Zoning Technician -Working Title: Development Technician

Major Functions

The County of Volusia is seeking an experienced Zoning Technician/Development Technician for the Planning & Development Services Division. This position is located in DeLand, Florida, in the Land Development Office. Development Technicians are responsible for performing specialized technical work, including the processing and examination of development applications in unincorporated areas of Volusia County, and research on parcel history and ownership. The Land Development Office operates within a high-volume customer service lobby where top-notch professionalism and exceptional customer service skills are expected. The applicant must possess an understanding of plats and plat laws, zoning, and the ability to read legal descriptions and/or surveys. Managing multiple tasks while consistently meeting deadlines is a critical aspect of this position. The selected candidate should be knowledgeable with Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat or Bluebeam, and online maps.

Illustrative Duties

NOTE: These are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.)

• Receives and processes applications for land development, such as site plans, subdivision plats, stormwater management permits, appeals, lot combinations, and vested rights.

• Assists the public with completing those applications.

• Distributes and monitors applications to ensure all necessary reviews are completed and comments are received by the deadlines.

• Provides procedural and related information as required.

• Answers phones, responds to emails, and assists customers in the customer service lobby with inquiries relating to application requirements, procedures, and zoning.

• Refers technical questions to appropriate staff and advises customers on actions required to complete applications.

• Provides courteous and professional assistance to external customers, internal staff, and other county departments.

• Updates and maintains files.

• Disseminates regulatory information to the public, staff, and other government agencies.

• Updates the Land Development website for informational content and publishes meeting agendas and minutes.

• Serves as liaison between applicants and reviewers. May participate in special task teams, citizen groups, and collaboration with other government agencies, if needed.

• Writes correspondence containing technical information and legal citations.

• Complies with public records retention rules, including the Florida Sunshine Law.

• Researches and writes special reports.

• Prepares reports on parcel history, archived permits, plats, subdivision information, and other data requested by customers and county staff.

• Provides background information for land development and planning applications, including site plans, subdivisions, exemptions, zoning cases, and property eligibility for development orders.

• Collaborates with GIS staff to ensure maps are accurate and accessible.

• Prepares meeting rooms, including computer displays and audio equipment, for public hearings to ensure meetings are conducted in a professional manner.

• May be assigned to other county locations based upon operational needs.

• Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.

• Must adhere to Federal, State, County, and Local ordinances.

• Responds to emergency situations.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED and four (4) years of experience in working with the public in land use regulations, land development, code enforcement, permitting, planning, zoning, or related field.

A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may substitute for the minimum qualification’s requirement.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Must possess a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire and maintain thereafter.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of zoning, comprehensive planning, and land development.
• Knowledge of the zoning ordinance.
• Knowledge of general permit processing and procedures.
• Knowledge of land development and construction terminology.
• Knowledge of permitting software.
• Knowledge of basic mapping programs.
• Knowledge of legal descriptions and the Public Land Survey System.
• Ability to interpret maps, map layers, aerial photographs and identify individual properties on a map.
• Ability to examine building permits and plot plans for compliance with zoning and other County regulations.
• Ability to disseminate zoning and land development information to the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal tactfully with the public and other County agencies.
• Ability to deal with internal and external customers in a professional, courteous manner.
• Ability to de-escalate intense situations with customers.
• Ability to analyze situations, identify pertinent issues, collect relevant information, evaluate realistic options, and recommend an appropriate course of action to customers and other staff.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions within strict timelines.
• Skilled in the use of computer applications.
• Skilled in the use of various office equipment (e.g., telephones, computers, printers, scanners, and plotters), including audio equipment and virtual meetings.
• Ability to research information regarding plats, surveys, deeds, and easements.
• Knowledge of the process of creating legal lots.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Must be able to relocate to other county locations based on operational needs.