Planning Technician

The City of Bloomington is seeking an individual to review and process basic land use applications and sign permits, perform inspections, prepare zoning letters and research, perform office support duties and facilitate excellent customer service for the Planning Division with a minimum of supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process basic land use applications.  Receive and check applications for completeness.  Prepare agendas, staff reports, graphics and supporting materials.  Review applications to determine conformance with the comprehensive plan, the City Code and established planning practices.
• Process sign permit applications.
• Prepare zoning letters.
• Review building permit applications for Zoning Ordinance compliance.
• Answer customer questions over the phone and in person.
• Communicate observed violations of City codes to the appropriate staff and inform supervisor promptly of matters that are important to the City’s interests or the public health safety and welfare.
• Perform inspections to ensure conformance with approved plans, including site, landscaping and lighting plans.
• Gather information, prepare and update records to track information, including but not limited to agency action deadlines, application status, permits, surety status and expiring approvals.
• Use and maintain geographic information system and other electronic records.
• Prepare, submit and track legal notices.
• Provide Division office support as needed including but not limited to preparing copies, answering phones, greeting visitors, proof reading documents, filing, distributing plans, preparing informational packets,  completing registrations, purchasing supplies, preparing and recording official City records and other duties as assigned.
• Use office equipment and software applications with a high degree of proficiency and troubleshoot basic hardware and software problems.
• Assist with Division communications including maintaining internet and intranet pages.
• Prepare documents, mailing address lists and labels for periodic mass mailings.
• Attend meetings, record and transcribe minutes, and provide administrative support preparing materials for meetings.
• Work independently and resolve routine issues in absence of supervisor.
• Provide accurate, complete information and instructions to the public regarding ordinances, policies and procedures.
• Coordinate special projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as apparent or assigned.

Experience and Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in urban planning or closely related field
• Valid driver’s license
• Effective oral, written and graphic communications skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, developers, citizen groups, and the public
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to readily learn various software applications
• Ability to adapt to change while working in a high-paced, high-customer volume area
• Ability to multitask while maintaining a professional and positive attitude
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member
• Ability to work under minimal supervision, effectively under pressure, and meet deadlines
• Ability to read, understand and explain city code requirements

Desirable Qualifications

• Work experience in municipal urban planning
• Work experience in a customer service setting
• Work experience in sign permit review, land use application review, inspections and preparing zoning letters
• Work experience as an initial point of contact for zoning and land use inquires
• Advanced software skills (GIS, Electronic Plan Review, Electronic Document Management, Electronic Agenda Management, Social Media)
• Experience working with federal, state or municipal codes

 Apply online at job posting link included.