PLANNER I

TITLE: Planner I
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Zoning
COUNTY PAY LEVEL: G
EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt
WORKING TITLE: Planner I
LOCATION: Leavenworth County Courthouse
SUPERVISOR: Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning
SUPERVISES: 0 positions
% OF TIME
ACCOUNTABILITIES
35%
Customer Service
30%
Assists the Building Official with the building permit process
20%
Assists the Deputy Director with planning projects
10%
Assists staff planners with reports & meetings
5%
Perform additional duties as directed by the director
SCOPE: This is an entry-level professional planning position responsible for planning work primarily in areas of current planning. The Planner I must be able to address the service needs of the public in a professional and competent manner. The Planner I must be able to provide timely, knowledgeable, and accurate information concerning the requirements of county policies, the county comprehensive plan, adopted Building Codes and the Zoning and Subdivision regulations, among others, and how they affect the customer's property or proposals. Planner I must be able to interpret and explain clearly all departmental rules, regulations, and procedures to the public. The Planner I will work with the office administrative staff to help citizens find answers to their questions or resolve any permitting issues. Planner 1 will assist the Building Official in the performance of their duties. Planner 1 will also work under the direction of the Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning as needed on a variety of projects. The Planner I will primarily be responsible for processing building permit applications. The successful candidate will be able to aptly review building permit applications for compliance with the Leavenworth County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations. Additionally, Planner I will be responsible, after training, to perform deed and property history research. Occasionally, the Planner I may review and process minor zoning permits such as Boundary Line Adjustments, Tract Splits and Temporary Special Use Permits. The Planner I must learn and follow established office procedures. The Planner I prepares and processes reports for the public and other governmental agencies, which require research, computation, and compilation, at the request of the Deputy Director. The Planner I composes and types correspondence, and research, compiles, and dispenses information to citizens, businesses, and other governmental agencies regarding departmental operations and zoning activities.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• A personal customer service focus combined with a patient approach to helping people is required;
• University-level knowledge of Planning, Zoning, Geography and Cartography normally associated with a college graduate in a planning related field or relevant experience in the field of Planning is recommended but not required;
• Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a minimum of direction;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, county employees, supervisors, other agencies and departments;
• Knowledge of basic office methods and procedures, spelling, punctuation and grammar;
• Knowledge of departmental operations, laws, rules, regulations, and record keeping procedures;
• Knowledge of personal computer applications, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Microsoft Office Suite, PDF Editor and general database applications;
• Ability to prepare correspondence on routine matters and perform routine office management duties independently;
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

• Must be able to work closely with a diverse, and often eclectic mix of citizens, elected officials, county staff, and the media.
• Assists staff planners, office staff and the Director with citizen inquiries.

• Conducts an initial needs assessment of each citizen office visit.
• Provides information on County regulations, policies, plans, and procedures to customers by phone, correspondence, or in person
• Works on the planning aspects of building permit process
• Works on the planning aspects of platting process
• Works on the planning aspects of the zoning process
• Compiles reports and drafts planning documents
• Assigns addresses to new building permits
• Maintains a database for special use permits, rezoning, and variances
• Prepares public notifications for Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings
• Prepares reports for the Planning Commissio