Job Description

Technical Support Specialist

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical support activities related to current and advance planning, including a review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plans, and related documents for proper handling; performs routine plan check duties; provides assistance to the public on planning, community development, zoning, and permit issues; provides staff assistance to the planning staff and management; and performs related work as required.

Receives general supervision from assigned management or supervisory staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This journey level classification is responsible for independently providing technical duties in support of the City's planning and community development functions. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situation arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Essential Functions / Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides information and assistance at the front counter, on the phone, and through e-mail communication by answering questions and providing information regarding zoning, development standards, and approved development proposals.
• Performs routine plan check functions for various projects; receives and reviews, applications for planning permits for accuracy and completeness; routes applications to appropriate planning staff.
• Reviews applications for building permits; within authorized guidelines, may approve routine permits; if outside scope of authority, routes permit applications to appropriate planning staff.
• Provides administrative support to professional planners on basic current and advanced planning projects, coordination with project applicants, preparation and posting of legal notices, and conducting background research.
• Researches land use and development entitlements and prepares documentation for lending institutions, real estate brokers, and property owners for approval by professional planning staff.
• Performs administrative duties including typing, filing, copying documents, and record keeping; prepares forms and provides graphic displays, photographs, or other exhibits as needed.
• Performs site inspections for entitlement projects and zoning compliance; documents and submits findings for action by planning staff.
• Conducts research for land use, zoning, advanced planning, urban design, populations trends, transportation, housing, economic, and environmental issues.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of urban and regional planning and zoning.
• Operational characteristics of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and their application to planning processes.
• Basic concepts of architecture, and landscaping, as they relate to the process of urban planning.
• City planning and permitting processes.
• Principles of landscaping as applied to construction and maintenance of project areas.
• Methods and techniques of conducting and documenting site inspections.
• Methods and techniques of reviewing a diverse range of applications for accuracy and completeness.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Business mathematics.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public.
• Read plans and specifications and make site visits.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain technical written material and Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, ordinances, and City planning policies and procedures.
• Receive and respond to a variety of questions from the general public, contractors and developers or refer to higher level planning staff.
• Review applications for accuracy and completeness; process and/or submit to planning staff for action.
• Conduct routine research on planning and zoning related matters and prepare findings.
• Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Perform mathematical computations with precision.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems for assigned projects.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use geographic information system software and create graphics either hand drawn and/or through use of computer software.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college level coursework in urban planning, land development or a related field. Experience: Two years of experience providing technical support to a planning or land development program. Licenses and Certifications: None

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. When conducting field inspections, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

E-Verify: The City of El Monte is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.

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