making copies, scanning, and filing documents
• Assist Assistant Planner on special projects
• Receives money in payment of various fees and services; records transactions and issues  receipts; forwards revenue, processes documentation pertaining to purchasing activities.  Monitors and maintains inventory of department supplies
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Planning Director
• Manage sureties in forms of Letters of Credit and Cashier Checks for subdivisions and commercial projects.  When sureties in the form of Letter of Credit are received for subdivisions and/or new commercial projects, review Letter of Credit to make sure correct language is on documents.  If incorrect language or formatting is on document, contact bank for correct language and format.  Once Letter of Credit has been accepted, work with City Recorder to file the original Letter of Credit and maintain copy for Planning Department records.  If Cashier Check is submitted for surety, work with the Finance Department to deposit and maintain record of deposit.  Maintain surety ledger of all sureties and payment-in-lieu fees.  Once a project or subdivision has been completed, obtaining original copy of Letter of Credit to be sent back to bank or requesting a check from the Finance Department to return funds to contact for project
• Maintains log for Tree Bank funds.  Receives currencies and work with the Finance Department to deposit into the correct accounts
• Assist in payroll time management along with providing time logs for employees
• Responsible for revising/rewriting/restructuring and tracking changes to City regulatory documents and policies including the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations
• Researching data and information as requested
• Managing permit data within ENERGOV permit management software
• Monitor adjacent jurisdictional development activities, submissions, and approvals, maintaining detailed log/database for the use of the Director and Planning Staff
• Maintain vacant Commercial/Industrial building inventory database (working with the Economic Development Coordinator)

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures
• Knowledge of the operations and functions of city departments
• Knowledge of City and department policies and procedures
• Knowledge of correct grammar and usage
• Knowledge of Letters of Credit and Sureties
• Knowledge of local development process
• Skill in planning and organizing work independently
• Skill in performing multiple duties simultaneously
• Skill in operating a computer and related software, including word processing and spreadsheets; ability to learn other planning related software applications
• Skill in interpersonal relations
• Skill in oral and written communication
• Skill in Public relations

SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of this position is to provide clerical support and technical assistance to the department. Successful performance in this position facilitates department operations and affects the image of the city.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed in an office while sitting, standing, or stooping.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

This position reports directly to the Planning Director.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED and knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work. (Associate degree in a course of study related to the occupation field is preferred.)
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for 2-3 years
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid Driver’s License issued by the State of Tennessee for the type of vehicle or equipment operated

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt                                                                                Pay Grade:  12