PLANNING ASSISTANT

Sandoval County; New Mexico Air National Guard (NM); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandoval County is seeking a Planning & Zoning Support Specialist to provide customer service for the Planning & Zoning Department, process land use, zoning, and permit applications, and staff the department's front counter. You will assist property owners, developers, and consultants on information needed to support development applications.

The role requires coordinating with staff and external agencies, reviewing applications for completeness, and maintaining records.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of County planning and zoning regulations.
• Experience reviewing permit and zoning applications.
• Ability to communicate planning processes clearly.

Responsibilities

• Responds to inquiries and disseminates information to the public and agencies regarding zoning and permits.
• Reviews applications for completeness and enters data into Tyler-Incode.
• Supports applicants with state permits, site plans, drainage or grading plans.
• Coordinates with staff and other agencies on reviews.
• Assists with staff reports, agendas, minutes, and public notices.

Skills

Effective communication

Public relations

Customer service

MS Word

MS Excel

Tyler-Incode

Data entry

Education

Associate degree in Planning/Geography/Public Admin

High School Diploma

Tools

Tyler-Incode

Job description

**GENERAL PURPOSE:** Under general supervision, performs customer service functions for the Planning & Zoning Department; collection and review of land use, zoning, and permit applications; serves as the Department’s primary liaison with the public, developers, consultants, and other applicants, including staffing the Department’s front counter; responding to inquiries about County land use regulations submitted through the Department’s main phone number and the main e-mail address; provides assistance to other staff as needed or required; and performs other planning support duties as assigned.**MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS**:**Education and Experience:*** Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major study in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or related field; **OR*** High School Diploma/GED Certificate and two (2) years of planning experience. Public sector planning experience preferred.**Required Licenses or Certifications:*** Valid New Mexico driver’s license or ability to obtain this license within 30 days of hire.**Additional Requirements:*** Ability to maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license**SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:**Position reports to the Director of Planning & Zoning and does not exercise supervision over other staff.**ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:** *The following duties **ARE NOT** intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties:** Responds to inquiries and disseminates information to the general public, County departments, and other governmental agencies regarding County zoning regulations and permit applications,* Reviews permit and zoning applications for completeness and enters the application information into the Department’s database software (Tyler-Incode),* Assists property owners, applicants, and consultants on additional information (State permits, site plans, drainage or grading plans) to support their development applications,* May conduct site visits of proposed development sites to verify existing conditions,* Coordinates with department staff and other reviewing agencies on permit applications and plan reviews,* Compiles staff reports and presentations with graphics for permit applications and zone change requests for development projects of a minor or moderate nature for consideration by the Planning & Zoning Commission,* Provides staff administrative support for the Planning and Zoning Commission, including the preparation and review of agendas, minutes, legal ads, public notices, and property owner notifications,* Assists with the preparation of code amendments to the County’s Sign Ordinance; assists with the research on updates to other County ordinances,* Reports problems and offers solutions to the Director and other staff to address constituent concerns,* Ensures that all P&Z and State forms and materials distributed to the public are current and understandable,* Maintains the current hard copy and electric records and archives of the Planning and Zoning Department related to planning, zoning, and other related issues,* Performs other job-related duties as assigned.**Required Knowledge of:*** Principles and practices of County planning and urban/rural development, including comprehensive planning, zoning regulations, permit applications and checklists, and other related ordinances and resolutions,* Organization and inter-relationships of County departments and related governmental agencies affecting land use planning decisions,* Local and state laws affecting County planning and zoning,* Effective communication principles and practices for customer service and public relations,* Modern office procedures and equipment including computers and software applications such as Tyler-Incode, MS Word, and MS Excel,* English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.**Required Skill in:*** Effective communication principles and practices including oral and written communication to include customer service and public relations.* Work cooperatively with other departments, outside agencies and the general public.* Exercise sound independent judgment and discretion within established guidelines.* Organize and set priorities; tactfully and effectively enforce applicable laws and regulations, including resolving conflicts and problems,* Reviewing and evaluating applications for completeness and consistency with County requirements,* Explaining planning processes and requirements in writing (e-mail) and in conversation with the general public and other interested parties,* Maintaining confidentiality and communicating with tact and diplomacy,* Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues and other agencies,* Utilizing personal computer software programs and other relevant software affecting assigned work.**Physical Demands/Work Environment:*** Work is performed in a standard office environment and in the field.* Operates a County vehicle to conduct site visits; drives to meetings and trainings as required.* Occasional exposure to inclement weather, varied terrain and potential physical harm by domestic and wild animals while working in the field.* Work frequently involves extended periods of time viewing a computer monitor and operating a keyboard.* Work regularly requires speaking, hearing and utilizing a phone, calculator, cell phone, copier or fax machine.* Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time, bending, stooping, and lifting and carrying items weighing up to 25 pounds.* Includes sitting, walking, or standing for prolonged periods of time, stooping, and lifting materials or files.