JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY

The successful candidate will be a versatile planner with strong interpersonal skills and the technical ability to support and enhance the overall efforts of the Planning and Development Department work program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Participates in the implementation of the County's Subdivision Regulations, Unified Land Management Ordinance, and Performance Zoning Ordinance.
• Answers public/applicant inquiries regarding these ordinances.
• Assists with all aspects of the Development/Technical Review Committee, including organization, minutes, and correspondence.
• Handles day-to-day tasks associated with taking subdivisions and land development/zoning projects through the review and approval process, including ensuring compliance with ordinances and administrative policies and procedures; writing staff reports, preparing variances; preparing materials for planning commission and board of appeals packets and presentations, and using project tracking software proficiently for monitoring the status of all projects.
• Prepares a variety of correspondence related to said tasks, including Land Use/Zoning compliance letters and Freedom of Information Act inquiries.
• Develops and maintains good relationships with other review agencies and departments involved in the land development process.
• Organizes packets for Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals and prepares meeting minutes and correspondence.
• Develops materials for website that will assist staff with ordinance administration and provide education for the public.
• Researches planning/land use-related issues, gathers and analyzes data, compiles information, and prepares reports, including maps and graphics.
• Supports other divisions of the department, as needed.
• Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge in the practices and principals of Urban Planning, as well as current trends, regulations, standards and laws related to zoning and land development; experience with zoning and land development review and technical review committees; excellent analytical and communication skills; knowledge of ESRI GIS; strong working knowledge of spreadsheets and databases; demonstrated ability to present information clearly, effectively and in a timely manner in written, map and graphic formats.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires fingering, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, the operation of motor vehicles and office equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor's degree with major course work in urban planning or commensurate experience in administering zoning and land development regulations in a local planning/zoning office is required.

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• All regular full-time and part-time employees of Spartanburg County are required by state law to participate in the South Carolina Retirement System.
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued in the state of South Carolina.