Community Planning Assistant: Zoning, Permits & Growth

City of Valparaiso, IN; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Dental Vision

Health Savings Account

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Urgent Care visits

Job summary

The City of Valparaiso, located in Northwest Indiana near Chicago and Indiana Dunes National Park, seeks an Assistant Planner to support day-to-day Planning Department operations under the Director of Planning and Transit.

You will help with planning, zoning, and community development efforts, coordinate permit reviews, assist the public, and support various commissions and grants. A foundation in planning and strong maps/ GIS skills are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, public policy, or related area of study.
• One or more years of professional planning experience; internship may substitute.
• Demonstrated ability to read and understand Indiana Code, municipal and planning ordinances, and related laws and regulations.
• Working knowledge of principles and practices of planning; ability to interpret maps and blueprints.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and ArcGIS.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record.
• Must pass preemployment drug test and essential function screening.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the review and issuance of building permits, assist the public with permit applications, and enter permit information into the project tracking system.
• Review construction and site plans for compliance with state and local ordinances, approving or rejecting plans as appropriate.
• Approve building permits, conduct inspections for building permits, and conduct zoning enforcement activities as necessary.
• Maintain communication with the public, answer questions on planning and zoning issues, and facilitate neighborhood group discussions.
• Coordinate with other department staff and City bodies on building permit and zoning issues.
• Support Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, Creative Council, and other bodies; prepare staff reports and agendas.

Skills

Reading Indiana Code & ordinances

Permit review coordination

Public communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

ArcGIS

Job description

The City of Valparaiso, located in Northwest Indiana near Chicago and Indiana Dunes National Park, seeks an Assistant Planner to support day-to-day Planning Department operations under the Director of Planning and Transit.

You will help with planning, zoning, and community development efforts, coordinate permit reviews, assist the public, and support various commissions and grants. A foundation in planning and strong maps/ GIS skills are valued.