Planner II

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Planner II position is responsible for the administration of the land development process, including the interpretation and enforcement of the County's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. The Planner II performs work under the supervision of the Planning Director, with considerable latitude. Position relies on advanced level experience and exercises independent judgment to determine the best approach by using and interpreting regulations, policies, and procedures. Provides staff support to Somerset County Planning Commission Board.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:Any combination equivalent to education and experience that provides the required skill and knowledge is qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in surveying, civil engineering, landscape architecture, or any other related field. Strong candidates will have a background in the principles and practices of land development regulations;

One (1) years' professional planning experience in public or private sector or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience;

Experience in working with Microsoft Office and mapping software is required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:To perform this job successfully, an individual must have a thorough background in the principles and practices of subdivision and land development regulations and zoning; background in research methodology; knowledge of principles and practices of public administration; background in planning law and Pennsylvania's planning legislation; ability to present information effectively in oral, written, and graphic forms; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, government officials, community representatives and the general public; ability to work with a minimum of hands-on supervision; and knowledge of related computer applications and computer software programs including.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific job duties include the following:

· Provides information on land use applications, subdivision and land development ordinance, zoning ordinances, codes, plans, regulations, easements and rights-of-way to architects, engineers, surveyors, realtors, developers, contractors, property owners, community groups, and other interested persons

· Reviews and approves subdivision and land development plans and zoning applications, ensures enforcement through various prescribed remedies when violations are noted, and prepares and responds to calls and correspondence related to the above. Coordinates with Somerset County Assessment Office, Recorder of Deeds, and local municipalities and their building code offices, Somerset County Conservation District, and sewage enforcement officers.

· Reads, reviews and interprets maps, drawings, and other graphical representations of data.

· Assists surveyors with boundary issues related to property transfers.

· Reviews and comments on plans submitted by municipalities not covered by the County subdivision and land development regulations.

· Reviews and approves PA DEP Non-Building Declarations, PA DEP Sewer Planning Modules that require Planning Commission action, and comments on land use changes as required by the PA DEP and other agencies.

· Reviews storm water proposals as related to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and provides guidance as needed.

· Enforces the requirements for decommissioning reports of all wind turbine and tower projects. Maintain updated records of each.

· Evaluates the decommissioning reports related to these projects.

· Evaluates bonds and other securities related to subdivision and land development projects.

· Maintains an updated database and map of approved subdivisions within Somerset County.

· Researches deeds and title transfers and evaluates titles of property as it relates to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and/or zoning regulations.

· Processes applications to Zoning Hearing Board for variances, special exceptions, and other pertinent matters.

· Performs site inspections to ensure compliance with ordinances. Monitors progress of permits for individual projects. Meets with developers during construction process to address ordinance-related issues.

· Represents planning commission staff at various committees, boards, and task forces in advisory capacity, including but not limited to the Planning Commission Board and the Zoning Hearing Board. Prepares and presents staff memos at meetings.

· Researches subdivision and land development and zoning issues and presents findings to various committees, boards, and task forces in advisory capacity.

· Drafts ordinance amendments as requested.

· Prepares and posts legal advertisements as required by law for various meetings and hearings.

· Attends professional development workshops, webinars, conferences to keep current with trends and developments.

· Responds to public requests (genealogists, researchers, municipalities and land owners) for information about Somerset County, particularly about the built environment, local history, municipal boundaries, county boundaries, cemetery locations and information.

· Performs related work as required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL STANDARDS:

The work environment and physical demand characteristics is 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods, keyboard, write, talk or hear; stand occasionally; lift up to ten (10) pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required by the Board of Commissioners.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38,000.00 - $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Somerset, PA 15501 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Somerset, PA 15501: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $38,000 - $42,000