Planning Inspector I - SR-16

County of Hawai; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation

Sick Leave

Holidays

Training & Development

Tuition Reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

County of Hawai‘i Planning Department in Hilo seeks Planning Inspector I to inspect uses, sites, buildings, and structures for compliance with zoning and land use codes. The role includes case management, findings preparation, and interaction with violators to ensure corrective actions.

The position requires reviewing plans, collecting data on violations, and coordinating with other departments to ensure regulatory compliance. Salary steps and incentives may apply; two vacancies exist.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school, and
• two (2) years of inspectional or investigative work experience, or
• one (1) year of work experience involving planning-related rules and ordinances.

Responsibilities

• Investigates complaints and alleged violations of land use codes and planning programs.
• Maintains files and records with supporting documents and drawings.
• Meets with violators to explain corrective actions, penalties, and variances; drafts correspondence.
• Attends meetings and participates in case development, testimony, and enforcement actions.

Skills

Zoning knowledge

Inspecting techniques

Report writing

Education

High school diploma

2 years inspectional/investigative work

1 year planning rules/ordinances

Job description

Inspects and assess uses, sites, buildings, and structures for compliance with State and County land use laws, ordinances, rules, and permits; issues citations for non-compliance; and performs other related duties as required.

There are two (2) immediate permanent full-time vacancies with the Planning Department - Administrative Permits Division in Hilo.

May be eligible to receive a $5,000 Recruitment Incentive. Conditions apply.

(Appointment may be made at any rate within the salary range advertised above at which appropriate qualified applicants can be recruited. Starting salary will be based on the qualifications of the person selected.)

These Planning Inspector I positions are career ladder positions. The next level in the series is Planning Inspector II, SR-19, $4,933/month. Persons hired into career ladder positions must meet minimum qualifications for the next level in the career ladder series, perform work at the higher level, and meet performance requirements to move to the next level in the career ladder series.

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.

Research and Investigation

• Investigates complaints and alleged violations of State and County laws relating to land use codes and of programs implemented by the Planning Department.
• Researches and gathers information through on-site inspections, interviews, examinations of files and records within the department and outside sources.
• Reviews plans, specifications, and compiled data to ascertain whether violations exist and to determine nature and extent of violations.
• Checks uses of sites and buildings, and conformance to land use development standards such as off-street parking, heights, setbacks, spacing, and bulk of structures.
• Collaborates with other departmental staff on matters related to the inspection of uses, sites, buildings, and structures in existence or in the process of construction and alteration and to its compliance with zoning and subdivision codes, coastal zone management regulations, conditions of approvals, approved plans and specifications, departmental rules and policies, etc.
• Consults with other County departments and agencies for expertise on potential violation issues within their area of expertise (i.e., engineering grading, Building Code violations, etc.)
• Makes referrals to other County Departments and agencies for possible violations outside of the Planning Department's authority.

Case Management

• Maintains files and records of all complaints and violations to include illustrative charts, maps, diagrams, photographs, written findings, and recommendations.
• Discusses findings and recommendations with superiors and other staff as needed.
• Meets with violators to explain required remedial action, possible penalties under the law, appeal rights, and policies and procedures in applying for variances in land use.
• Drafts and prepares correspondence related to the case.
• Follows up on cases and provides periodic periods of grace to effect required corrective actions.
• Initiates action to enforce compliance with the law.
• Assists Corporation Counsel, Prosecuting Attorney, and other governmental agencies by providing pertinent information concerning cases as well as testifying at hearings and in court.

Other Duties

• Attends Community, Board, Commission, and County Council meetings, as necessary, to answer questions when called upon.
• Prepares correspondence, generates informational materials, and replies to inquiries from the public.
• Keeps abreast of revisions to pertinent State and County laws, codes, rules, the general plan, maps, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Training and Experience

A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from high school, and
• two (2) years of inspectional or investigative work experience, or
• one (1) year of work experience involving the interpretation and application of Planning related rules, codes, and ordinances such as Zoning Codes, Subdivision Codes, Special Management Area, etc.

License Requirement

• possession of a valid State of Hawai'i driver's license (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver's license at time of filing. (You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at time of hire.)

Examination

All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points. An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.

Knowledge of

laws and regulations pertaining to zoning, subdivisions and other Planning related rules, laws, policies, and procedures; inspectional and investigative methods and techniques; legal procedures involved in enforcing zoning and subdivision ordinances and regulations; report writing; and public relations.

Ability to

inspect sites, buildings, structures, and signs and render decisions as to conformity with ordinances and regulations;interpret and explain laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies pertaining to County planning activities;read and interpret plans and specifications, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and apply them to specific cases;gather, analyze, and evaluate facts;prepare clear and concise written report of findings with recommendations for conformance and resolutions;follow through on cases to closure;testify at hearings and in court;establish an effective working relationship with co-workers and employees from other agencies; anddeal tactfully and effectively with the public.

Physical Requirements

Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Effort Grouping

Light

Benefits of County Employment

The County of Hawai‘i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours. (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.)
• Vacation: Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire - up to 21 days per year.
• Sick Leave: Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire - up to 21 days per year.
• Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
• Training and Development: The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
• County Tuition Reimbursement Program: This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service.
• Retirement Plan: The Employees’ Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan that provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries.
• Deferred Compensation: Save additional money for retirement - this voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions.
• Flexible Spending Plan: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums.
• Health Benefit Plans: The County of Hawai‘i offers a variety of health benefit plans for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): This voluntary assistance program provides employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.
• Group Life Insurance: Free life insurance policy for active employees.
• Credit Union Membership
• Other Leaves: You may be eligible for other leaves, including Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Donor Leave, Victims Protection Leave, as well as leave for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, and Jury Duty.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and change due to legislative actions and/or changes negotiated through collective bargaining. Please check out the benefits tab for additional information.