Job Description

SENIOR PLANNING TECHNICIAN

JOB CODE 18030

Effective Date:	11/99A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to gather, evaluate, and graphically present zoning, land use, economic, and engineering data for planning purposes; to perform land use, case history or other research; and to create and post public notice signs. Incumbents are responsible for correlating factual information into comprehensive layouts for use by planning authorities. Senior Planning Technicians compile data from field observations and records, and extract and present data as a basis for planning decisions. Employees in this classification work under the general supervision of a Planning Technician Supervisor who makes assignments, monitors progress, and is available for consultation and advice on difficult problems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Designs and prepares special maps, posters, displays, land use maps, zoning maps, and related materials;
• Compiles base maps and prepares sketch maps;
• Performs field visits and plots existing and adjacent structures in zoning cases;
• Measures exact distances and prepares sketches of existing problems or proposals;
• Assists professional planners in compiling information on special studies;
• Posts public hearing signs;
• Prepares supporting documents for Requests for Council Action (RCA's) for the vesting of City Council approved zoning changes;
• Calculates land acreages from base maps using a planimeter;
• Compiles information and computes plotting data on maps using appropriate color or matching distinctions bases on information provided by other sections of the Planning Department or other City departments;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Research methods.
• Illustration techniques and materials.
• Computer aided drafting.

Skill in:

• The use of drafting equipment such as rapidograph pens, drafting pencils, engineering and architectural scales, triangles, straight edges, compasses, templates, French curves, and x-acto knives, and computer aided drafting equipment, such as AutoCAD.
• Inking on mylar, splicing, taping, and mounting maps on foam core board, and coloring maps.

Ability to:

• Use graphic instructions such as maps, layouts or other visual aids.
• Present facts clearly and accurately in graphic form.
• Read and interpret legal descriptions of parcels of land from information of public record or data derived from other source material.
• Communicate orally with customers, clients, co-workers, and the public in face-to-face one-on-one settings, or using a telephone.
• Read and use zoning maps, quarter-section maps, plat maps, land use maps, single line maps, and aerial maps.
• Perceive color as defined by the ISCC-NBS system (Inter Society Color Council - National Bureau of Standards) in order to read color land use maps and graphic notations received from City Planners.
• Post public hearing signs by pounding three foot long pointed wood stakes into the ground with a 4-pound hammer and attaching signs with a staple gun.
• Travel across rough, uneven or rocky surfaces in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements to perform field duties.
• Move objects between 20-50 pounds short distances (less than 20 feet).
• Perform fine hand movements in the accurate use of drafting instruments.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
• Produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation and grammar.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions in the English language.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Three years of experience in cartographic and graphic presentation work or planning research as applied to planning analysis or to enforcement procedures. Other combinations of education and experience which meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.