Planning and Zoning Technician

County of Culpeper; Culpeper (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government office is seeking a dedicated individual to assist with zoning and planning tasks. The role involves conducting field investigations, enforcing zoning ordinances, and providing customer service. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and relevant experience, with a focus on technical assistance and data analysis. This position offers a blend of office and outdoor work, requiring adaptability to various environmental conditions.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in planning/zoning or related fields.
• Certification in erosion control inspection required.

Responsibilities

• Conducts zoning violation investigations and field inspections.
• Assists in enforcing zoning ordinances and regulations.
• Provides customer service and technical assistance.

Skills

Customer Service

Technical Assistance

Data Analysis

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

GPS Equipment

Office Equipment

Job description

Responsible for assisting the Planning & Zoning Office with field work such as zoning violation investigations, E-911 locations, erosion, and sedimentation control inspections, and posting of public hearing notices. Position also continues enforcement efforts through violation notice issuance and legal action when necessary.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists in enforcing applicable zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, erosion and sediment control ordinances, and other applicable codes, ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations; pursues legal action to resolve violations
• Performs customer service functions; provides assistance and information to callers/visitors in relation to codes/ordinances, interpretations, violations, department activities, procedures, documentation, fees, or other issues; responds to routine questions/complaints and initiates problem resolution
• Provides technical assistance to the Planning & Zoning Office and assists in conducting field work
• Conducts field investigations of zoning violations; determines existence of violations; issues violation notices as agent of the Zoning Administrator and pursues legal action when necessary
• Makes field measurements for E-911 locations, utilizes GPS equipment to locate structures
• Performs erosion and sediment control and stormwater inspections in the field
• Provides floodplain information as requested
• Posts public hearing notices/signs at site of current land use applications
• Conducts various research as needed
• This position is responsible for all field inspections relating to Erosion and Sediment Control and Zoning
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, maps, street sign orders, or other documents
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, survey plats, site plans, maps, comprehensive plan, codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, procedures, policies, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate
• Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with department work activities, which may include an automobile, computer, printer, blueprint machine, plotter, drafting instruments, measuring wheel, GPS equipment, noise and light meters, or hand tools
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, county officials, commissioners, government agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Attends various meetings as needed
• Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, copying maps/blueprints, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, processing incoming/outgoing mail, delivering documentation or other items, or running errands
• Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed
• Performs other related duties as required

Education and Experience:
Education equivalent to a high school diploma supplemented by 2 years of experience and/or training involving planning/zoning, computerized mapping, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Special Qualifications:
Must possess satisfactory results of a criminal history background check. Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license. VAZO zoning inspector certification preferred, should be obtained within one year of hire date. A certification in erosion control inspection is required or must be obtained.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data
• Ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility
• Ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information
• Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures
• Ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as moderate. Tasks typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds). Requires the ability to perform skilled coordinated movements, such as operating office equipment, plotters, measuring wheel, or hand tools. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Essential functions are regularly performed both in an office and in an outdoor environment. May require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature extremes, or traffic hazards.

Disclaimer
The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this job.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Culpeper County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

General Sign-off: The employee is expected to adhere to all County policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies