Planning Technician

Morehead City is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented PLANNING TECHNICIAN to join our team. This position plays a vital role in supporting the planning and zoning department with mapping, administrative assistance, and customer service. The ideal candidate is highly organized, can multitask across various responsibilities, and thrives in a collaborative environment. This role operates under the limited supervision of the Planner and also serves as a backup to the Permit Technician.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Answering incoming calls and directing them to appropriate staff; providing routine information to callers; referring complex inquiries to appropriate personnel or agencies.
• Greeting and assisting visitors and the public; making appointments and scheduling predevelopment meetings.
• Assisting the Permit Technician with administrative duties and serving as a backup to the Permit Technician.
• Performing routine office tasks including data entry and managing the department’s online and paper file systems; scanning, organizing, and maintaining files.
• Reviewing plans and applications to ensure compliance with zoning, setbacks, and related development requirements.
• Managing the department’s online permitting software and developing forms for online permit submittal.
• Responding to and fulfilling public records requests.
• Responding to inquiries regarding flood zones and the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA).
• Serving as the Local Permit Officer for the CAMA program.
• Reviewing correspondence and documents for accuracy prior to mailing or publication, including plans and agendas.
• Receiving, processing, and distributing building permit and CAMA applications.
• Checking and reviewing data for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to department procedures and standards.
• Preparing and maintaining departmental records, logs, forms, and files.
• Distributing timesheets and processing completed timesheets for payroll.
• Serving as secretary to the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment; preparing and distributing agendas, attending meetings, taking and transcribing minutes, maintaining minute books, and recording orders with the Register of Deeds.
• Preparing and maintaining departmental reports, including narratives and data analyses; researching and compiling information on planning-related topics.
• Reviewing plans and applying ordinance and code provisions to determine compliance and field applicability.
• Managing and updating routine departmental content on the City’s website including agendas, calendars, fees, and notices.
• Drafting and placing legal advertisements and public notices.
• Working outside of normal hours as required during on-call or emergency situations.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Overseeing office functions independently as needed.
• Receiving inspection requests and scheduling inspections and re-inspections.
• Determining applicable permit fees and processing payments; processing check requests.
• Ordering office supplies and maintaining inventory.
• Maintaining permit-related GIS layers; designing and preparing visual maps and graphics using GIS software and analyzing spatial data.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Associate's Degree with coursework in Planning, Business, Office Administration, or a related field and at least three to five years of relevant experience is preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• A thorough knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and administrative techniques.
• The ability to apply business English, spelling, grammar, and basic arithmetic in a professional setting.
• An understanding of department programs, policies, and planning procedures.
• Experience using planning principles, research and data collection methods, and GIS software.
• Familiarity with the Unified Development Ordinance and the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA).
• The ability to read and interpret site plans, surveys, and GIS data effectively.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public.
• Experience managing electronic records and processing departmental timesheets.
• Proficiency in accurate and efficient typing and transcription.
• The ability to perform basic statistical, algebraic, and geometric calculations.
• Effective writing skills for drafting reports, correspondence, and legal notices.
• The ability to stay organized and complete work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency operating office and data entry equipment and systems.
• Strong attention to detail when following written and verbal instructions.
• Effective time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• The capacity to work independently under limited supervision while maintaining high standards.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for maintaining effective working relationships with the public, coworkers, elected officials, and professionals across various fields.

Preferred Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Zoning Official (CZO) and/or Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification, or the ability to obtain.
• Possession of or ability to obtain Notary Public license.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.

The salary range for this position is $48,480-$67,872. Placement within the range will depend upon a candidate's successful qualifications and experience. The City provides a comprehensive benefits package, which can be found on the City's website at https://moreheadcitync.org/246/Employee-Benefits

If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity to join a professional and dedicated team, please submit a cover letter, resume, and a City application found at https://moreheadcitync.org/247/Employment-Application or you may mail to: Morehead City, Human Resources Department, 1100 Bridges Street, Morehead City, NC 28557.

Questions regarding this job announcement may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 252-726-6848, extension 174. The City reserves the right to consider only applicants who meet the position's qualifications.

_ Disclaimer_

This position announcement has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform the job. The Town of Morehead City reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification.

Morehead City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Application deadline: Open Until Filled / EOE

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,480.00 - $67,872.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Business Administration: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Certified Zoning Official (CZO) Certification (Preferred)
• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Certification (Preferred)
• Certified Notary Public (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $48,480 - $67,872