Planning and Zoning Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

Assists the Director of Community Development in the planning for community development and in the administration of the Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development Code.  The Planning and Zoning Assistant works under the general supervision of the Director of Community Development.

Work is performed during regularly scheduled hours and may involve additional hours as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review Zoning Approvals related to building permit applications.


• Research and prepare draft of studies in relation to long-range plans, community development programs and land development regulations.


• Draft staff reports for the Director of the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board and Board of Commissioners regarding applications for development. 


• Draft routine ordinances and resolutions. 


• Review applications for subdivision, land development, conditional use, planned development or variances for conformity with Code requirements, the Comprehensive Plan and other factors and recommend approval or denial.


• Make field investigations and collect pertinent data.


• Make presentations to the Planning Commission for Zoning Hearing Board. 

• Discuss Code requirements with developers and their engineer. 


• Assist in administration of land use regulations.


• Prepare maps and analyze data using Geographical Information Systems. 

• Assist Director of Community Development and Chief Inspector as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, practices, purposes, scope, and techniques of community planning.


• Knowledge of statistical and research methods and sources relating to community planning.


• Knowledge of court cases and legal precedents and decisions relating to planning and zoning.


• General knowledge of Geographical Information Systems and ArcGIS.


• Ability to perform multi-dimensional tasks with accuracy critical to the success of the program.


• Ability to read and interpret site plans, maps, and surveys.


• Ability to prepare cases for enforcement action.


• Ability to use personal computer for word processing, database management and spreadsheets.


• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate orally and in writing in the English language.


• Ability to plan, organize and complete assigned tasks in a timely fashion. 


• Ability to organize and maintain records and files.


• Ability to analyze and prepare complex reports.


• Ability to work and communicate effectively with Township employees, elected officials, other agencies, and the public.


• Ability to operate the tools and equipment listed below.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality where necessary.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in planning (preferred); or Geography and one year experience in Planning or a related field; or master’s degree in planning. Knowledge of and experience with Geographical Information Systems is required; AICP is desired.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid and current Pennsylvania State Driver's License or be able to obtain one within thirty days.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Personal computer, including word processing and database software; phone; copy and fax machine; calculator.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


• Work is performed in both office and field settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land uses and other matters.  Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.


• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, equipment, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.


• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

• Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.


• The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. 


• The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

UPDATED/REVISED JULY 2025

USC Job Grade 4