Salary
$47,112.00 Annually
Location
Athens, GA
Job Type
Full Time
Department
Planning
Job Number
2023-U083-Planning
Closing date and time
4/2/2023 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Purpose & Job Related Requirements *****First Review of Applications on 3/15/2023*****
REPORTS TO: Senior Planner - Planning Department
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Professional
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System; Requires satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
PAY GRADE: 117
SAFETY SENSITIVE :  No
Purpose of Job:
The purpose of this job is to research and prepare information related to planning functions within the Planning Department.  Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, reviewing of site plans, reviewing and recording of minor subdivision plats, administering development related ordinances and regulations, writing and reviewing reports, reviewing plans, assisting and directing developers, approving permits, and performing additional tasks as assigned.
Job Related Requirements
WORK SCHEDULE: M - F; 8 am to 5 pm; with some after hours work / meetings
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.
Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions Bachelor's degree in urban/regional planning, forestry, landscape architecture, architecture, transportation, or related field with two years of professional work related experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the job.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Develops and maintains various databases of information needed to support ongoing or project-specific analysis.
Prepares zoning verification correspondence and answers public inquiries regarding zoning and subdivision issues as assigned.
Administers the Unified Government's zoning ordinance and other development-related regulations; conducts research on various issues related to zoning or development regulations as assigned.
Provides instruction and direction to the general public and department visitors; receives, responds to, or forwards departmental, governmental, or public correspondence by phone, mail, message, etc.
Review and processes Manufactured Home Permits, Home Occupation Permits, Alcohol License Applications, and Building Permits as assigned.
Attends various training workshops, conferences, and committee and public meetings which may require meeting at night or overnight travel; records minutes of meetings as assigned.
When Assigned to Development Review:
Reviews site plans and prepares comments for the Development Review Process.
Explains zoning, sign, historic preservation, and development regulation requirements for developments and land use to applicants, government officials, and the general public.
Provides information to planning staff, other Athens-Clarke County departments, elected and appointed officials, applicants, and the general public regarding plan review, site conductions, zoning applications and other applicable planning information.
Reviews and prepares reports on variances, subdivisions, appeals of interpretation of design review, and planned development concepts for the development review process.
Assists in the preparation of zoning text amendments for review by the Planning Commission and Mayor and Commission.
Monitors the submittal of Plan Review comments from other reviewing departments.
Maintains database of applicant and application information.
Administer the Community Tree Ordinance as it relates to development.
Review tree canopy cover plans for compliance with tree regulations for the weekly site plans and preliminary plat review process.
Develop and conduct educational programs for and provide written materials to ACC staff, developers, builders, contractors and other members of the development community both in the office and in the field to promote compliance with tree regulations.
Assist the Community Forester in the administration of the Landmark Tree program as it relates to trees on development sites.
Performs design and analytical work on urban developments in neighborhoods and redevelopment sites/areas.
Performs technical research and investigation needed for the preparation of plans, reports, and programs.
Prepares and administers grants for various urban design projects or undertaken by Athens-Clarke County.
Prepares design related studies and reports at the request of the Director; assists with the preparation of the annual budget; assists with special projects within the Planning Department and may serve as a technical resource for other departments of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government.
Performs other related duties as required.
When Assigned to Long Range:
Processes Type I and Type II applications (rezonings, special use permits, planned developments, conservation subdivisions, text amendments); prepares reports on Type I and Type II applications and presents Staff Report and recommendation to the Planning Commission.
Assists in the preparation and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan; assists in yearly updates of population estimates and employment data at the county-wide, census tract, and block group levels.
Prepares special area studies and presents recommendations regarding the communities land use, economic base, housing stock, basic infrastructure, and public utilities.
Reviews and processes environmental area permits; works with developers and property owners to interpret, apply, and enforce the Environmental Areas Ordinance.
Prepares special reports on topics such as the spatial location of new development and the amount of acreage of vacant land undergoing urbanization (by land use), and Parks and Open Space planning and redistricting.
Responds to requests for information on demographic data including census information; acts as the Department's primary liaison with the Census Bureau.
Prepares and presents presentations to the public, the Mayor and Commission, Planning Commission, and other organizations and groups, effectively communicating in potentially unstable environments/situations.
Performs other related duties as required.
When Assigned to Neighborhood Notification Initiative:
Administers the county-wide neighborhood notification initiative, including the identification and mapping of neighborhood units.
Administers the Planning Department website; posts agendas and pertinent information associated with the agendas on the website in a timely manner.  Organizes the information so that it is easily accessible by the public.
Administers a Planning Department list-serve.  Provides information to various community groups and organizations about items relating to the various Boards and Commissions staffed by the Planning Department.
Prepares and presents presentations to the public, the Mayor and Commission, Planning Commission, and other organizations and groups, effectively communicating in potentially unstable environments/situations.
Provides information to planning staff, other Athens-Clarke County departments, elected and appointed officials, applicants, and the general public regarding plan review, site conduction, zoning applications and other applicable planning information.
Assists in the preparation and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan; assists in yearly updates of population estimates and employment data at the county-wide, census tract, and block group levels.
Responds to requests for information on demographic data including census information.
Performs other related duties as required.
When Assigned to Urban Planning:
Reviews site plans and prepares comments for the Development Review Process when applicable.
Explains zoning, sign, historic preservation, and development regulation requirements for developments and land use to applicants, government officials, and the general public.
Reviews and prepares reports on variances, certificates of appropriateness, land development plans and planned development concepts.
Develops and conducts educational programs for and provide written materials to Athens-Clarke County Staff, developers, builders, contractors and other members of the development community both in the office and in the field to promote appropriate urban design.
Performs design and analytical work on urban developments in neighborhoods and redevelopment sites/areas.
Performs technical research and investigation needed for the preparation of plans, reports, and programs.
Prepares and administers grants for various urban design projects undertaken by Athens-Clarke County.
Assists with special projects within the Planning department and may serve as a technical resource for other departments of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government.
Prepares special reports on topics such as the spatial location of new development and the amount of acreage of vacant land undergoing urbanization (by land use), and parks and open space planning and redistricting.
Performs other related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of assigned division in the Planning Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the specific planning functions.
Knowledge of the terminology and methodology used within the Planning Department.
Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
Knowledge of applicable legal, governmental, and departmental processes.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of comprehensive planning.
Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain an assortment of records, reports, and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.
Ability to effectively communicate and interact with supervisors and other staff members as they relate to the activities of the Planning Department.
Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
Ability to handle the required mathematical calculations.
Ability to understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.
Ability to plan, organize, and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to communicate effectively by written and oral means.
Ability to prepare and deliver public presentations.
Ability to handle outside fieldwork.
Ability to research and analyze topics and to draw conclusions.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and legal manner.
Supplemental Information (ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED
TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, calculator, drafting instruments, and a surveyors measuring wheel. Must be able to use body members to work, move, or carry objects or materials. This position requires:  walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.  Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for light work. Must be able to walk over uneven or rough terrain and ascend and descend steep slopes.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving and receiving assignments and/or directions to co-workers and assistants or from supervisors.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of reports, plans, permits, descriptions, letters, photographs, amendments, court orders, and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare letters, reports, timesheets, legal ads, agenda items, audits, and photographs using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people, and groups of people, with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgement in both the presence and absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages, including civil engineering, legal, and landscape architecture terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract totals; to multiply and divide; to interpret graphs; to compute discount, interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportions; to perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots and polynomials.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with computer, calculator, drafting instruments, and surveyors measuring wheel.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using a computer, calculator, drafting instruments, and surveyors measuring wheel. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as a computer, calculator, drafting instruments, and surveyors measuring wheel. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone.