Job Information
City of Hamilton Planning Technician in Hamilton, Montana
CITY OF HAMILTONPOSITION DESCRIPTIONPosition: Planning TechnicianDepartment: PlanningReports To: City PlannerClass: Non-ExemptEffective Date: November 4, 2024Job SummaryProvides administrative and clerical support to the planning department. Works closely with the public on a regular basis to provide customer service on planning issues. Provides support to various City Boards and Commissions. Receives and processes various planning applications generally considered more routine in nature.Essential Duties:The following are intended to illustrate typical duties; they are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive.1.Answer questions and provide information to the public on issues related to land use planning and development, via telephone, in-person, and/or Internet.2.Evaluate and approve routine planning permits, including sign permits, fence permits, special event sign permits, and short-term rental licenses.3.Assist City Planner in supporting the Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Planning Board, and North Hamilton Urban Renewal District Advisory Board. Duties include preparing public notices, preparing meeting packets, setting up meeting rooms, taking minutes, record keeping, and other support as directed by the City Planner. This will involve occasional evening meetings, typically on Mondays.4.Assist City Planner in administering the City’s Zoning and Subdivision Regulations.5.With oversight from the City Planner, receive and process less complex land use and development applications, including but not limited to minor subdivisions, administrative approvals, subdivision exemptions, and the like.6.Conduct preliminary review for completeness and sufficiency of land use and development applications, site plans, and related documents.7.With oversight from the City Planner, review building permit and business license applications to assure compliance with City ordinances and development regulations.8.Conduct site visits, field investigations, and research in support of Planning Department tasks and City grant applications.9.Investigate violations of planning related regulations, ordinances, and approvals. Site visits may be necessary.10.Coordinate with other City departments, agencies, and organizations in carrying out Planning Department tasks.11.Ensures the maintenance of accurate and complete records of Planning Department activities according to State and local record retention laws and policies. Assists City Planner in ensuring appropriate public record dissemination.12.With oversight from the City Planner, may review applications for variances, zone map, amendments, and conditional use permits and develop and present staff reports to the Planning Board, Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and/or City Council.13.Perform other duties as required or directed.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge and Skills:•Principles of public office administration, record keeping, and filing practices.•Basic concepts related to land use planning, zoning, and development.•Word processing, spreadsheet, and virtual meeting applications.•Use of standard office equipment - e.g. computer, printer, scanner, etc.•Some knowledge of local government and public agency structure helpful.Abilities:•Communicate in a clear, concise, and respectful manner; both orally and in writing.•Conduct research and interpret technical reports.•Interpret and apply local development regulations.•Work in an organized, accurate, and efficient manner both independently and as part of a team.•Be diplomatic with the public and developers.•Work under pressure and under firm deadlines.•Communicate in the English language, orally and in writing, in a professional and courteous manner.•Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups.•Be detail oriented in applying City ordinances, while also seeing the bigger picture pertaining to land use and development in Hamilton.•Read and interpret engineering drawings, plats, site plans, and other related documents.Supervision ReceivedSupervision from the City Planner.Supervision ExercisedNone. The Planning Technician may, on occasion, provide lead direction to volunteers and student interns as assigned.Minimum Qualifications•High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in land use planning, urban planning, geography or a related field preferred.•One (1) year of work experience in clerical, administration, planning, public administration or related field required. Experience in an office environment that involved heavy public contact preferred.•Verified computer software use ability required. Knowledge of planning terminology and procedures will be preferred.•An equivalent combination of related education, training, and experience may be substituted for the education and experience requirements above.•Valid state drivers license or ability to obtain one.Physical Demands and Working EnvironmentThe work is primarily performed in an office setting during regular City business hours. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites, requiring the ability to walk over rough, uneven terrain. Work schedule may be flexible, with some meetings outside normal work hours (evenings and weekends).While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand or sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.Working RelationshipsMay have numerous contacts with personnel at all levels, including elected officials, City staff, interagency committees and work groups, professionals in the public and private sectors, citizen groups, and the general public. Involves group interactions on specialized matters for the purpose of planning, coordinating, and advising on work efforts. Involves active participation in public meetings and hearings, conferences and meetings of considerable complexity and importance.Tools and EquipmentPersonal computer, mouse, email, word processing, calendaring, and software programs common to City departments; motor vehicle; calculator; phone; copy and fax machine; various graphic design tools.Reasonable AccommodationThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Hamilton and employee and may subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.