Planning Support Specialist

Overview

Purpose & Job Related Requirements

REPORTS TO
:
Senior Planner
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System - Requires satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
PAY GRADE: 114
SAFETY SENSITIVE: No

Purposes Of Job The purpose of this job is to research and prepare information related to current planning and zoning services provided by the Planning Development Services Division. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting the public by answering questions, researching issues, and providing information to elected officials, members of appointed bodies, other Athens-Clarke County Staff, Planning Department customers, and the general public, and performing additional tasks as assigned.

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Reviews site plans and prepares comments for the Development Review Process.
• Assists in the administration of the Unified Government's zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations; conducts research on various issues related to zoning or development regulations.
• Explains zoning, sign, historic preservation, and development regulation requirements for developments and land use to applicants, government officials, and the general public.
• Provides information to other Planning Staff on plan review and site conditions; conducts site plan review.
• Assists in the review and preparation of reports regarding variances, subdivisions, appeals of interpretation of design review, and planned development concepts for the development review process.
• Prepares zoning verification correspondence and answers public inquiries regarding zoning and subdivision issues.
• Reviews and processes Manufactured Home Permits, Home Occupation Permits, Alcohol License Applications, and Building Permits.
• Prepares legal advertisements for public hearings in accordance with the Athens-Clarke County zoning ordinance.
• Assists Planning Staff in the preparation of special reports and presentations as needed.
• Performs Other Related Duties As Required.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Bachelor's degree or equivalent with experience, knowledge and a level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Historic Planning, Recreation Planning, or a related field, such as landscape architecture required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Proficiency in ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Adobe Suite software is preferred.

• Knowledge of planning theory and practice.
• Knowledge of land use law.
• Knowledge of the Athens-Clarke County zoning and development-related ordinances, codes, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to use a personal computer and a variety of software applications, including word processing, database management, and graphics applications.
• Ability to read maps and review site plans.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to coordinate meetings and conduct public presentations.
• Knowledge of functions, principles, methods, and techniques of public sector planning, including those related to community planning, outdoor recreation planning, and natural and cultural resource planning.
• Knowledge and understanding of the methods and tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and managing planning, design and construction projects.
• Knowledge of landscape architecture theory and practice.

(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, calculator, drafting instruments, and a surveyors measuring wheel. Must be able to use body members to work, move, or carry objects or materials. This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds force frequently.

Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for light work. Must be able to walk over uneven or rough terrain and ascend and descend steep slopes.

DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving and receiving assignments and/or directions to co-workers and assistants or…