Planning Technician

Beltontexas; Belton (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Belton, Texas, is seeking a Planning Technician to provide technical support in the Development Services Department. This role involves assisting with applications and supporting staff and customers in navigating the city development processes. Candidates should possess a high school diploma and have experience in municipal planning.

Benefits

100% employer paid medical, dental, and life insurance

Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave

Qualifications

• Two years of related work experience in municipal planning preferred.
• Knowledge of City Code and Ordinances.
• Ability to handle complaints politely.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and zoning applications.
• Conduct data entry and maintain project files.
• Facilitate meetings and prepare agendas.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication

Attention to Detail

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the
Assistant Director of Development Services, the Planning Technician performs assigned duties necessary to provide support for the Development Services Department, as well as specific support to the Assistant Director. Assist staff members and customers with planning, zoning, and building permit applications. This is accomplished by performing administrative procedural duties related to the department; providing technical assistance; receiving and filing planning and land use permit applications; reviewing zoning permit applications; and providing planning information to the public.

SUPERVISION

RECEIVES direct supervision from the Assistant Director of Development Services

EXERCISES no supervision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Technical Support Functions

• Provide assistance, resources, and information to developers, citizens, and property owners concerning the City development process, property legal descriptions, addresses, flood zones, utility easements and rights-of-way, and other land use related topics.
• Assist the Development Services Department with specific planning programs and regulatory approval processes including subdivision plats, development site plans, variances, and other zoning applications.
• Maintain expiration dates for development agreements, Mobile Food Vendors, Mobile Home Parks, RV Parks, and short-term rentals.
• Maintain development map on the website.
• Assist with packet preparation for Planning and Zoning, Zoning, Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, and others as needed.
• Assist with coordinating department activities with other City departments, the public and other agencies.
• Research, compile, and analyze data for special projects and various reports for the Department.

Clerical Duties

• Respond to complaints and requests for information and track responses under standard operating procedures.
• Keep and maintain project files organized.
• Prepare and submit routine monthly, quarterly, and annual departmental reports, as needed.
• Independently compose correspondence related to responsibilities assigned.
• Performs office tasks by conducting data entry on a computer, file management, copying documents, and answering the telephone.
• Assist the Development Services Department as receptionist, including Planning and Inspections, as needed.

Meetings

• Organize and help facilitate meetings and special events (lunch and learns, trades day, etc.) by preparing meeting areas, creating meeting agendas and sign-in sheets, and informing all interested parties of the meeting or event.
• Attend evening meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustments and other boards or committees supporting department activities.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:

A High School diploma or equivalent is required. Two (2) years of related work experience in municipal planning, administration, or development services is desirable. Specialized technical coursework is desirable. Previous experience in a municipal or other governmental agency with similar duties is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Have knowledge and technical understanding of the City Code and Ordinances.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; Spanish is preferred.
• Business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Principles and procedures of basic record keeping.
• Using a personal computer with Microsoft Office software and the ability to operate other software programs as needed to support the Planning Department.

Skills and Abilities:

• A commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Perform responsible and difficult support activities involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Prepare correspondence and memorandums.
• Handle complaints politely and tactfully.
• Build and maintain positive work relationships with other departments, City officials and outside agencies.
• Confidence and ability to deal with stress in all aspects of the job.
• Be punctual and regular in attendance.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Valid Texas Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry and vision to monitor.
• May require standing, sitting, walking.
• May be subject to occasional lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, pulling, crouching, and lifting.
• Must be able to sit for an extended period of time.
• Must be able to work in stressful situations.

Benefits include 100% employer paid employee only medical, dental and basic life insurance premiums. Paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave are available. Participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System is required, as well as Social Security deductions.