Planner I

Description

The purpose of this position is to perform analysis and make staff recommendations regarding rezoning applications, subdivision and development plans, federally funded community development projects, and other planning requests. This position is considered an entry-level position. Incumbents generally perform beginning level, routine planning, zoning, and community development work; and may assist with larger and more complex projects.

Examples of Duties

Participates in both long-range and current planning actions related to compliance with the County’s land development and zoning codes and comprehensive plan goals, objectives, and policy; attends various development review and pre-development meetings to provide information and guidance for planning and zoning codes and community development goals, objectives, and initiatives; and provides professional and technical assistance and consultation regarding planning and zoning issues with industry professionals and the public.

Evaluates and analyzes proposals, construction plans, and related data and information; evaluates land use, zoning, transportation, housing, and related community development proposals to ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes, ordinances, and related regulatory standards; reviews and analyzes compliance with zoning codes and ordinances; conducts environmental reviews and evaluates environmental impact of plans and projects; identifies non-compliance and adverse impacts; and recommends approval or denial, as well as measures to correct or mitigate non-compliance.

Performs routine statistical research and comparative analyses; compiles, maintains, updates, and analyzes planning, zoning, and community development data; forecasts and identifies future planning, zoning, and growth management deficiencies, trends, and problems; evaluates impacts to proposed planning objectives and application to areas of responsibility; assists in development of planning and zoning improvements, identifying opportunities to utilizes federal grant funds for planning projects, and modifying proposed objectives accordingly.

Coordinates approved federally funded community development projects; coordinates and monitors project schedules, approvals, change orders, engineering design, permitting issues, and other cost, schedule, and quality related items; reviews and approves requests for payments; facilitates construction meetings; performs building and site inspections for compliance with construction plans, contract documents, grant rules and regulations, construction quality standards, and related issues; and maintains required documentation and records.

Participates in public meetings and hearings, Board of Commissioners’ meetings, advisory council meetings, and other meetings as assigned; prepares a routine materials, reports, and documentation; creates and/or makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, and the general public; provides information and answers routine questions regarding planning, community development, growth management, project updates, and other issues; and receives and compiles public comments regarding proposed and on-going projects.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes, and per established procedures; receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Communicates with County officials, supervisor, other County employees, third party service contractors, the public, other governmental agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Conducts field evaluations and assessments as needed.

Attends evening and weekend meetings as needed with the Board of Commissioners, County officials, County staff, as well as the general public.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Requires a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Regional Planning, Public Administration, or related field; and two (2) years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Depending on the area of assignment, may be required to obtain and maintain certification or licensure as deemed necessary.

Special Requirements:

Must be able to attend evening and weekend meetings as needed.

Knowledge, Skill, Abilities/ Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of local government operations, Planning and Zoning related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.

Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.

Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.

Ability to get along with others and work effectively with the public and co-workers.

Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.

Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.

Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.

Ability to work with and process payments for accounts within the budget and department.

Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes.

Ability to operate a copying machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and may require standing for extended periods of time. Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, traffic hazards, or rude/irate customers.

Henry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described in this job description. Henry County encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Henry County will comply with all applicable federal regulations and Henry County's insurance requirements governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs. Henry County employees shall be subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.