Planning Assistant

The City of Spring Hill is seeking an employee to provide support to the Development Services Director with planning and development reviews. He or she will also be responsible for administrative functions within the department. The planning assistant will also process and track maintenance and performance bonds and application data. This is a full-time, non-exempt position that reports directly to the Development Director The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, repeated or a logical assignment to this class. Review and approve over-the-counter commercial and residential development applications and permits May prepare and present detailed reports on development activity to government bodies and boards. Collect a variety of statistical data and prepares reports and maps on topics such as census information and land use. Evaluate or assist in the evaluation of rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals. Assist at the public counter and via phone to provide information including development regulations and answer questions both orally and over the phone. Respond to inquiries from employees, citizens, and others and refers, when necessary, to appropriate people. Conduct field evaluations and assessments, retrieves notice signs, takes pictures of sites. Composes, types and edits a variety of correspondence, reports, memoranda, notes, meeting minutes, agenda, and other material requiring judgment as to content, accuracy, and completeness. May establish and maintain filing and record-keeping systems, including day-to-day filing of office paperwork. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of planning and zoning principles and practices. Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions. Oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public. Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection. Creative problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed. Ability to work with a variety of people, including employees and the public. Ability to observe and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to respond to inquiries from the public and members of the business community both effectively and professionally, while providing excellence in customer service. Working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, Adobe Professional and GIS. Ability to deal effectively with the public in frequent stressful situations. Ability to analyze and administer department policies and procedures. Ability to read and interpret simple plans and maps, including tax maps. Ability to create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must also frequently use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Work is performed indoors in a comfortable, climate-controlled office environment. The noise level is low with a moderate paced schedule that requires interaction with the general public. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the use of various office equipment including but not limited to a personal computer (word processing, spreadsheet generation); 10-key calculator, telephone, facsimile machine, copy machine, postage machine, etc.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or GED required. Experience in land use/municipal planning. Experience with Microsoft Office, BlueBeam (or similar plan review software), and GIS/Arc Map 10.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in planning, geography, public administration, or similar field preferred. Background in site plan preparation or review preferred. Development plan, planning and zoning maps experience preferred.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The City of Spring Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please email Human Resources at HR@springhilltn.org.