JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, performs professional work in the research and development of plans and programs for community growth and development. Work involves implementing the Town planning principle and zoning ordinances encompassing comprehensive plans and programs for the utilization of land and physical facilities of cities, counties, and metropolitan areas; providing information to and meeting with the public, developers, and design professionals during the plan preparation process to ensure that plans for new development comply with the zoning ordinance and other development regulations, and reviewing plans for compliance once submitted; serving as staff liaison for the Board of Architectural Review and handling secretarial tasks related to the Board; and attending Board meetings for Planning Commission, Board of Architectural Review, and Board of Zoning Appeals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists the public, developers, and design professionals with any questions or information required from the zoning ordinance and development ordinance with regard to any form of land development (zoning, parcel information, property ownership, address, etc.).
• Handles the responsibility for plan review related to zoning aspects (such as setbacks, height, impervious surface, etc.) for residential building permit submittals.
• Administers Board of Architectural Review section of the zoning ordinance; ensures required plans are submitted and organized before Board meeting; reviews plans for compliance; coordinates review by other Town departments; sets and posts agenda; sends meeting notices; answers Board member questions prior to meeting; attends and drafts minutes of meeting for approval; informs applicants of decisions and/or any special conditions; works with applicants for re-submittals; and coordinates sign review by Chairman and sign permit process. Conducts all reporting to the State Historic Preservation Office including the annual report for Certified Local Government (CLG) status.
• Coordinates with Code Enforcement for violations of the zoning ordinance
• Works closely with the Town’s Engineering and Building and Codes departments in the review of residential permits and the development of documents and processes.
• Attends Planning Commission, Board of Architectural Review, and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings, or other meetings as required.
• Works on Comprehensive Plan with other staff and Planning Commission.
• Receives and/or reviews a variety of records and reports (such as site and development plans, Board of Architectural Review applications, etc.).
• Refers to zoning ordinance, official zoning map, Comprehensive Plan, annexation ordinances, State code, policy and procedure manuals, laws/regulations, publications and reference texts, etc.
• Operates a Town vehicle and a variety of office equipment and machinery (such as copy machine, fax machine, digital voice recorder, cell phone, computer, printer, telephone, plotter, scanner, etc.).
• Uses a variety of tools (such as calculator, architectural/engineer scale, scissors, paper cutter, stapler, standard office tools, etc.); a variety of supplies (such as paper, stationary, writing instruments, file folders, toner/ink, general office supplies, etc.); and a variety of computer software (such as Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, Internet Explorer, Adobe Reader, Bluebeam, Nearmap, Citizenserve, etc.).
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals (such as Zoning Administrator, Director of Planning, developers, design professionals, board members, coworkers, Town Council, Summerville DREAM and the general public).
• Assists coworkers with editing of minutes and agendas.
• Performs general administrative/office duties as required, including typing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, researching archival information answering the telephone, establishing and maintaining filing systems, etc.
• Performs other related duties as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor’s degree plus two additional years’ coursework in urban or regional planning or related field supplemented by at least four years of local government planning experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have a valid South Carolina driver’s license. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred or ability to obtain within a timely manner.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the methods, policies, and procedures of the Planning Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Planner II.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of the principles, theories, practices and methodologies of urban and community planning.
• Knowledge and skills required in determining growth and development needs of the Town.
• Knowledge of specific Town/county ordinances as they apply to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of planning and development and land use terminology.
• Knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, spelling and basic mathematics.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and technology including GIS software.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of computers for data, word processing and electronic plan review.
• Knowledge of how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of how to personally demonstrate appropriate customer service skills.
• Ability to apply knowledge of economics, land development, civil engineering, construction, architecture, zoning, finance and sociology in the planning process.
• Ability to assimilate both technical and theoretical concepts from many diverse disciplines and apply the knowledge in creative and intuitive ways to solve unique problems.
• Ability to coordinate division activities with other Town and county departments, property/business owners, residents and community leaders in order to accomplish goals and complete projects.
• Ability to efficiently and effectively collect, tabulate and analyze relevant data and apply it to the planning process.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions related to balancing multiple projects within the constraints of time available, personnel capabilities, financial resources, and political considerations.
• Ability to react professionally at all times, dealing with sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to make effective presentations and speeches. Is able to make sound, educated decisions.
• Ability to offer training and assistance to subordinates, co-workers and employees of other departments as required.
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.
• Ability to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.
• Ability to maintain positive customer-focused relationships with co-workers, supervisors, agencies, the general public, and all other internal and external customers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including a computer, calculator, telephone, copier, etc. Must be able to exert up to five pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for periods of time.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Benefits Offered

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
SC Retirement System
401k deferred compensation
457b deferred compensation
Vacation Leave
Sick Leave
Holiday Leave (12 holidays)
Flexible Spending Accounts
Other Voluntary Insurance
The Town of Summerville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will recruit and hire employees without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), age, political affiliation or disability, except when physical condition is a bona fide occupational qualification, and any other status protected by federal or state law.

APPLICATION SPECIAL INSTRUCTION

Please upload your resume and a list of references.