PLANNER I / GIS TECHNICIAN

Distinguishing Features of this Class

The position of Planner I / GIS Technician is an entry-level position within professional planning. It is characterized by professional level duties and responsibilities over that over a Planning Technician, as well as a level of independent judgement not required of a Planning Technician. This position works under the direct supervision of both the Planning Director and the Senior Planner.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides technical assistance and information to staff and to the public in the administration of specific planning program areas or ordinances

Reviews building plans and zoning permit applications to assure compliance with requirements found in the Unified Development Ordinance and issues zoning permits

Performs office tasks as needed including data entry, file management, copying, preparing documents, etc.

Assists staff in preparation of material for City Council and appointed boards, including staff reports, maps and recommendations, as well as posting notification in conjunction with statutory requirements

Research and compiles information on a variety of planning topics from multiple sources

Coordinates community review of public and private development projects as assigned

Extensive public contact, including but not limited to, providing information, resolving issues, and making occasional presentations

Attends appointed board meetings (Planning Board and Board of Adjustment) and occasionally presents at meetings if required

Conducts field evaluations and assessments and investigates code enforcement complaints in consultation with the Planner/Zoning Administrator

Assists the GIS Manager, as needed, in moderately complex GIS needs, sometimes beyond the needs of the Planning office, and sometimes in the absence of the GIS Manager.

All other duties as assigned by the Planning Director

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes, specifically 160D, as well as other principles and practices of planning and zoning in North Carolina

Demonstrated ability to work independently and also to take direction

Effective oral and written communication techniques, as well as skill in conflict resolution, when communicating with elected officials, the public, contractors, and other city employees

Demonstrated knowledge of common office-based technology such as the Microsoft Office package and specific planning software such as ESRI and OpenGov

Ability to interpret and explain local ordinances, rules, and regulations including technical plans and drawings

Ability to document and complete required records and reports

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects

Must be able to perform normal bodily movements such as standing, stooping, crouching, crawling, bending, kneeling, and other movements

Must have close visual acuity to analyze data, prepare reports, operate a computer, perform extensive reading, use a measurement device, and observe work for completeness

Must be able to speak with others, hear spoken words, and read words and data

Desirable Education and Experience Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, geography, Geospatial Information Services, or related field with special consideration given to applicants with education and experience in GIS. A bachelor’s degree not related to planning with two years of experience in local government planning or GIS could be substituted or an associate’s degree with five years of experience in local government planning or GIS.

Must have a valid driver’s license and be approved to operate a motor vehicle

Hiring Range (based upon education and experience): $50,000 - $62,500