Planning Technician

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, performs a variety of difficult, responsible, specialized, analytical and administrative duties; provides highly responsible staff support to the Planning and Building Division; interacts with County personnel from a variety of Departments and the public on technical matters; and performs related duties as assigned.  Learns the County’s various relevant applications and systems and is able to develop necessary reports.  Conducts administrative analyses and studies related to the activities or operation of the Planning and Building Division, specifically.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide permit applications to the public.  Accept applications, and review for completeness and errors.
2. Provide customer service, which may include providing guidance or advice regarding the permit process and requirements, provide code explanation or interpretation, and offer referrals to appropriate channels or contacts.
3. Process and route permit application materials through the County’s permit process, and track the process of applications.  Respond to inquiries about status information of permit applications.
4. Develop and maintain application forms and handout materials to facilitate the “one-stop permit process” concept.
5. Perform a diversity of clerical and administrative duties to maintain and perform the permit process and maintain its efficiency and timeliness.
6. Attend and participate in staff meetings.  Provide input and recommendations to improve the work processes and the general operation, performance and services provided by the County.
7. Coordinates with employees within the department to locate responsive records; conducts research using technical and manual means to locate all necessary and related records, documents and files.
8. Works with the Public Records Department to ensure information is provided in a complete and timely fashion.
9. Assists in the development of new or updated protocols for information collection and documentation to improve records request fulfillment processes and procedures.
10. Data entry and report processing using the County's automated permit system.
11. Create, maintain and archive as necessary, all electronic and paper office files/records.
12. Prepare GIS maps for public notices, and modify and create other maps as needed.
13. Maintain employee and Division contact directories.
14. Schedule hearings and prepare legal/public notices.
15. Prepare agendas for Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission hearings/meetings, internal Division meetings, along with preparation and compilation of related documents.
16. Responsible for public and/or staff meeting setup and take down.
17. Recording and completing of meeting minutes related to the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission hearings and meetings.
18. Keep the Division website updated for accuracy and current information.
19. Work on long-range planning projects, including comprehensive plans.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Able to operate a personal computer effectively, and able to work with Microsoft Office products such as Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Operate standard office equipment such as fax, scanner, calculator, adding machine, copy machine, and multi-line phones.
• Able to understand and operate the County’s procedures, practices and computerized permitting system.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously interact with the public and others requiring services.
• Work in a cooperative and teamwork environment, as well as able to perform work in a multi-task work environment.
• Handle stressful situations when meeting staff deadlines and needs.
• Effectively and clearly communicate and explain processes and legal aspects to the public, and those served by the County.
• Possess a good general understanding of the codes and ordinances that relate to the functions of the County, and able to interpret and apply them.
• Maintain confidential status.
• Establish and maintain effective and professional communications and working relationships with co-workers, the public and other agencies and departments.
• Be a self-motivated, organized and independent thinker.
• Follow directions and complete accurately.
• Physically perform the essential functions of this position.
• Able to listen and record accurate notes and messages.
• Able to prioritize workload.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School Graduation or GED.
2. At least one year of experience working in an office environment.
3. At least one additional year of experience as a Planning Intern, or substitute with a Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, or a closely related field.
4. A valid Washington State Driver’s License.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Duties are typically performed in an office setting and require travel throughout the campus in variable weather conditions.
 
The statements contained herein reflect general details describing the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility.  They are not an all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities, and the incumbent may perform other duties as assigned.
 
GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Salary : $55,188 - $64,752