Planning Technician

Custer County; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Custer County is seeking a detail-oriented Planning Technician to support land use, permits, inspections, and GIS expansion. The role blends office work, customer service, and field tasks in a collaborative county team.

Based in Custer, SD, you will administer permits, maintain records, respond to inquiries, and assist with GIS projects while reporting to the Planning Director on a Monday–Friday schedule, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, starting at $19.04 per hour (DOE) with a comprehensive county benefits

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or coursework in Planning, Public Administration, Geography, or related field preferred but not required.
• Experience in planning, permitting, inspections, GIS, or related field preferred.
• Experience with ArcMap/ArcGIS software is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Review, process, and issue building, wastewater, and other development permits.
• Conduct preliminary and final inspections for wastewater systems and permits.
• Maintain permit files, inspection records, and GIS-related documentation.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding zoning, development, permits, and planning regulations.
• Provide excellent customer service in person, by phone, and electronically.
• Assist with GIS program expansion, maps, parcel information, and addressing.
• Support department technology administration and vendor coordination.
• Collaborate with county departments, contractors, engineers, surveyors, and the public.
• Participate in training and professional development for planning, GIS, and inspections.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

GIS experience

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Education

Associate degree or coursework in Planning/ Geography/ related field

Tools

ArcGIS

ArcMap

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position is located in Custer, SD. Relocation or commute required.

Custer County is currently accepting applications for a full-time Planning Technician. This position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, organized, and enjoys a combination of office work, customer service, and fieldwork. The Planning Technician plays an important role in supporting land use and development throughout Custer County by administering permits, conducting inspections, maintaining records, and assisting with the County's expanding Geographic Information System (GIS).

The ideal candidate will be adaptable, self-motivated, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities while providing excellent customer service to property owners, contractors, surveyors, and the public.

This is a full-time position with a Monday-Friday schedule (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), starting at $19.04 per hour (DOE), with a comprehensive county benefits package. The position reports to the Planning Director.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing, processing, and issuing building, wastewater disposal, approach, and other development permits.
• Conducting preliminary and final inspections for wastewater systems, approaches, and other permitted activities.
• Maintaining permit files, inspection records, electronic databases, and other planning-related documentation.
• Responding to public inquiries regarding zoning, land development, permits, planning regulations, and property information.
• Providing excellent customer service in person, by telephone, and electronically.
• Assisting with the County's expanding GIS program by maintaining maps, parcel information, addressing, and other geographic data.
• Assisting with GIS projects, mapping requests, and the development of digital planning resources.
• Supporting department technology administration, including software coordination, electronic records management, technology inventory, budget planning assistance, and vendor coordination.
• Collaborating with County departments, contractors, engineers, surveyors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Participating in training and professional development opportunities related to planning, permitting, GIS, and inspections.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or coursework in Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Geography, Surveying, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Natural Resources, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Experience in planning, permitting, inspections, construction, surveying, records management, GIS, local government, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with ArcMap, ArcGIS, or similar GIS software is preferred but not required.
• Background in technology administration, software implementation, database management, or information technology is beneficial but not required.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Valid South Dakota Driver's License required or the ability to obtain one.

Custer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.