BASIC FUNCTION:

To implement the Comprehensive Plan by administering the Zoning Code, special studies, and providing information to the general public concerning land use.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

1. Review and authorize zoning permits, flood plain permits, nonconforming status determinations, base flood elevations and certificates and other related permits to determine compliance with the zoning, subdivision, and other ordinances. Advise the public of other applicable laws and regulations; refer to appropriate agency, as needed.
2. Perform field inspections, investigations and technical review of land use and development requests, nonconforming use determinations, conditional uses, zoning variances, rezones, etc.
3. Gather and analyze data, consult the public and other agencies, prepare staff reports and graphic presentations and formulate department recommendations regarding land use and development requests, including oral presentations at Planning Commission, Borough Assembly, and other public meetings.
4. Interpret ordinances; prepare position paper and department recommendations regarding possible revisions and new ordinances.
5. Review platting requests for compliance with Zoning and Flood Plain ordinances.
6. Maintain databases on zoning, flood plain and other permits, etc.
7. Assist with the creation of a permit tracking system for the department. Assist with record keeping and archiving.
8. Assemble, interpret and prepare information regarding special projects and studies and provide input and make recommendations to other agencies conducting projects that affect the Borough.
9. Assist other staff with planning projects as needed.
10. Provide the public with technical interpretations of Borough zoning, flood zone, subdivision and related codes. Provide daily customer service and planning assistance to the public including counter, phone and email communication. Schedule, coordinate and conduct pre-application meetings with members of the public to discuss, analyze and provide recommendations for land use development projects.
11. Manage planning projects or special studies and provide technical direction to staff working on said projects.
12. Conduct or attend public open houses or other agency meetings, representing the Borough.
13. Provide support and serve as staff lead for borough boards and commissions, including meeting preparation, presentations, interagency coordination and project management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in planning (urban, regional, transportation), engineering, geography or closely related field and two years of professional experience in land use planning or enforcement. A graduate degree in planning, engineering, geography or closely-related field of study may be substituted for one year of the experience requirement. A total of six years of progressively responsible experience in planning may be substituted for degree/experience requirement.
2. Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and concise reports and to present data in an effective manner, both orally and in writing.
3. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer for a variety of computer programs (MS Word & Excel required: Database experience and Adobe Illustrator preferred) type at a proficient level. Ability to operate a variety of office machines (copier, scanner, fax, multi-function phone, printers etc.)
4. Experience with GIS software and the creation and modification of geographic data preferred. Experience with applicable ESRI software products preferred.
5. Knowledge and experience with flood plain management is preferred.
6. AICP preferred.
7. Must have and be able to maintain a valid driver’s license. Must meet insurance standards and maintain insurability under the Borough's insurance program. If personal automobile is used for Borough business, proof of automobile insurance at statutory limits must be provided. (A CURRENT COPY OF DRIVING RECORD WILL BE REQUIRED UPON REQUEST.)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of land use planning theory, practice, process, ordinances and their applications.
2. Ability to independently administer high volume zoning and subdivision ordinances and prepare recommendations on a variety of situations.
3. Ability to manage projects or special studies and provide technical direction to staff working on said projects.
4. Ability to conduct investigative research and deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner under adverse and stressful conditions.

OTHER

1. A PROFICIENCY TEST MAY BE ADMINISTERED. A writing sample may be required at time of interview.
2. This position requires a criminal background check.

JOB CONTACTS:

Continuous contact with employees at all levels of the Borough; continuous routine public contact and frequent contact involving outside organizations/agencies.