What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planning Technician position at City of Grapevine?
Under general supervision, the Planning Technician is responsible for: researching information and preparing public meeting documents; assisting and educating citizens, businesses, and non-profits regarding zoning, development, and neighborhood programs; and providing technical support for the assigned Department. Attends City Council/Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment and other meetings as necessary.
1. Provides information to citizens, developers, engineers, businesses, non-profit organizations, and other City departments regarding application processes, ordinances, regulations and neighborhood programs.
2. Designs, drafts, and organizes maps and information for projects, reports, and publications.
3. Collects and maintains information for departmental databases.
4. Prepares information for public hearing notices using the City’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
5. Reviews administrative level permits including temporary use permits and helicopter lift permits for conformance with city ordinances and policies.
6. Prepares zoning verification information and creates documentation of zoning upon request.
7. Processes applications for site plan and zoning requests. Assists or drafts Council memos on zoning cases and ensures all legal documents comply with ordinances. Ensures plans are complete.
8. Furnishes and obtains information from other departments or outside representatives. Consults and reviews correspondence prepared by others for director’s signature for accuracy of information. Maintains director’s confidential or personal files. Responsible for departmental record keeping, including personnel files.
9. Organizes and communicates director’s instructions or desires to various individuals and/or department manager(s).
10. First line responder to general departmental calls, letters and/or visitors. Personally handles problems or questions.
11. Composes, types and edits correspondence and memoranda using a variety of office and word processing equipment. Responsible for administration of all director level correspondence. Routes and answers routine correspondence not requiring supervisor's attention.
12. Organizes and maintains supervisor/department files including correspondence, records, etc., and follows-up on pending matters.
13. Coordinates and schedules appointments as directed by supervisor(s). Coordinates arrangements for meeting and conferences, establishing meeting time, location and contacts attendees.
14. Organizes, evaluates and expedites workload through supervisor's office. May assign or schedule work and train other staff of the same assigned function or department. Initiates follow-up actions.
15. Transcribes dictation, often of a technical and/or confidential nature and operates computer terminal and printer or other common office equipment for data storage and retrieval.
16. Assists other team members within the division and department as needed.
17. Coordinates and researches open records request responses for Department.
18. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
19. Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.
20. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers, and others in the course of daily work.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of principles and practices of planning, historic preservation, or neighborhood engagement.
• Knowledge of Federal and State law as related to municipal planning and urban development.
• Knowledge of legal terminology related to development documents.
• Knowledge of website management and social media outlets.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and practices.
• Ability to learn local laws, city policies and ordinances underlying general plans, zoning, and land divisions.
• Ability to navigate and utilize GIS operating systems.
• Ability to interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
• Ability to perform complex professional work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with architects, contractors, developers, owners, supervisors, employees, and the general public.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic.
• Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Must have excellent organizational and communications skills.
• Must be comfortable working outside comfort zone with a willingness to learn.
• Must be a team player who is able to work in a fast-paced environment with deadlines.
• Ability to provide excellent customer services including a desire to help customers regardless of their circumstance.
• Must have the ability to learn additional applications as they are applied to working assignments.
• Must have the ability to work after hours as needed for meetings.
• Ability to maintain cooperative-working relationships with employees and those contacted in the course of work.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Community Development, Historic Preservation or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
One year of experience in urban planning or community development preferred, including experience with GIS or related software.
Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check. Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
WORKING CONDITIONS
While performing the essential functions of this position the employee is rarely exposed to disagreeable environmental factors. There may be some exposure to:
Bright/dim light
Dusts and pollen
Extreme heat and/or cold
Wet or humid conditions
Extreme noise levels
Animals/wildlife
Vibration
Fumes and/or noxious odors
Traffic
Moving machinery
Heights
Other extreme hazards not listed above
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to perform light to medium work that involves walking or standing, use the computer keyboard and mouse, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear, stand, walk, and stoop, or crouch. This position requires occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. This job requires the ability to work in an office environment where the noise level is usually moderate.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.
Salary : $25 - $36
