Assistant Planner

BANNOCK COUNTY

ASSISTANT PLANNER

Department: Planning and Development Pay Grade: 11, $20.20/hr.

Opening Date: September 21, 2016 Closing Date: Until Filled

(This is a full time position with County benefits.)

Purpose of Class

Monitors building and zoning applications and processes and assists the public to administer and enforce zoning code regulations and ordinances; performs related work

Primary Function

The principal function of an employee in this class is to coordinate, schedule and track the building and zoning permitting process and provide assistance to the public related to land use and zoning issues and processes. The position will assist the Planning Director in performing entry-level professional and technical duties related to planning, zoningand development issues. Duties include reviewing applications for compliance with zoning and development ordinances, instructing the public with regard to conditional use permits, rezones and variances, monitoring and tracking the permitting process and working on a variety of planning and zoning issues. Work is performed under the general direction of the Planning Director, with some assignments coming from the County Engineer and leewayis granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative related to administrative matters. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Greets the public and take applications, reviewing documents for completeness;
  • Instructs and informs the public with regard to conditional use permits, rezoning and variances, permit applications and processes, and related issues;
  • Interprets, applies and enforces County zoning and subdivision ordinances;
  • Develops, monitors and maintains a records management program for the division ensuring compliance with applicable codes and regulations; Monitors the scheduling, coordination and tracking of inspection, planning and plan review processes to ensure a smooth process for the public;
  • Monitors permit fee schedule, collection process and recommends changes;
  • Oversees and coordinates administrative functions of County Building Official, Planner and Engineer;
  • Schedules, attends and takes minutes at public hearings and meetings of the Planning and Development Council and related groups; assists and ensures compliance with public hearing notification requirements;
  • Prepares spreadsheets, tables, brochures and other documents; composes and prepares correspondence, documents and reports; proofreads and edits documents for correct content and spelling, grammar, format and clarity;
  • Prepares and tracks mailings and legal notification and inputs data into central computer system;
  • Assists in the research, review, analysis, enforcement and coordination of development requests;
  • Assists in evaluating and preparing recommended amendments to County ordinances;
  • Performs research, provides recommendations and prepares draft ordinances for consideration as required;
  • Assists with duties associated with Floodplain Administration; prepares and maintains Community Rating System information and responds to annual CRS audit requirements;
  • Responds to official record requests;
  • Maintains a records retention schedule and online database maintenance;
  • Trains staff in division policies/procedures and related administrative functions;
  • Leads site plan meetings and serves on site plan committee;
  • Assists with transition to paperless workflow and ensuring accurate file management;
  • Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County and Department policies, procedures, and safety practices.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assumes the duties and responsibilities of other positions in the division as needed;
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Competency Requirements: Knowledge of:

  • Planning and Development Services’ organization, mission, objectives, policies, procedures and operations;
  • County, state and other applicable codes, ordinances and statutes governing building and planning and zoningprograms and policies;
  • Read, interpret and explain to the public legal and property descriptions, ordinance and code documents, technical and instructional documents, and building plans, blueprints, and diagrams;
  • Prepare oral and written reports and maintain review, inspection, and enforcement records and findings, documents, correspondence, and related files and records;
  • Operation of standard office equipment, a personal computer, and job-related software, including ArcGIS; Record keeping and filing practices and procedures;
  • Effective customer service principles and techniques.

Ability to:

  • Respond to citizen questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
  • Cross-train and perform the basic functions of other positions within the planning division;
  • Communicate and coordinate regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;
  • Adapt to changes in how business is conducted and work is accomplished, in a positive and timely manner;
  • Coordinate and provide administrative and technical support for Planning and Development;
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with Elected Officials, supervisors, co-workers and the general public; Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing;
  • Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports;
  • Operate standard office equipment and a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties;
  • Make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, and established procedures;
  • Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
  • Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Acceptable Experience and Training

  • Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, orconstruction management or a related field is preferred; and
  • One (1) to two (2) years experience in planning or zoning review and enforcement or a related field is preferred; or
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Essential Physical Abilities

  • Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person;
  • Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, review and process documents and organize documents and informational material;
  • Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer, standard office equipment, and occasionally operate a motor vehicle;
  • Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, agility, physical reflexes and balance, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office environment, lift/more up to 25 lbs. and to sit for long periods of time in front of a computer.

Applications and job descriptions can be downloaded from our website at

or picked up at the Bannock County Human Resource Office,

5500 S. 5th, Pocatello, ID 83204. Completed applications and resumes can be delivered

to:

Bannock County Human Resource/Risk Management

5500 S. 5th Ave.; Pocatello, ID 83204

Veteran’s Preference Given Pursuant to Idaho Code.

Bannock County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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