INTRODUCTION

Davidson, NC is known throughout the state/southeast as a leader in design-based planning. The town offers a real-life planning laboratory where advanced planning theories get tested and implemented through meaningful projects. Staff work in a collegial, highly-collaborative environment based on mutual respect and a passion for public service – all within the context of a historic college town emphasizing thoughtful growth, mobility and housing choices, and dedicated civic engagement. Personal and professional development opportunities are prioritized alongside a full array of employee benefits, mentoring, and work/life balance.

Motivated applicants with excellent attention to detail and a demonstrated interest in planning are invited to apply to become a part of this award-winning team. The Planning Technician will be responsible for customer interface, permitting, and offering departmental support in drafting/maintaining development codes, ordinances, and procedures. Progressive increases in contributions and responsibilities over time are expected, with proven performance earning more advanced development project assignments and growth opportunities.

SUMMARY:
Performs moderate level planning, administrative work, research, ordinance revisions, permit and subdivision/site plan review, and communications/web page management for the Planning Department.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:
An employee in this class shall possess a general knowledge of public sector planning, manage office organization, and perform a variety of administrative functions. The position is the first point of contact with the public, requiring excellent communication skills and knowledge of development codes, ordinances, and procedures. This employee assists departmental staff with projects, including research, communication through correspondence and the web site, and general office duties. This employee provides support for planning ordinance revisions and updates. Work is performed independently under regular supervision by the Planning Director or their designee, in a collaborative and facilitative working environment. Work is evaluated through conferences, feedback and review of deliverables and outputs. Duties and Responsibilities:
In addition to performing other related duties as required, the employee shall carry out the following activities:

Administrative:
- Perform skilled administrative work for the department manager and planning staff.
- Coordinate and manage department appointments, schedules, meetings, conferences, and assist with logistics for public meetings and other planning department functions.
- Maintain and manage department plans, plats, records, databases, forms, logs and files, updating both electronic and paper file management systems as necessary.
- Upload and maintain the planning department web pages, including news, calendars, agendas, minutes, development projects, planning projects, data informing metrics/dashboards, and general information.
Communications:
- Respond to queries from citizens regarding ordinances, policies, procedures, permits, and general information. This includes receiving calls and walk-in visitors as the department’s first point-of-contact.
- Type and send routine letters of correspondence, emails, and memos, proofreading them for accuracy.
- Understand meeting action items and accurately convey information to colleagues and the public.
- Coordinate legal notices for public meetings and ordinance amendments.
- Prepare presentations and cogently present information to staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
Planning & Development:
- Review and administer building, sign, and zoning permit applications/verification letters to ensure compliance with ordinance requirements. Perform exempt subdivision, minor subdivision, and site plan reviews.
- Coordinate code enforcement activities, liaising with the code enforcement officer and community stakeholders to successfully and expediently address issues.
- Prepare and maintain application packets, both paper and electronic, to guide developers through the planning processes and track development projects through each procedure.
- Research planning-related topics and best practices using the internet, state statutes, planning sources, municipal and county codes and ordinances, providing actionable feedback to colleagues and the public.
- Research and prepare recommendations for ordinance or code amendments, policies, and procedures for planning ordinance committee and board consideration.
- Attend public meetings, occasionally presenting, and assist other planning staff liaisons in the preparation and execution of meetings as appropriate.
- Any other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Administrative:
- Ability to work proficiently in the Microsoft Office suite and with contemporary digital tools, including but not limited to: Setting appointments; creating and hosting virtual meetings; posting information to websites; designing materials in Canva; and utilizing shared folders/documents such as OneNote, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
- Ability to multi-task, effectively prioritize work, promptly and accurately answer questions, and independently solve problems.
- Ability to organize and maintain electronic and paper records and documents.
- Ability to type with accuracy at a minimum of 40 words per minute without typing errors, and correct spelling, grammatical structure, and punctuation.
Communications:
- Ability to gather knowledge and give detailed information and instructions to the public regarding department programs, boards and committees, processes, and functions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other departments, state and county government officials, community stakeholders and the general public.
- Ability to provide leadership and facilitate discussions and meetings, presenting in organizational and public settings when appropriate.
- Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills, including technical writing.
Planning & Development:
- General knowledge of planning principles and the ability to learn and accurately apply relevant local, state and county laws, rules, regulations, procedures, and policies through permitting and development review exercises.
- Ability to research, give input, and draft ordinances, policies, and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, standing, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking and repetitive motions.
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 lift objects.
Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze documents, operate a computer terminal and do occasional reading.

Desirable Education and Experience:
Ideal candidates will possess the following:

Four-year bachelor’s degree or master’s degree with coursework in planning, urban design, landscape architecture, public administration or related field and administrative experience in planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to independently manage deadlines, with strong work ethic and initiative, and pursue process improvements and innovations.
Demonstrated interest in planning and the principles underlying the Town of Davidson.
Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Cloud and/or GIS.

Special Requirements:

Requires possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

The Town of Davidson Planning Department encourages and supports opportunities for personal and professional growth, including attainment of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) credential.

Town of Davidson

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Planning Technician