Board of Zoning Appeals Associate Land Use Planner

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES

Vision

Planning Leadership, Community Collaboration, Service Excellence

Mission

We are dedicated to superior economic development and land planning services through:

Proactive Approach to Responsible development and growth

Empowered and knowledgeable employees

Supporting Communities

Providing accurate, consistent information

Offering technological resources

Timely and responsive service

Service Commitment

DPS is committed to delivering accurate, understandable information and consistent service in a friendly and respectful manner

Allen County Job Description

ASSOCIATE LAND USE PLANNER - BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

Under the direction of the Senior Land Use Planner- Board of Zoning Appeals, the Associate Land Use Planner- Board of Zoning Appeals assists the public with land use issues, processes applications, schedules meetings and hearings, and coordinates the distribution of correspondence materials to the public, media, and board members. This position is covered as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.

• Provides administrative and technical support to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review Committee, Plan Commission, and the general public.
  
• Responsible for using planning knowledge, ordinance standards, and project specifics to make recommendations.
  
• Maintains records, reviews applications, and prepares agendas, notices, correspondences, findings, photographs, maps, and graphic materials.
  
• Responds to phone calls, emails, and discussions with the general public for applications, potential applications, and general land use inquiries. Responds to requests for information, provides detailed and accurate information, advises on planning matters, and interacts with professionals associated with planning applications or projects.
  
• Collects and researches information through the department�s databases, papers filed, and the internet. Maintains data from hearings and meetings.
  
• Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies/departments, developers, and the general public.
  
• Communicates with all parties as needed for correspondence and permit sign off.
  
• Responsible for participating in public meetings and hearings, preparing and making presentations to boards and committees, and meeting with staff and other government agencies.
  
• Responsible for assisting with the management of the department�s website by keeping agendas, minutes, notices, and staff reports.
  
• Updates agenda board for staff and prepares monthly presentations for all boards, commissions, and general information.
  
• Coordinates Accela tickets and projects for the division.
  
• Administers addresses for all zoning jurisdictions.
  
• Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.
  

• Bachelor�s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Community Development, or related field with one year of experience in community development, planning, or related experience
  
• Valid Driver�s License to operate a county vehicle
  
• Knowledge of planning principles and practices to review plans and apply ordinance standards to determine compliance
  
• Strong written and oral communications skills to effectively communicate complicated information to coworkers, the general public, and other government bodies
  
• Knowledge of research practices and principles to apply to current situations and issues
  
• Strong customer service skills with the interest and willingness to work with others
  
• Strong computer skills with the ability to learn and manage various computer programs including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and other job related software
  

The Land Use Specialist- Board of Zoning Appeals performs work that involves many variables and considerations when providing administrative and technical support to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review Committee, Plan Commission, and the general public. Judgement is needed when maintaining records, reviewing applications, and preparing agendas, notices, correspondences, findings, photographs, maps, and graphic materials.

The Land Use Specialist - Board of Zoning Appeals provides substantial contributions when using planning knowledge, ordinance standards, and project specifics to make recommendations. Deviations from guidelines or practice are at the discretion of the employee when interpreting parcel legal descriptions.

The Land Use Specialist - Board of Zoning Appeals maintains frequent contact with other county employees, other government officials, and the general public when providing administrative and technical support to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review Committee, Plan Commission, and the general public.

The Land Use Specialist - Board of Zoning Appeals works in an office environment with the ability to move about freely with frequent sitting, transcribing/proofreading, mental/visual effort, typing, and attention to detail. Some lifting of up to twenty pounds, bending, pushing/pulling loads, monitoring equipment, detailed inspection, exposure to extreme temperatures, and noise are to be expected.

None

Valid Driver’s License to operate a county vehicle

Senior Land Use Planner- Board of Zoning Appeals

40 hours/week; overtime as required