Planner I - Hattiesburg, MS

Apa Mississippi; Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency is seeking a Planner I to support urban development in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The role includes managing public inquiries on zoning, preparing essential planning reports, and conducting site visits. Ideal candidates will hold a Bachelor's Degree in a related field and possess good communication and organizational skills, alongside familiarity with planning software and procedures. The position offers a salary of $45,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field.
• Experience in county or municipal planning.
• Ability to speak publicly and convey information effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide information on zoning and public hearing processes.
• Assist in processing public hearing petitions.
• Prepare reports related to zoning and use permits.
• Serve as recording secretary for planning commission meetings.
• Conduct site visits for pre-planning and site reviews.

Skills

Good communication skills

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, History, Architecture, Urban Design, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Publisher

Access

GIS software

Job description

Position: Planner I
Department: Urban Development
Division: Planning
Rate of Pay: $45,000 per year

Nature of Work

This is a technical position dealing with a wide variety of land use issues and official records under general supervision of the Planning Division Manager. This position requires initiative, independent judgment and discretion in various duties; incumbent may deal on a continuing basis with sensitive issues and confidential information and materials; involves considerable contact with the public and staff from all City departments and deals with City codes, including determining zoning, setbacks, signage, flood zones, storm water and other environmental issues; and the ability to convey this information to the public in a courteous manner; interpret maps, such as: tax parcel, zoning, land use, topographic, flood, drainage and aerial photography; and additional resources as needed to ensure compliance with all Municipal, State and Federal laws; assist the Planning Division with scheduling, facilitating activities, fact and grammatical proofing, research and development of planning issues and ordinances in accordance with Municipal, State and Federal laws and regulations. Organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to multi-task are a must, as well as a positive attitude and eagerness to serve the public.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides information to the public regarding the public hearing process, zoning and parcel map inquiries, and guidelines for new development review and advises public on materials and documents necessary for application to the site plan review committee, planning commission, and city council as needed.
• Assists in receiving and processing public hearing petitions/ applications for review by the site plan review committee, planning commission, and city council as needed.
• Assists in preparing reports related to zoning, variances, and use permits for review by the planning commission through research and analysis under the supervision of the Planning Division Manager.
• Serves as recording secretary and prepares all minutes of meetings held by planning commission as needed.
• Assist with research and analysis of amendment proposals for the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code and Code of Ordinances.
• Make changes to the Official Zoning Map using GIS software as amendments are approved by the City Council. Produce custom maps and other GIS products for planning purposes.
• Assist with planning visioning sessions, coordinating meetings, performing geographic surveys, gathering information and providing technical support.
• Participates in the preparation and maintenance of necessary planning-related records, schedules, correspondence, and reports; proof various time sensitive planning documents for accuracy prior to submittal for review and/or distribution.
• Serves as a staff liaison for local and regional boards, committees, and commissions as directed by the planning manager.
• Conducts site visits in relation to pre-planning, site reviews, and inspections.
• Performs related work and other duties as assigned. Assists other division staff as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Good communication skills for extensive public contact; organizational and multi-tasking skills. Requires the ability to speak publicly and convey an array of information related to planning to the public; ability to understand and utilize City ordinances and state laws; ability to learn and use specialized language and technical terms; ability to compose and prepare effective correspondence; and ability to accurately proof facts and grammatical information of various document types and formats are all a must for this position.

Experience/Educations Requirements

Must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, History, Architecture, Urban Design, or a related field with experience in county or municipal planning or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Should have a thorough knowledge of clerical and office procedures; computer literate, including familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, and GIS software. Should have operational knowledge of copiers, fax machines, multi-line phone systems and other office equipment. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.