Planning Assistant

This job was posted by https://www.kansasworks.com : For more

information, please see: https://www.kansasworks.com/jobs/13541899

Position Description

Position Title: Planning Assistant

Department: Planning & Community Development

Division: Planning

Retirement: KPERS

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Effective Date: April 2, 2026

GENERAL PURPOSE

Provides administrative and technical support in the oversight of

multiple programs to include planning,

zoning and community development. Assists with permit reviews and

planning research; provides basic

zoning information and planning assistance to the general public,

developers, private consultants and other

outside public agencies.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of the Associate Planner. The individual in

this position usually receives only

generalized instructions and is frequently required to make independent

work decisions.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Assists with the training of the administrative clerk position.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

(Duties listed below do not include all tasks which may be performed)

Serves as primary point of contact for citizens, developers, and

professionals, providing information and

assistance on planning, zoning, development procedures, and regulations

while maintaining tact and

confidentiality.

Responds to inquiries (oral and written) and interprets applicable state

laws, local ordinances, and

departmental policies.

Performs intake, review, and processing of applications, permits,

variances, and plans; ensures

completeness, tracks files, and coordinates distribution to staff and

departments.

Prepares and manages legal notices, correspondence, reports, and

departmental communications

including agendas, minutes, and website updates.

Maintains and manages departmental records, files, data entry, and

reporting in compliance with federal,

state and local requirements.

Conducts research, compiles data, and assists with report preparation,

including grant reporting and

submissions.

Provides administrative support including purchasing, processing

payments, scheduling, calendar

management, and general office coordination.

Coordinates meetings and activities with Planning Commission, Board of

Zoning Appeals, Preservation

Commission, City departments, and external agencies.

Communicates planning comments and project updates to stakeholders.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Represents the department at local meetings as requested.

May serve as a division representative on various employee committees,

as assigned.

Knowledge Of

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

\- Principles and practices of municipal planning, including pertinent

federal, state and local statutes,

laws and rules.

\- Paper and electronic file systems and the support such systems

provide to the administrative staff.

\- Proper and accurate business English, spelling and business math.

\- Word processing and data entry programs, mapping software, Kansas and

US grant programs,

especially historic preservation, tourism & attractions, environmental

issues, specialized planning and

survey grant programs.

\- Building construction (as it relates to rehabilitation and

redevelopment work), inspection processes,

construction and project time management.

Skill And Ability To

\- Comprehend and adhere to mandatory file and report directives of the

department, federal regulations,

state statutes and local policies; Maintain strict confidentiality.

\- Analyze situations and develop reasonable course of action; analyze

and interpret data, policies,

procedures, codes and ordinances.

\- Compile, review and evaluate data; organize materials and present

information clearly and concisely

in verbal and written form.

\- Work in a centralized office, maintaining a high level of accuracy

and efficiency with numerous

interruptions; work independently; prioritize work; and manage multiple

responsibilities.

\- Operate and maintain office, data processing and copier equipment.

\- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the

general public, contractors, agency

representatives, citizen advisory boards, departmental personnel and

City employees.

\- Understand the importance of public relations, interpersonal and

organizational skills; deal tactfully

and professionally with the public and others.

\- Transcribe from a digital recording, handwritten, e-mail and a

variety of drafts.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduate or equivalent.

One year of experience working in a local or regional planning office;

AND

Two years of experience in implementing and maintaining manual filing

systems; OR

Three years of broad administrative experience in a business,

professional or governmental of