PLANNING ASSISTANT

County of Sandoval; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Sandoval seeks a Planning & Zoning support professional to handle front-counter customer service, manage land use and permit inquiries, and assist with site plans and staff reports. The role requires coordinating with multiple agencies and maintaining accurate records for zoning matters.

Responsibilities include reviewing applications for completeness, assisting applicants with required information, and supporting staff in agenda preparation and public notices.

Qualifications

• Experience or education aligned with planning, zoning, and public administration.
• Ability to review land use, zoning, and permit applications for completeness.
• Familiarity with county planning processes and public-facing duties.

Responsibilities

• Responds to inquiries from the public and developers about zoning regulations and permits.
• Reviews applications for completeness and enters data into the department system.
• Assists applicants with information on state permits, site plans, and drainage or grading plans.
• Coordinates with staff and other agencies on permit applications and plan reviews.
• Prepares staff reports and presentations for the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Skills

Customer service

Public relations

Oral communication

Written communication

Education

Associate's degree in Planning/Geography/Public Administration

HS diploma with 2 years planning experience

Tools

Tyler-Incode

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Department

Planning & Zoning

Pay

$21.65-$24.90

Close Date

10-09-2026

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

1. 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

• 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.

Company Culture

We foster an organization that engages its citizens and exceeds their needs. We promote organizational excellence through collaborative leadership, improved communications and the development of employee learned programs. We ensure employees' skills and County policies are aligned with County goals and objectives to sustain investment in public and organizational infrastructures. Sandoval County is always recruiting for hardworking, qualified people to join our workforce. If you have a passion for public service and for serving the residents of our county, we could be a great fit for you!