Planner Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Senior Planner position provides technical assistance within the Community Development department for current and future planning activities. This position handles day-to-day functions of building permit, land development permit, and plat review; works closely with the public and other departments within the city; and provides staff support to the Director of Community Development, Zoning Manager, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Planning Commission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Utilizes the City's GIS system to analyze and extrapolate information.
Utilizes GIS to create maps, analyze data, create new records and compile reports.
Provides customer service as a point of contact to the general public, as outlined in the Planner of Day S.O.P.
Serves as staff liaison to the City of Mableton boards: BZA, Planning Commission, etc.
Reviews and prepare staff reports for the City of Mableton, including formulating recommendations and conditions of approval.
Interprets and evaluates planning and planning-related ordinances, with the ability of a higher level of understanding of the Zoning Code.
Assists with the coordination and interaction with the development community, including property owners, developers, architects, builders, and providing guidance related to ordinance procedure.
Works with applicants with rezoning/use permit of zoning modification process.
Receives and processes all development and building plans related to zoning matters, including building permits and land disturbance permits.
Research data concerning planning and zoning matters and creates reports and summaries.
Research and processes zoning certification requests and certificates of appropriateness.
Reviews zoning requirements for occupational tax certificates.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Urban Design or related field from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of planning experience,
•    Experience performing entry-level professional work including basic data analysis and synthesis, report creation, process performance, and regulatory or compliance activities. The work may involve statistics, operations analysis, or forecasting.
•    Proficiency in Google Suite, and other relevant software.
•    Valid Georgia Class C driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

•    Master’s degree preferred. An equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•    Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning.
•    Knowledge of zoning principles and land use.
•    Knowledge of effective writing techniques; statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
•    Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
•    Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, equipment, and standard clerical procedures including electronic filing and records management.
•    Skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
•    Skills in creative problem-solving to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
•    Skills in communication including oral and written communication, interpersonal communication, group communication, phone skills, and electronic communication; to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public.
•    Skills in time management to ensure that deadlines are met.
•    Skills in customer service skills.
•    Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to both existing and proposed conditions.
•    Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
•    Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
•    Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
•    Ability to problem-solve, handle confidential information, perform computer related functions and bookkeeping functions.
•    Ability to always display professionalism.
•    Ability to handle difficult situations in an effective, safe, timely and legal manner.
•    Ability to establish and maintain an effective relationship with City employees.

Working Conditions: Occasionally: Standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds, and handling stressful situations. Frequently: Sitting, communicating with others, using hands and arms repetitively, concentrating, observing details, making decisions, and performing routine office tasks in a municipal environment.