County Planner

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

• Under the supervision of the Director of Planning, provides GIS and Planning work consistent with County regulations.

• Gathers, analyzes and reviews data, making recommendations on subjects such as subdivisions, claims of exemption, site plans, zoning and special use permits and similar issues. Provides technical advice and assistance to other sections, County officials and staff, and the general public.

• Responsible to the administration of Lea County Subdivision Ordinance including all duties related to staff review, out side agency review, ensuring conformance with ordinance, advertising of meetings and hearings, preparation and presentation to planning board and county commission.

• Researches property and conducts field inspections of land under consideration to determine significant planning characteristics and makes specific recommendations regarding required changes in regulations.

• Prepares special studies, reports and statistical data necessary for comprehensive planning; provides mapping research and review; produces maps to assist with grant management, economic development, etc.

• Attends Planning and Zoning Board meetings as well as other internal and public meetings dealing with planning, zoning, and mapping issues. May also provide information and explain departmental procedures in response to questions raised by the public and the media.

• May represent the County on various committees and/ or Boards working with EDC's, Cities and state organizations as needed.

• May serve as MSAG Coordinator, performing a variety of technically detailed duties involving the correlation and maintenance of computer files in the 911, ATI/ESL and Emergency Communications database systems.

• Verify and update the geographic base file by interpretation of boundary, traffic and fire maps, annexations, new subdivisions, street atlas maps, etc.

• Edit and update the Emergency Service Listing (ESL) files for telephone companies within the county.

• Verify, edit and update databases for wireless providers within the County.

• Establishing system standards for Geo-Base maps and data.

• Edit and update the Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) to include changes to existing addresses, new construction, etc.

• May be required to plot and update county maps as needed in accordance with state standards. This includes subdivisions, tracts, and lots, in accordance with surveys.

• Researches properties to obtain accurate information and locations for the public. May assist the public over the telephone and/or in person.

• Coordinates and cooperates with appraisers to ensure accuracy of map information and approved changes, verifying all information to keep maps updated and changes recorded.

• May be required to work irregular hours, overtime, evenings or weekends, attend job-related meetings, and perform duties with minimal supervision.

• The duties of the County Planner are not limited to those set forth above; will perform such functions, duties or assignments as given by a supervisor, consistent with ability, background and expertise.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.

• BA from accredited university in City and Regional Planning, Geography or related field preferred plus two years' experience in public planning, zoning or similar capacity; commensurate training and experience may be substituted for degree.

• One to three years of post-secondary education/training in drafting and/or computer-assisted drafting preferred.

• Minimum of 16 hours of accredited Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training required; may be completed after hire.

• Some training in computer technology, programming, and related fields strongly preferred.

• Experience in an assessor's office, mapping and planning office, title office, civil engineering office or similar field preferred.

Certification, Skills and Licenses:

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English.

• Valid New Mexico driver's license.

• Certificate or diploma in drafting and/or computer-assisted drafting preferred.

• AICP certification desirable.

• Knowledge of geographic layout of Lea County.

• Ability to read and interpret maps, plats and legal descriptions.

• Ability to interpret state and federal laws, rules and regulations in reference to subdivisions, zoning, and the E911 system and update existing database files consistent with applicable standards.