Planning Technician - City of Odessa

Planning Technician

Department: Planning Reports to: Director of Development

Summary: Under basic supervision, provides technical planning support for the Planning Department (PSD) staff; reviews building plans to verify compliance with City standards and state and federal regulations.

Essential Functions: -- Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of basic technical plan review services, reviews standard building plans and permit applications for compliance with state and federal regulations, and City and county codes, policies, and procedures.
• Creates and updates planning case files and computer records; develops Geographic Information System (GIS) maps for case files and zone updates.
• Provides customer services; responds to requests for information; updates, retrieves and releases information according to procedures.
• Answers inquiries and assists citizens, developers, and other agencies with planning, zoning and sign permit review issues, and other City standards and regulations; provides information within scope of authority and training.
• Processes documents and maintains planning records; updates a variety of electronic and paper files, records, applications, reports, and technical documents; prepares summary information and case reports.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles of land use, planning, zoning, and application permitting.
• City land use and development regulations, and zoning and building codes.
• Computer record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.

Skill in:

• Learning to understand and interpret land use and zoning enforcement regulations.
• Learning to check designs, details, estimates, plans, and specifications of planning projects.
• Maintaining accurate and interrelated technical records.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business and specialized software, including GIS, and basic typing skills.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and certification requirements: A valid Texas State Driver's License is required.

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed in a standard office environment.