PLANNING SPECIALIST

Henry County Ga; McDonough (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Henry County is seeking an entry-level Planning Specialist to support planning and zoning functions. The role involves assisting property owners, developers, engineers, and the public with zoning requirements and development procedures.

Primary duties include reviewing applications for completeness, preparing notices and staff reports, handling data entry, and supporting long-range planning efforts. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent required with two years of related planning experience.
• Knowledge of zoning and development procedures preferred.
• Strong computer and data-entry skills; ability to handle confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and technical support to planning and zoning staff.
• Review zoning applications for completeness and compliance with regulations.
• Prepare notices, staff reports, and planning documents for meetings.
• Assist with maps, charts, and data preparation for planning decisions.
• Attend public meetings and assist with planning commission activities.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Office administration

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Two years related experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The purpose of this position is to provide administrative and technical support to the County’s planning and zoning functions. This position is an entry-level role. The Planning Specialist provides assistance to property owners, developers, engineers, surveyors, contractors, and the public regarding zoning requirements and development procedures.

• Provides technical assistance and information pertaining to the administration of specific planning program areas or ordinances to staff and the public; reviews zoning, land developments, site plan, subdivision, variance, conditional use, and rezoning applications for completeness and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Communicates review comments, deficiencies, and requirements to applicants, developers, consultants, property owners, and representatives; provides information and technical assistance regarding zoning classifications, permitted uses, setbacks, buffers, development standards, application requirements, and development procedures.
• Performs routine office tasks in designated program areas, including preparation of zoning certification letters, data entry for and the issuance of temporary sign permits, answering telephone calls and emails.
• Researches and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources; researches property records, zoning history, development cases, ordinances, plats, maps, and other documents to support planning decisions.
• Prepares public notices, property owner verifications, staff reports, case summaries, correspondence, notices, presentations, and other planning documents; assists with ordinance updates, code amendments, Comprehensive Plan initiatives, special projects, and other departmental assignments.
• Maintains and prepares department documents including maps, charts, and tables of limited complexity.
• Provides research by collecting information, analyzing data, and preparing and delivering reports; assists with long-range forecast of demographics and maintaining the land use inventory.
• Attends public meetings, assisting other planning staff as appropriate; assists with preparation for Planning Commission, Zoning Advisory Board, Board of Appeals, Board of Commissioners, and other public meetings and hearings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

Requires an associate’s degree or equivalent and two (2) years of related experience in a municipal planning, urban planning, zoning, land development, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Special Requirements:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of local government operations, Planning and Zoning related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others, and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to work with and process payments for accounts within the budget and department.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes.
• Ability to operate a copying machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment.

Henry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described in this job description. Henry County encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Henry County will comply with all applicable federal regulations and Henry County's insurance requirements governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs. Henry County employees shall be subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.