What are the responsibilities and job description for the PLANNING TECHNICIAN position at City Of Coachella?
Description
***DISCLAIMER: The City reserves the right to accelerate or extend the “Closing Date” of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.
The finalist must pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.
Under general supervision, performs technical and administrative support functions in the field of current or comprehensive planning, provides information to the public on zoning ordinances and permit procedures, assists applicants in preparing development applications, coordinates computer programs including land management and GIS, and prepares and maintains records, maps, drawings, charts, advertising and related information.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Community Development Director or designee. Exercises no supervision of staff.
Examples of Essential Functions
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Provide technical assistance and information to customers at the public counter, via telephone, and email and support to the Community Development Technician regarding building and planning permit procedures and information requests.
- Receive and process a variety of development applications for completeness; collect and distribute applicable fees; approve various permit applications and issue required permits.
- Read, interpret and review street, sewer and architectural plans; explain city ordinances; advise on changes and adjustments to plans.
- Answer questions and provide information to the public; interpret data and explain requirements, regulations and procedures; assist with inquiries pertaining to current or comprehensive planning.
- Process, log and transmit new development applications; maintain land management database system.
- Prepare and update zoning, general plans and existing land use maps using technical drafting equipment and computer programs; prepare charts; displays and exhibits for meetings and newspaper advertisements.
- Assist planners in reviewing plans to determine compliance with laws, codes and ordinances; assist in the preparation of reports and other materials.
- Assist in responding to requests for information from other departments and governmental agencies regarding the General Plan, Zoning Code, City Regulatory Documents, and Subdivision Code.
- Research, collect, compile, record and summarize technical data; research and evaluate business license applications to ensure consistency with zoning requirements; maintain planning, statistical, photographic and historical records within area of assignment.
- Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in computer applications as they affect planning programs.
- Participate in a variety of special projects as assigned.
- Attend a variety of Planning Commission, City Council, community and other professional group meetings. Prepare reports and memorandums for recommendation and presentation, on a limited basis, to the Planning Commission and City Council.
- Publicly post required hearing notices.
- Provide backup for Civic Center receptionist for customer service coverage when necessary.
- Performs duties of a disaster services worker in event of an emergency.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Basic principles and concepts of urban planning;
- Basic computer functions and applicable software including AutoCAD and GIS;
- Basic report writing, research and data compilation methods;
- Methods and techniques of drafting;
- Principles and procedures of record keeping;
- Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers;
- English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Perform general drafting and mapping work using appropriate equipment;
- Learn pertinent laws, codes, ordinances and regulations related to planning activities;
- Assist in the review of plans and specifications;
- Evaluate and process permit applications;
- Explain planning and zoning programs to the public;
- Compile technical and statistical information and prepare basic reports;
- Read and understand maps, site plans, zoning codes and related information;
- Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
- Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
- Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others;
- Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:
Two years of increasingly responsible planning, development or engineering experience; Associate Degree in urban planning or closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses and Certificates:
Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record and automobile insurance.
**Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
Physical Demands/Environmental Elements/Working Conditions
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
