Planning Technician

Summary

The Town of Chapel Hill is seeking an early career professional with interests in urban planning and land use.

The position provides organizational support to the Planning Department as well as customer service for the general public. The work of this position involves assisting development applicants with submittal and processing of land use and zoning applications, monitoring application workflow, and developing skills in application review and permitting. The Planning Technician also writes zoning letters, does on-site zoning inspections, and other tasks as needed. This position is eligible for flexible work arrangements, including telework.

About Town Of Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a progressively minded university town of approximately 60,000 residents. We are the home of national champions, academic scholars, community activists, musical trend-setters, authentic local businesses, and much more. The town is situated in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, one of three corners in the famed Research Triangle, and a few short hours from the eastern coastline. We thrive on teamwork, collaboration, engagement, and open dialogue. We are working toward building an inclusive, equitable, and resilient community for all who live, work, and play here.

The posted salary information represents the hiring range. The full salary range for the position extends up to $62,166.

Essential Functions

The list below describes potential key responsibilities of the position. The selected candidate will perform a subset of these duties that matches their skill sets and interests.

• Respond to email and phone inquiries from the public
• Assist the public with development application submittals
• Process incoming applications and distribute to review staff
• Manage a schedule of meetings between applicants and staff
• Monitor and provide reports on application workflow
• Manage data for the development application pipeline and report on key metrics
• Update web page content with information on submitted applications
• Review minor applications
• Issue permits
• Write and transmit zoning verification letters
• Coordinate mailing and posting of required public notices
• Consult with development teams on compliance before and during construction
• Perform on-site residential and commercial zoning inspections
• Review as-built drawings
• Support staff liaisons to Advisory Boards and Commissions by assisting with agenda materials, meeting minutes, and scheduling
• Provide support to project managers
• Assist with meeting facilitation and/or event staffing
• Provide other organizational support to Planning staff and perform other duties as needed
  
  

Ability To

• Learn the Town's permitting software system
• Learn web-based software for Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with contractors, residents, and Town employees about complex processes
• Write for the purpose of sharing information and knowledge
• Work independently and use sound judgment in conducting Town business
• Multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Meet deadlines
• Follow policies and procedures of the Town and the Planning Department
• Model behaviors that are consistent with our value of RESPECT
• Promote a culture of workplace safety
  
  

Supervision Exercised

None

Physical Demands

The work requires periodic lifting, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling, as well as occasional walking in or around construction sites.

Work Environment

The work is typically performed in an office environment. Occasional year-round, on-site field work is required.

Minimum Qualifications

The Town will consider any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job.

Education

Associates Degree in any field or Bachelors Degree in any field.

Experience

Professional work experience performed in an office setting and/or at development sites, typically involving data management, customer service, and/or construction site inspections. Six months of work experience with a Bachelors Degree; two years of work experience with an Associates Degree.

Knowledge Of

• Word processing, spreadsheets, and related computer software
• Mobile communications devices
• Principles and practices of effective customer service
  
  

Supplemental Information

A valid NC driver's license is preferred for this position to accommodate field work and event participation. However, ability to transport oneself efficiently locally and regionally without a driver’s license is acceptable.

The Town of Chapel Hill offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to regular full time and part time employees.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is effective the first day of employment. The town will provide full-time employees group medical insurance including family coverage. Employees and the town will share equally in the additional cost of the base plan for dependent coverage if employees desire to purchase such coverage for family members.

Retirement Health Savings Plan

Employees hired after June 30, 2010, in a regular full-time or regular part- time position are required to participate in the Retirement Health Savings Plan. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 1%.

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is optional and is paid for by the employee. Coverage for eligible dependents is also available.

Paid Time Off

• Vacation/Annual Leave: Employees in regular full or part time positions earn between 12 and 26 days per year depending upon length of Town service.
• Sick Leave: Employees in full or part time regular positions earn 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees receive 6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave after birth or placement of a child in the home for adoption or foster care. This leave does not come from Employee's leave bank.
• Paid Holidays: There are 12 official Town holidays. Employees in full or part time regular positions are eligible for paid holiday time.
• Personal Leave: All employees in full or part time regular positions are granted 3 days of personal leave per year. This leave is non-cumulative
  
  

Local Government Retirement System

All employees in regular full or part time position are required to contribute to the retirement system. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 6%.

Supplemental Retirement Plans

• NC 401(k)-The Town makes a contribution of 5% to the 401(k) for all regular full and part time employees. There is no employee match required. Employees have the option of making contributions on a pre or post tax basis. The plan is administered by Prudential.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan-Town of Chapel Hill employees have the option of making contributions to a 457. The Town does not make contributions to this plan. The plan is administered by ICMA.
  
  

Disability Insurance

• Town Provided: The Town provides both short term and long term disability insurance to all regular full or part time employees. The plan will pay up to 50% of the employee's base income for non-job related injuries.
• Voluntary Short Term Disability: Employees have the option of purchasing supplemental disability insurance. This plan will pay employees a maximum of 25% of their base weekly earnings up to $400.
  
  

Life Insurance

The Town provides full and part time regular employees with an individual term life insurance policy. Employees have the option of purchasing additional life insurance for a small fee. Dependent life insurance is also available.

Direct Deposit

All employees hired after July 1, 2007 are required to have direct deposit.

Other Benefits

• Credit Union: Employees of the Town of Chapel Hill are eligible to open accounts at the Local Government Federal Credit Union.
• Parking is provided free of charge at or near worksites
• Annual longevity payment beginning with the 5th year of full or part time regular employment
• Tuition assistance is available upon completion of the initial probationary period
• Town has a Housing Assistance Program that assists employees secure housing in Town see the following https://www.chapelhillaffordablehousing.org/employee-housing