Local, state, and regional governments hire planning technicians to help with the creation and administration of building and land regulations and construction ordinances. It’s an entry-level position that also serves as clerical support for a city or regional planning office. Planning technicians are in charge of issuing permits and providing public interpretation of zoning regulations.
A planning technician is in charge of collecting fees and dues associated with zoning and business permits. A technician, in addition to the supervision of a city or region’s customer service office for planning and development, keeps organized and detailed records of distributed permits. A planning technician conducts research and then presents the findings to other members of a city planning office or committee. To issue zoning and permit regulations and charge appropriate fees, technicians may need to read and interpret building schematics and blueprints. A planning technician may also represent a planning office as a public liaison, connecting with businesses and individuals at civic events such as council meetings.
Working with businesses and the general public, planning technicians employ communication and customer service skills. To draft reports and present data, you’ll need research and writing skills. Because planning technicians frequently interact and work directly with other planning office staff, teamwork is an important skill for them to possess. Technicians are in charge of document services and record keeping, so they need to be organized and pay attention to detail.
The educational and work experience requirements for becoming a planning technician will vary by region. In most cases, at least an associate’s degree is required, and an undergraduate degree is frequently preferred. Many planning technicians have previously worked in administrative or clerical positions. When hiring a planning technician, some regions allow related education, such as a degree in urban development, to be substituted for required job experience. The work of planning technicians necessitates familiarity with office equipment and general computer usage.
A planning technician’s work week is typically 40 hours long and takes place primarily in an office setting. A technician may be required to work with businesses and individuals off-site to facilitate zoning regulation and construction permits, as well as attend civic functions to interact with the public. Filing, answering phones, and archiving permit and fee records filed by citizens and businesses are all part of the job.