PLANNING TECHNICIAN

City of Anna, Texas; Anna (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Planning Technician to provide essential support in urban planning and community development. This role involves processing development applications, assisting with zoning cases, and providing outstanding customer service to developers and the public. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or a related field, along with experience in GIS software. Join a collaborative team that values innovation and community engagement, and contribute to impactful projects that shape the future of the city. If you are passionate about planning and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or related field required.
• One year of experience in urban planning or community development preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to planning staff and assist with development applications.
• Maintain GIS layers and databases related to planning activities.

Skills

Urban Planning

GIS Software

Customer Service

Data Entry

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning

Experience in community development

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

GIS Software

Job description

Under general supervision by the Planning Manager, the purpose of the position is to provide technical support and assistance to professional planning staff. Employees in this classification perform complex technical work. The position is responsible for processing development applications and plans, assisting Planners with technical support for case review, and providing basic Planning information to developers and the public. Performs related work as required.

• Provide technical and administrative support and assistance to professional planning staff.
• Provide information to neighbors, developers, engineers, businesses, non-profit organizations, and other City departments regarding application processes, ordinances, regulations and neighborhood programs.
• Provide excellent customer service, which includes greeting neighbors, answering phones, responding to requests for information or service, inquiries related to Planning Division functions, processes, procedures, and development requirements and performing other related activities.
• Provide technical support and assistance to staff and the public on issues related to planning, zoning, platting, and development. Assist with meeting coordination and preparation associated with project activities, updating codes, updating weekly project review list descriptions and ordinances, submittals and project requirements. Assist in ensuring reviews are complete and projects are closed out.
• Responsible for processing development applications and plans and checking for completeness, inputting initial application materials into permitting software. Assist or draft council memos on zoning cases and ensure all legal documents comply with ordinances.
• Perform financial activities in support of department operations, which includes calculation and data entry of fees required for submitted projects and generating revenue reports.
• Assisting in preparation and distribution of the New & Active Zoning & Development Review list.
• Creating Planning Department agenda item placeholders within government agenda software for upcoming Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council meetings.
• Conduct an address review for all development requests and assign addresses as required.
• Maintain/prepare a variety of records for the department related to development activities.
• Prepare Zoning Verification Letters and processes Open Records requests for the public.
• Prepare legal notices for public hearings in conformance with city requirements.
• Assist in preparing letters of approval to be sent to applicants after the appropriate bodies have considered cases.
• Assist Building Services Division in collecting, entering, and maintaining information within department permitting software.
• Provide back up support and attend (when needed) Boards and Commissions meetings managed by the Planning Department.
• Maintain a variety of GIS layers and databases such as address points, subdivisions, site plans, specific use permits, and zoning while adhering to organizational quality standards.
• Interpret and transfer data from source documents including digital and/or printed plats, record drawings, plans, and legal descriptions.
• Coordinate the circulation of final plats for signature approval; determine the required legal documents for each project; calculate and collect required fees at the recordation stage, facilitate bonds and process bond release requests; monitor letters of credit and coordinate extensions as necessary; and review and research legal documents.
• Prepare information for public hearing notices using the City’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Design and develop special project exhibit as needed by the Planning Division.
• Organize and maintain department files including correspondence, records, etc., and follow-up on pending matters.
• Research historical cases as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography or related field and one (1) year of experience in urban planning or community development; experience with GIS or related software is preferred.
Advanced: Database, Presentation/PowerPoint, Spreadsheet, Word Processing/Typing is required
Must possess a valid Class “C” driver’s license when hired.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check and MVR check.
Must be able to work overtime when requested
Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred
Certified Permit Technician is preferred
Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirementsUSE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPUTERS
Regular use of complex machines and equipment (desktop/laptop computer and software, road and production machines and equipment, driver's license/cdl, etc.)

ENVIRONMENTAL /WORKING CONDITIONS
Normal working conditions as found within an office setting, wherein there is controlled temperature and a low noise level, plus a minimum of distractions. The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
Semi-repetitive, low physical. Semi-repetitive type work which requires periods of concentration for varied time cycles as prescribed by the tasks. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.