Pay Range: $65,811 - $83,657
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hamiltonoh/jobs/4772988/planning-and-zoning-specialist?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
General Description
The City of Hamilton is an EEO & AAE. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
This is responsible professional and technical work in the implementation of the City's planning and zoning activities. The work is performed under the general direction and supervision of the City's Planning Director but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. An employee in this class may exercise direction and supervision over the work of the Zoning Inspector. Performs all Zoning Inspector duties in the absence of a Zoning Inspector. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain close cooperative working relationships with zoning applicants, contractors and subcontractors, representatives of the City's business community, residents, property owners, other City employees, and supervisory personnel in most City departments and divisions.
Essential Job Functions
Reviews and evaluates development plans for approval, subject to their compliance with the City's comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and other applicable official standards;
Answers citizen or developer questions regarding zoning, subdivision regulations, lot splits, property development and related issues, as requested;
Receives and responds to complaints pertaining to general code violations, conducts inspections for zoning ordinance violations, interviews suspected violators, and determines the scope and nature of suspected violations;
Approves the issuance of legal notices, cites violations as necessary, files charges against violators, files summons requests for warrants to achieve compliance with codes, when required;
Patrols the City on periodic basis in order to ascertain zoning code violations;
Prepares evidence and testifies in court on zoning code violation cases;
Conducts independent research and prepares and submits environmental and flood plain information to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or impacted citizens, as the City of Hamilton's official Floodplain Administrator;
Tracks new subdivision plats, plan revisions, general development proposals, and any other applicable submission for review through the Interdepartmental Review process;
Checks new subdivision plats for errors, compliance with subdivision and zoning regulations and proper signatures;
Prepares reports, studies, maps, visuals and photographs for the Planning Commission, City Council, or for other general departmental purposes;
Prepares property ownership maps and mailing lists for public hearings on zoning changes, liquor permit renewals, street and alley vacations, street name changes, and other required notifications;
Conducts research and participates in the drafting of proposed ordinances and reformatting zoning and subdivision codes;
Provides planning, zoning, and technical support to the development community, especially related to prospective projects;
Work with customers on their projects from the pre-application meeting through the approval process;
Works on special projects that help advance the comprehensive plan and improve the effectiveness of the Planning Department;
Utilizes creativity and problem solving skills to identify solutions to challenges and to propose and implement projects that would benefit the community;
Participates in the maintenance and updating of the Official Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance;
Attends meetings of the City's Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Architectural Design Review Board, and City Council, as requested;
Researches county deed records, plats, easements, bond records, and other historical property information for assigned projects;
May perform some residential plan examination and inspection under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Building Code, if qualified;
Requests inspections for bonding and bond releases;
Attends meetings, conferences and workshops, as requested and authorized; and
Performs related work as required.
Skills/Knowledges/Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the City's zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations;
Knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of City planning, zoning, neighborhood and commercial development and redevelopment, housing development, the design of urban areas, and community organization;
Knowledge of local and state laws and regulations pertaining to city planning and zoning authorities and operations, to include the City Charter;
Thorough knowledge of current flood plain regulations under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);
Skill in presenting technical information to the public in a clear, concise and easily understandable manner;
Ability to read construction plans, working drawings and sketches;
Ability to communicate well and establish effective working relationships with property owners, business owners, real estate developers and others to secure compliance with appropriate City planning and zoning ordinances, rules, and regulations;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees and supervisory personnel;
Ability to prepare accurate and reliable reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations;
Thorough knowledge of architectural and construction terms, materials, and general practices;
Good knowledge of real estate and economic development principles;
Ability to operate a personal computer using standard word processing, architectural, GIS and database applications appropriate to assigned duties;
Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically, both orally and in writing, using technical and non-technical language;
Considerable ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to attend meetings and visit properties;
Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions;
Ability to perform a wide variety of difficult technical tasks with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
Ability to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and technology;
Ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
Training/Education/Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) and two (2) years of work experience in local government planning activities; or
Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with an Associate's Degree in City Planning, Engineering or closely related field and one (1) year work experience in local government planning activities; or
Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a Bachelor's Degree in City Planning, Engineering or closely related field and six (6) months of work experience in local government planning activities.
Preferred Qualifications:
Five (5) years of experience in local planning activities or similar experience.