GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Planner I performs complex and routine technical and administrative tasks in support of the Town’s Community Development Department.  The duties for this position include extensive daily interactions with a wide diversity of individuals and groups, including resident and citizen groups, engineers, architects, builders, contractors, and other development professionals, business owners and managers, elected and appointed officials, other Town staff members, and members of the public.  The Planner I must be professional and responsive and provide excellent customer service in all circumstances.  The Planner I works under the direction of the Community Development Director and will frequently work under the supervision of experienced planning staff.  This position is required to work from the office, at Town Hall, during normal business hours.  The typical schedule for this position is Monday – Friday, from 8am to 5pm.  This position is expected to occasionally attend night meetings.    

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the initial contact to a wide variety of groups and individuals with inquiries about the Town’s Land Use Code, Comprehensive Plan, zoning regulations, and development processes and procedures.  Respond to inquiries quickly, accurately, and professionally in person, by phone, by email, or web-based platforms.  Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.    
• Review and evaluate development project applications for completeness and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.  Coordinate development application process referrals and establish schedules and deadlines with applicants, project planners and other Town staff.
• Review, monitor, coordinate, and approve a variety of plans, licenses, and permits for compliance with applicable codes, regulations and requirements.
• Act as the Planner on Duty, which requires direct, in person communication with a wide variety of groups and individuals, including resident and citizen groups, engineers, architects, builders, contractors, and other development professionals, business owners and managers, elected and appointed officials, other Town staff members, and members of the public.  This position is required to work in the office, at Town Hall, during normal business hours.   
• Assist the Permit Technician with the processing, review, and approval of building permits, including permit intake, review of permits for completeness, permit fee assessments, and permit issuance.
• Support Town planning staff during neighborhood meetings, Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) meetings, Development Review Committee (DRC) meetings, and other meetings.  Must be able to take effective notes, complete follow-up tasks, and assist Town planners in a variety of meeting-related support functions. 
• Assist Town planning staff in establishing project task schedules for pre-application consultation (PAC) meetings, Development Review Committee (DRC) submittal reviews, and public hearing packets.
• Review development cases that are referred to the Town from surrounding jurisdictions for compliance with applicable Comprehensive Plans and codes.  Provide responses to those referrals on behalf of the Town.
• Manage development applications with the guidance and supervision of the Community Development Director and Town planning staff.  Guide, support, and facilitate development project applicants through the review process.  Prepare staff reports, resolutions, ordinances, exhibits, and other documents.  Present staff findings to the Planning Commission and Board of Trustees.
• Provide professional assistance on code enforcement cases.  May be required to attend Municipal Court as a professional witness, when needed.
• Assist Town planning staff by coordinating and monitoring document recording.
• Assist Town planning staff with community outreach related to neighborhood meetings for development projects.
• Assist Town planning staff with public notices for development projects, such as newspaper notices, neighborhood notices, sign notices, and other public notification functions.
• Conduct research, collect data, prepare reports and maps, and maintain databases in support of the Community Development Department. 
• Maintain and update department web pages, geographic information system (GIS) maps and databases.
• Assign addresses to structures within the Town.  Inform applicable agencies of those address assignments.
• Assist with the research and development of comprehensive and long-term plans, strategies, and policies.
• Prepare and present detailed reports to various boards, committees, and commissions as needed.
• Perform Planning Commission Secretary duties as needed.
• Perform site inspections as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of urban planning.
• Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of land development, the entitlement process, and the development review process in a municipal government setting.
• Able to review applications, plans, licenses, and permits to ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and standards.
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing, to a wide variety of groups and individuals, including resident and citizen groups, engineers, architects, builders, contractors, and other development professionals, business owners and managers, elected and appointed officials, other Town staff members, and members of the public. 
• Must have the ability to clearly explain complex codes, regulations, and entitlement procedures to a wide variety of people with varying degrees of knowledge, understanding, and abilities.
• Always provide excellent customer service and remain calm and professional in difficult circumstances.  Able to interact politely and effectively with a diversity of people. 
• Able to attend to details and follow-up on verbal or written direction from the Community Development Director.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and complete tasks as assigned in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of, or the ability and willingness to learn and perform, the practices and processes related to permitting.
• Create and maintain department web pages, maps, and data, including geographic information system (GIS) maps and databases.
• Effectively conduct relevant research, cite references, and maintain data.
• Effectively use typical office equipment and computer software programs.
• Able to work quickly and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Able to work independently and in team environments. 
• Creative problem-solving and ability to address complex issues in difficult circumstances.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, public policy, or related area of study.

EXPERIENCE

• One (1) year of relevant experience in a municipal planning department.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position may be considered.