What are the responsibilities and job description for the MPA Fellow position at Town of Carolina Beach?
Distinguishing Features of the Class
This position collaborates with assigned department in order to gain working knowledge and develop career specific skills appropriate to the student’s area of study. Position assists with projects, research and analysis and community planning. This position gives students experience in public administration and provides the Town an additional employee resource who can contribute innovative practices learned in the MPA program.
The MPA Fellow’s skills in problem solving, research, strategic planning, communication, and computer technology are utilized to help with administrative operations in the Community Development Department. Some areas of application include analyzing and reviewing new development plans; requests for variances; permit reviews; plan implementation; ordinance changes; code enforcement, and interpreting maps to decipher building lines, flood zones, land zoning, or needed address changes, etc. The employee will be expected to learn a variety of tasks and work for several people on different projects. This position is expected to work nineteen (19) hours per week. Work is performed under general supervision of the Senior Planner.
Illustrative Examples of Work
This work is primarily sedentary requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally to move objects and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. Work requires manual dexterity such as fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions including operating a computer keyboard and other standard office equipment. Vocal communication is required to respond to inquiries, express or exchange information. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels either in person or over the phone. Visual acuity is required to read, prepare, and analyze written or computer data, operation of machines, determine the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observe general surroundings and activities
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office with a controlled environment without exposure to harmful conditions. Position is subject to meetings outside normal work-day hours and may include travel to facilities, and attending meetings at night.
Education/Experience/Special Requirements
Bachelors degree from an accredited College or University. Currently enrolled in a Master's level degree program at an accredited College or University. Prefer student seeking Masters in Public Administration or Masters in Coastal and Ocean Policy.
Special Requirements
This position collaborates with assigned department in order to gain working knowledge and develop career specific skills appropriate to the student’s area of study. Position assists with projects, research and analysis and community planning. This position gives students experience in public administration and provides the Town an additional employee resource who can contribute innovative practices learned in the MPA program.
The MPA Fellow’s skills in problem solving, research, strategic planning, communication, and computer technology are utilized to help with administrative operations in the Community Development Department. Some areas of application include analyzing and reviewing new development plans; requests for variances; permit reviews; plan implementation; ordinance changes; code enforcement, and interpreting maps to decipher building lines, flood zones, land zoning, or needed address changes, etc. The employee will be expected to learn a variety of tasks and work for several people on different projects. This position is expected to work nineteen (19) hours per week. Work is performed under general supervision of the Senior Planner.
Illustrative Examples of Work
- Compiles, collects, prints and records a variety of data and records for analysis of trends and preparation of reports; creates reports and data bases; maintains databases.
- Instructs the public on using online GIS programs and the Town website.
- Responds to queries from citizens regarding ordinances, policies, procedures, permits and general information.
- Follows the process and procedures as described in the North Carolina General Statutes and as identified by local codes.
- Attends public meetings, assisting other staff as appropriate.
- Prepares narrative staff reports and recommendations of limited complexity, such as conditional use permits and variances.
- Reviews permit applications and site plans to assure compliance with requirements. Conducts technical, administrative and investigative work to maintain and update town ordinances.
- Researches and compiles information on a variety of local government issues from multiple sources.
- Prepares maps, charts and tables to determine site options/limitations for flood, CAMA, zoning and other relevant codes.
- Regularly and predictably attends work
- Performs other related duties as may be assigned.
- Knowledge of statistical, algebraic or geometric processes and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
- Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office including experience with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, internet applications and GIS Systems.
- Knowledge and ability to establish and maintain effective record-keeping systems.
- Knowledge of research techniques, tools, procedures and reporting methods.
- Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
- Possess oral communications and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to both internal and external customers.
- Possess problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
- Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
- Skill in reading and interpreting maps, plans and specifications and in the use of GIS.
- Skill in the collection, analysis and presentation of technical data and ability to express ideas effectively orally and in writing.
This work is primarily sedentary requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally to move objects and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. Work requires manual dexterity such as fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions including operating a computer keyboard and other standard office equipment. Vocal communication is required to respond to inquiries, express or exchange information. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels either in person or over the phone. Visual acuity is required to read, prepare, and analyze written or computer data, operation of machines, determine the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observe general surroundings and activities
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office with a controlled environment without exposure to harmful conditions. Position is subject to meetings outside normal work-day hours and may include travel to facilities, and attending meetings at night.
Education/Experience/Special Requirements
Bachelors degree from an accredited College or University. Currently enrolled in a Master's level degree program at an accredited College or University. Prefer student seeking Masters in Public Administration or Masters in Coastal and Ocean Policy.
Special Requirements
- Must remain enrolled and actively attend the Master’s level program for the duration of the Fellowship with the Town.
- Must be a student in good standing at the College or University.
- Valid North Carolina driver’s license, preferred.
