Find & Apply For Urban / Transportation Planner Jobs in Columbus, Indiana

INTRODUCTION

Columbus, Indiana, population 50,000 is well known for its architectural innovation, community collaborations, engaged public, and high quality of life. The City is a regional center for financial services, health care, employment, entertainment, and shopping. For more information about our community visit our visitor center website at https://columbus.in.us.

INTRODUCTION TO PLANNING DEPARTMENT

The Planning Department is the division of City of Columbus government that applies the City's long-term goals and regulations to new development in the community. We work with land developers, builders, realtors, businesses, and homeowners so their new construction projects follow local rules and receive the needed permits. We also work with the Plan Commission and City Council to keep those local goals and regulations up-to-date and consistent with current community priorities. The Planning Department also manages federal funds received for local street projects and serves as a floodplain information resource in the community. Through a cooperative agreement, we provide these same services to Bartholomew County as well. Our staff of 10 values a positive, team-focused workplace culture, commitment to the city planning profession and our community, and creative problem solving. For more information about the Planning Department visit https://www.columbus.in.gov/planning. We are currently accepting applications for a part-time Planning Technician - Development Review Assistant. This person would be expected to work a set schedule of between 20 and 24 hours per week. They will work with local businesses on permits for new signs and other small changes, will assist the other staff members reviewing larger development projects, and assist with notices provided to the public of development projects proposed near their property.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Candidates must apply online at: http://jobs.columbus.in.gov. A completed application, as well as a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references uploaded as attachments, are required. Documents must be in the form of a .doc, .pdf, or .jpg in order to upload. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing the online application, please call or email Human Resources at 812.376.2570 or humanresources@columbus.in.gov. Questions about the position may be directed to Jeff Bergman, Planning Director, at jbergman@columbus.in.gov.

POSITION SUMMARY

This staff member supports the development review tasks of the Planning Department by (1) reviewing and processing land development applications for minor activities such as change of use and signs, (2) inspecting and documenting previously completed development projects to verify compliance with applicable approvals, (3) distributing required public notice (including direct mailings and notice sign postings) for development review applications, and (4) receiving visitors and phone calls to the Planning Department. This person applies detailed knowledge of the City of Columbus and Bartholomew County Zoning Ordinances. They serve the primary reviewer of assigned applications and the technical guide for those applicants. This person may also contribute to Planning Department research, data analysis, reporting, and presentations on a variety of land use planning and development topics.

TYPICAL DUTIES

1. Processing, critical review, and documentation of land development applications for new signs, property change of use, and other similar activities, including the evaluation of each based on the applicable standards of the Zoning Ordinance. 2. Participating in regular Planning Department project review meetings and coordinating assignments with other land development applications and Department projects. 3. Conducting site visits and other investigations as necessary to document conditions affecting land development applications. 4. Maintaining all case files regarding assigned land development applications. 5. Providing clear, consistent, and timely communication to applicants, permit contractors, and the public. 6. As specifically assigned, completing visits to development projects to review and verify compliance of completed parking, landscaping, lighting, and other features with the applicable approvals. 7. In coordination with the Planner assigned to the project, completing the required public notice direct mailings, website postings, and on-site sign postings for rezoning, variance, site development plan, conditional use, and other similar development review applications requiring a public hearing; including documentation of that notice. 8. Assisting the assigned Planner(s) and Office Manager with the regular document printing, collating, and mailing/delivery in preparation for Plan Commission and Board of Zoning appeals meetings. 9. Receiving visitors and phone calls to the Planning Department, providing information as appropriate and directing inquires and/or messages to the appropriate Department staff. 10. Participating in periodic training and educational events. 11. Working on-site at City Hall in the Planning Department, during business hours. Part-time employee hours vary based upon the needs of the department, but at all times are 1,559 hours or less in a payroll calendar year. 12. Driving at times in a City vehicle to various locations on behalf of the Planning Department and to work-related events. 13. Other duties, as assigned by the Planning Director. This description is intended to provide a general overview of typical duties, as well as the complexity of the work to be performed by this staff member. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or specific tasks and other duties are typically assigned depending upon the needs of the department.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Planning Technician - Development Review Assistant should either (1) possess a high school diploma or equivalent GED and demonstrate applicable experience or (2) possess a bachelor's degree in a field of study relatable to the typical position duties. Excellent organizational and communication skills are required. Working knowledge of word-processing computer software, particularly the Microsoft Office Suite, is required. A demonstrated ability to read and apply information from maps and property development plans is required.

Further Qualifications:

Due to the required use of a City vehicle, this employee must also have a valid Indiana Driver's License or the ability to obtain one upon being hired, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier. The Driver's License and insurability must be maintained at all times during employment by the City of Columbus. The use of a City vehicle makes this a safety-sensitive position and subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol screen as well as a drug/alcohol screen for cause (accidents and reasonable suspicion) and randomly.

RESIDENCY

Must reside in Bartholomew County or adjoining county within six (6) months of employment.

DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING

This is a safety sensitive position and as such is subject to the City's Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Program which includes: pre-employment testing, random testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return-to-duty testing, and follow-up testing. This description is intended to describe the type of and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person and employees at the city may be given other assignments at will.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/D/V

•all potential applicants are encouraged to apply, and if you need an accommodation or help to apply online, please call 812.376.2570 to make an appointment or email humanresources@columbus.in.gov

Pay:

$23.25 - $34.88 per hour Expected hours: 25.0 per week

Work Location:

In person