Community Development Assistant

Community Development Assistant

The Community Development Assistant is responsible for general office and project organization and providing administrative and technical support to further the efforts of the Community Development Department, including the intake process and permit review. As a primary service counter contact, the position assists the public, other City employees, and officials by providing information regarding established codes, procedures, policies, and application requirements.

Essential duties include providing customer service and referrals to the public by phone, email, and front counter regarding permit application, development processes, inspections, zoning, property information, code compliance, complaints, and general Community Development information. The position also receives, logs, reviews, and processes routine administrative and zoning permit applications in accordance with established checklists and procedures. Refers non-routine matters to appropriate professional staff.

Other duties include receiving, logging, and assisting with the review of land use application submittals for completeness in accordance with established checklists and procedures. The position retrieves, compiles, and provides available property and development information from City records and established information systems, including zoning information, permits, variances, surveys, site plans, and related records.

The Community Development Assistant maintains land use, zoning permit, code enforcement, and property information tracking systems, including department records and data retention systems in accordance with the Data Privacy Act. Coordinates scanning, filing, organization, and electronic retention of department records using the City's Laserfiche document imaging system and established departmental workflows.

Prepares correspondence, forms, notices, bulletins, agendas, reports, mailing lists, and other departmental materials from drafts, instructions, or established procedures. Coordinates meeting logistics for the Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, commissions, advisory boards, committees, and public hearings, including agendas, notices, mailings, meeting materials, and meeting minutes; attends evening meetings as required.

Maintains department forms, applications, supplies, webpages, and filing systems. Performs detailed clerical and administrative functions, including compiling data, calculating information, preparing reports, and maintaining records. Assists with the preparation and maintenance of Community Development communications, informational materials, webpages, and outreach activities.

Other duties: Performs additional duties and related tasks as required, or as directed by the Assistant Community Development Director and/or Community Development Director.

Education: High School Degree or GED Certification. Two (2) years of post-secondary education in a related field or two (2) years progressively responsible experience in administrative support, customer service, permitting, municipal government, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. State driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with City staff, outside agencies, and the general public. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Knowledge in general office procedures, answering and directing phone calls, messages, ordering supplies, filing, etc. Ability to operate office machines and run various software packages, including (but not limited to) Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro for editing, combining, organizing, and preparing PDF documents, content management systems.(CivicPlus), LaserFiche Document Imaging System, and any other software utilized by the department. Ability to apply established procedures, checklists, and objective standards to routine permit and zoning reviews and recognize when an issue requires referral to professional staff.

Preferred Qualifications: License/certification/training at vocational school, related on-the-job experience or an associate or bachelor's degree in related field. Previous experience in municipal government, planning and zoning, engineering, building permitting, development services, or a related field is preferred. Knowledge of City jurisdiction boundaries and mapping. Ability to administer and review the proper forms for publishing public hearings. Ability to multitask; effectively manage workload and time commitments. Ability to independently accomplish assigned tasks with only general direction.

Working Environment: Work is primarily performed in an office setting and includes reviewing plans and applications, processing permits, preparing records and materials, and providing customer service. The role requires regular walking, standing, bending, and occasionally lifting up to 30 pounds. Occasional site visits, meetings, or other work outside City Hall may be required. The City of Forest Lake is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage all qualified candidates, including those from historically underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, to apply.