Listing Summary

The City of St Marys, located at the southeastern most tip of Georgia, is undergoing an unprecedented development boom.  Over the next 10 years the City will change dramatically with close to 1 million sq feet of industrial development and 5,000+ units of housing.  The Community Development Department is looking for a junior Planner to help the City build a resilient future. This position will exercise an incredibly diverse set of planning skills from Resilience/Coastal Planning and Master Planning, to fielding basic zoning questions at the counter and everything in between.  If you are interested in public service, municipal government and joining a dynamic team, come to St. Marys! We will also support your path to AICP certification and general continuing educational development.

PLANNER JOB SUMMARY

This position performs professional planning, customer service, and administrative duties in support of department operations.

MAJOR DUTIES

1. Provides information to the public related to zoning and land use questions.
2. Compiles information and attends weekly permit meetings.
3. Research city ordinances to assist customers.
4. Scans and files paperwork for the department.
5. Attend Historic Preservation and Planning Commission meetings in rotation with Senior Planner and meeting generates minutes.
6. Updates all aspects of the Community Development Department website.
7. Processes land use and zoning applications while preparing materials for the Historic Preservation and Planning Commissions in collaboration with senior staff.
8. Processes Laying Hen permits and related payments.
9. Processes sign and temporary sign permits and related payments.
10. Answers telephone and provides information and assistance to callers.
11. Performs other related duties independently and in a team setting.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

1. Knowledge of municipal planning principles and practices.
2. Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
3. Knowledge of city codes and ordinances.
4. Knowledge of city permitting policies and procedures.
5. Skill in the provision of customer services.
6. Skill in the operation of basic office equipment
7. Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Community Development Director and Assistant Community Development Director assign work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include city code and ordinances, the city comprehensive plan, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of various planning, customer service, and administrative duties. Frequent interruptions contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to engage and direct public inquiries related to zoning, land-use and planning permits and applications while assisting senior staff to prepare commission materials.

CONTACTS                                                                

• Contacts are typically co-workers, other city personnel, members of the general public and Commissioners.
• Contacts are typically to provide services, to give or exchange information, or to resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects and distinguishes between shades of color.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Baccalaureate degree required; and
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• At least one year of related experience required; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform planning, zoning and land-use related work.