Planning Assistant

• Monitors procedures for processing subdivision, land use and zoning documents according to State regulations.   Ensures that statutory guidelines and timeframes are communicated to others (e.g. the public) accurately and in a timely manner.  
• Prepares legal notices and takes other appropriate actions to notify professional staff, landowners, special interest groups, and other individuals and entities of upcoming deadlines, hearings, meetings and other critical steps in the planning review process.
• Schedules and tracks hearings for several planning-related boards (i.e., citizen advisory committees, boards of adjustment, Planning and Zoning Commission, Planning Board, etc.).  Faxes hearing notices to newspapers, and completes other mailings as required.  
• Assists professional staff in preparing for on-site inspections and reviews by verifying accuracy and completeness of applicant-provided information.  This assistance is focused on relatively simple to moderately complicated subdivision and zoning applications. 
• Works with legal land descriptions and maps to identify how/if specific parcels are zoned.  Probes landowners to obtain sufficient data to determine if a permit is required based on regulations.  Directs parties to other state or county agencies if necessary.
• Provides information regarding specific regulations and requirements and disseminates application forms and other relevant informational literature to the public.
• Assists professional staff in general by providing support in data compilation, research, data formatting, correspondence and related projects.
• Performs administrative and clerical support office operations for the Planning Department.  Monitors front desk workflow and customer service.  Assists in providing overall administrative support to ensure customers are assisted, phones are answered, fees are collected, and documents are received, checked and tracked.
• Ensures completeness of data entry into database when application files are closed by planners.
• Receives, tracks and deposits money collected at the front desk for the Department.  Ensures accurate tracking, receipting and accounting of fees for multiple programs (e.g. applications, permits, road impact, fire impact, parkland, maps, etc.).
• Monitors fund accounts and compiles balance information for appropriate parties as needed.  
• May serve as a Notary for the Planning Office.        
• Performs inventory control by tracking purchases, supplies, equipment and other physical resources. Orders office supplies and equipment as needed.
• Completes department purchase orders, tracks expenditures and deposits, pays department bills and keeps an accurate, electronic ledger of accounts. 
• Schedules conferences and meetings, arranges hotel rooms and airline tickets, and provides related administrative support to department staff and Planning Board members.

• Performs a variety of other duties as assigned by supervisor.  This may include completing special projects and assignments, compiling specialized information into appropriate formats, attending continuing education and training, and a variety of other functions as needed.  If the County Commission proclaims a local emergency due to an actual or threatened disaster such as an earthquake, fire, riot, flood, etc., County employees may be required to provide services during the emergency and for a subsequent period of assessment and recovery.

This work requires knowledge of clerical and administrative support methods and procedures, knowledge of office operation and equipment, and familiarity with business and office software.  Position must have the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; be able to multi-task and must be able to learn new information quickly.  Position requires heightened knowledge of Planning Department rules, procedures and operations (subdivision, zoning, and floodplain, etc), interpreting maps and legal descriptions, and working with interactive mappers.

Values:

Commitment to Service. Employees meet the needs of constituents in a positive, engaged, respectful manner. We have a clear understanding of why our jobs are important and how we make a difference for our citizens. We are engaged in our work and focused on doing it to the best of our abilities.   

Teamwork.  Employees attain collective goals by building, maintaining, and leveraging internal and external collaboration. We strive to create a positive working atmosphere by recognizing the strengths of our coworkers and partners and put aside personal differences for the benefit of the organization and the people we serve.  

Mutual Respect. Employees are open-minded and willing to listen respectfully to and incorporate alternative opinions to build dynamic solutions. We listen to understand and value everyone for what they contribute.

Innovative. Employees maintain a solution-focused perspective and think creatively to take advantage of opportunities, overcome constraints, and anticipate and address long-term needs.  

Effectiveness. Employees accurately and thoroughly complete work to improve outcomes and produce the intended result.

Responsibility. Employees are accountable and fulfill their obligations in an open and transparent manner. We take our obligations seriously, make good decisions, and can be depended upon. 

Licenses and Certifications:  Position must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the state of Montana or attain a Montana driver’s license within six months of hire and be insurable under the County’s liability policies.  

As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and background investigation. 

For application consideration, please be prepared to attach the following documents to your online application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three (3) Work References

 Gallatin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Gallatin County does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. 

Salary : $23 - $26