Planning Technician

Summary

WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY
Working for the City of McKinney is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Proudly recognized on the Top Workplaces USA list by USA TODAY in 2024, our team is dedicated to making McKinney one of the best places to work, live, and raise a family. Join us and start making a difference today.

OUR CORE VALUES
City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. However, we also look after and support one another. All of us are guided by four employee-inspired values – Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE). We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and support a healthy, family-oriented culture. All new employees are expected to embrace and live by our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high performance organization (HPO).

SUMMARY OF POSITION
Under general supervision of the Planning Manager, the purpose of this position is to provide technical support and assistance to professional planning staff, development partners, and the general public. Specifically, the Planning Technician is responsible for the intake and processing of development applications and plans, performing basic research and support tasks, monitoring and updating information related to development and zoning, preparing zoning verification letters, and providing general information and customer service to both development partners and residents.

Essential Functions/Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receives and processes electronic development submittals and revisions using the city’s land management software.
• Frequently communicates with the development community and public regarding processes and procedures for planning and development.
• Serves as the first point of contact for answering general inquiry questions related to the Planning Department, such as functions, processes, procedures and development requirements.
• Prepares Zoning Verification Letters.
• Completes Open Records requests.
• Prepares property owner notifications and legal notices for Public Hearings in conformance with city requirements and State Law.
• Reviews zoning sign affidavits and other required information to ensure postings are provided in conformance with city requirements.
• Assists planning staff with general case management support, including the preparation of approval letters.
• Assists in the preparation of Planning Department Monthly Reports.
• Provides information to citizens, developers, engineers, and other city departments on application processes, city ordinances, and development regulations.
• Provides technical and administrative support and assistance to professional planning staff.
• Provides information to citizens, developers, engineers and other City departments on application processes, ordinances and regulations.
• Assists in the review and processing residential building permits for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and land use entitlement requirements, as needed.
• Complies with all city policies and procedures, including those defined in the City of McKinney Employee Handbook
• Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in city and department attendance policies and procedures.

• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

• Ability to embrace and embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with peers, supervisors, and people to whom service is provided.
• Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
• Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources.
• Knowledge of general urban planning practices and practices, including zoning, site plans, specific use permits, and other pertinent specialties.
• Ability to learn state and local laws, city ordinances, and regulations for site plans, zoning, and division of land.
• Ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data and/or information. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.
• Ability provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others on how to apply procedures and standards to specific situations relating to the planning process within the City of McKinney.
• Ability to analyze planning submittals for compliance with procedural requirement.
• Ability to research, utilize and/or compile a variety of advisory data and information, such as data base reports, planning and zoning case applications, case files, zoning maps and ordinance, plats and site plans.
• Ability to use statistical, algebraic or geometric knowledge and have the ability to apply mathematic principles in practical situations.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving a variety of generally pre-defined duties that are often characterized by frequent change.
• Ability to perform coordinated movements, such as operating a computer terminal and printer and various office equipment.
• Ability to navigate and utilize GIS operating systems.
• Ability to work independently on multiple projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers, subordinates and customers with respect.
• Ability to assist with special projects, including collecting of data, analyzing results, preparing various reports or illustrative materials.
• Ability to maintain and utilize metrics and data points to assist in making data-driven decisions.
• Build professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
• Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change.
• Pass a drug screen and a background check.

Required Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the below Minimum Qualifications may be an acceptable substitute for the below specified education and experience requirements.

The completion of an associate degree in urban planning, architecture, construction management, social sciences, or related field or the completion of 90 credit hours towards a Bachelor’s in planning, geography, public administration or other related degree; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must pass a drug screen and background check.
• Must have Class C Texas Driver’s License.

Physical Demands/Supplemental

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Over two-thirds of on-the-job time: talking and hearing; reaching; using hands to touch or handle objects. Between one-third and two-thirds of on-the-job time: sitting; stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling. Under one-third of one-the-job time: standing; walking; climbing or balancing; lifting or exerting force up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Special vision requirements include: close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Other than occasional (under one-third of the time) exposure to outdoor weather conditions, this position’s exposure to adverse environmental conditions is limited.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The City offers a full complement of benefits:

Health Insurance

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Medical and Childcare Account (FSA)
• Mental Health Care and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• City-paid and Voluntary Life Insurance
• City-paid and Voluntary Long Term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance through Aflac

• Legal Services through Legal Shield
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Wellness Program (earn up to $600 per year)

• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
  • Mandatory 7% employee contribution
  • City match 2:1
  • 5 year vesting
  • Retire after 20 years of service, or age 60 with 5 years of service
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans

• Paid Vacation (80 hours per year for new hires; tiered increases after 2 yrs)
• Sick Leave (135 hours per year for yourself and immediate family)
• Paid Parental Leave (80 hours for birth, adoption, or placement of a child in foser care)
• Ten Paid Holidays
• Personal Day
• Optional compensatory time for hourly employees
• Compensatory time for salaried employees