Planning Technician

City of Hickory; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hickory is seeking an administrative/technical support professional for the Planning Department. The Senior Planning Technician handles zoning permits, plan reviews, and development file maintenance while coordinating with multiple city and county agencies.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a NC driver’s license, with 1–2 years of related experience preferred. Salary depends on qualifications, with opportunities to support public and regulatory processes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–2 years of relevant experience in a planning/administrative role preferred.
• Valid NC driver's license and ability to meet driving record criteria.

Responsibilities

• Maintains records and filing system for Zonings and Certificates of Occupancy.
• Issues residential and commercial zoning permits.
• Enters and monitors departmental plan reviews in county permit system.
• Maintains current development files and drafts correspondence.
• Provides information to the public, realtors, contractors, and developers on zoning.
• Answers phones and greets the public, sharing zoning information.
• Issues various permits for residential and commercial construction development.
• Issues and coordinates Special Event Applications.
• Acts as liaison between applicants, Police, Planning, and County offices on ABC permits.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Zoning knowledge

Office administration

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position is responsible for providing administrative and technical support to the department. An incumbent in this position may be classified as a Senior Planning Technician.

All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a post-offer functional prework screen and a drug screen. This examination process is designed to determine if applicants are able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the job without physical harm to themselves, or others. All applicants are subject to a background check. Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid NC Class "C" driver's license.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must meet the City criteria for an acceptable driving record.

Salary Depends on Qualifications

• Maintains records; produces daily, weekly, and monthly reports; maintains a detailed filing system for Zonings, Certificates of Occupancy, etc.
• Issues residential and commercial zoning permits.
• Enters and monitors departmental plan reviews in county permit system.
• Maintains current development files.
• Drafts and types correspondence and memoranda.
• Provides information to the general public, realtors, contractors, and developers concerning zoning regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Answers the office telephone and greets the public as necessary; responds to a variety of requests and provides information regarding zoning regulations and current development plans.
• Issues various permits for residential and commercial construction development.
• Issues and coordinates Special Event Applications.
• Acts as liaison between the applicant(s), Police, Planning, City Manager’s Office, Fire, Fire Life Safety, and County Administration on ABC permits.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of city zoning and development ordinances and subdivision regulations.

• Knowledge of city policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of department policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to multi-task.

• Skill in organizing and prioritizing work.

• Skill in operating such office equipment as a computer, fax machine, copier and scanner.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with having had a similar position for one to two years.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Planning Director assigns work in terms of general instructions. Completed work is spot-checked for compliance with procedures, accuracy and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include city zoning and development ordinances and subdivision regulations.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of related administrative and technical duties. Frequent changes to guidelines and the need to understand and explain complicated ordinances contribute to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of this position is to provide administrative and technical service support to the department. Successful performance that enhances the public image of the city government.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with engineers, contractors, surveyors, attorneys, architects, builders, developers, planners, other city employees, county employees and the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts are typically to give and exchange information, provide services and resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching or stooping.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed in an office with the ability to work independently or with limited supervision.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.