Planning Technician SN

Job Details:

Under general supervision, lends general planning assistance to the Department and serves as the Planner-of-the-Day in the One-Start Center. Provides accurate technical customer support and first-impression analysis of applications, plans, and data pertaining to land use, land development codes and related regulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Quickly and accurately evaluate land use-related applications for development in a manner consistent with Department policies, goals and objectives for excellent customer service and within timeframes established by the Department.
• Communicate knowledgeably, candidly and confidently with homeowners, contractors and business representatives on the status of permits, deficiencies of applications, purposes of the land use and platting regulations, and provide accurate explanations of procedures, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to land development.
• Coordinate and track plat filing with the County; provide support for the zoning functions of the Department to ensure accurate processing of requests, distribute plans upon submission, when revised, and after approval.
• Create, update, maintain and analyze maps, charts and other graphics for use by the general public, Department and City Council. Requires coordinated data sharing with GIS and the Department website administrator with the goal of providing transparency for the public on the performance, efficiency and effectiveness of the land use and land development application process.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Respond to data, information, and research requests from the department, city staff, and the public.
• Research and compile information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
• Possess an engaging, empathic style of communication that instills confidence in the Department and the City of Arlington generally. Attends public meetings, assisting other planning staff as appropriate.
• Exercise initiative and work independently with minimal supervision in furtherance of Essential Job Functions.
• Perform routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying and answering telephone.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of computer operating systems and software packages including but not limited to MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Knowledge of GIS, techniques and tools used in mapping graphics.
• Knowledge of planning principles and practices, including pertinent specialties, research and data collection.
• Skills in reading and interpreting maps, property surveys, aerial photography and structural floor plans and making reasonable interpolations from scaled drawings, legal descriptions and digital records to non-dimensioned plans.
• Skills in creating effective visual presentations for data from narrative descriptions, blueprints, plans and field measurements, etc.
• Skills in building and maintaining an accurate database for GIS, with the ability to pay close, accurate attention to details.
• Skills in communicating with other city employees and the public by oral and written means.
• Ability to learn and use proficiently "AMANDA" and the Department's permitting processing systems.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with planning staff and the general public
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work comfortably in an environment of moderate ambiguity, and produce quality results while under deadlines and moderate pressure.

Qualifying Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree or technical course work in urban planning, geography, architecture, construction management, social sciences, GIS, public administration or a related field.
• Two years of experience in plans review, zoning administration, building code issuance or surveying, or customer service is also required.
• A bachelor's degree is preferred and may substitute for the above stated experience.

Employment Screenings Required:

• Criminal background check

City of Arlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.