Planning & Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Planning & GIS Technician provides technical, administrative, and project coordination support to the Development Services Department. The position assists with planning and development activities, geographic information systems (GIS), development project tracking, records management, mapping, data analysis, meeting preparation, and departmental communications. The Planning & GIS Technician supports the Director of Development Services and other Development Services staff by maintaining accurate project information, preparing maps and exhibits, tracking development applications and infrastructure projects, organizing records and deadlines, and assisting with the preparation of reports, presentations, and other materials. The position serves as a central technical and organizational resource for the Development Services Department and requires strong attention to detail, organization, communication, computer, and problem-solving skills. General supervision is provided by the Director of Development Services or designee. The position works independently on assigned responsibilities and coordinates regularly with Development Services staff, City departments, consultants, developers, engineers, contractors, and the public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Planning and Development Support: Assist Development Services staff with planning, zoning, subdivision, development applications, permitting, and related departmental activities; organize application materials, track deadlines, and assist with routine research and information gathering.
2. GIS and Mapping: Create and maintain maps, GIS layers, exhibits, and other geographic information for development projects, infrastructure, zoning, land use, utilities, transportation, and other departmental purposes.
3. Development Project Tracking: Maintain tracking systems for development applications, development agreements, infrastructure projects, water and wastewater projects, and other departmental initiatives; monitor milestones, deadlines, responsible parties, outstanding items, and completion dates.
4. Project and Meeting Coordination: Schedule meetings and coordinate with City staff, developers, consultants, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders; prepare agendas, meeting materials, presentations, correspondence, and other documents; and document meeting decisions and action items.
5. Data and Records Management: Maintain accurate electronic and physical records related to planning, development, GIS, infrastructure, projects, and departmental activities; organize databases, spreadsheets, files, and other information systems to ensure information is readily accessible and current.
6. Reports and Presentations: Prepare spreadsheets, tables, maps, charts, exhibits, staff materials, project summaries, and presentations for department leadership, Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustments, City Council, and other meetings or public communications.
7. Interdepartmental Coordination: Assist with the coordination and exchange of information between Development Services and other City departments, including Public Works, Engineering, Finance, Administration, and Water and Wastewater operations.
8. Process Improvement: Assist in developing and maintaining standardized forms, checklists, tracking tools, GIS procedures, templates, and workflows; identify opportunities to improve departmental efficiency, organization, accountability, and recordkeeping.
9. Public and Applicant Assistance: Provide professional assistance to applicants, property owners, developers, consultants, contractors, and members of the public by providing routine information regarding development processes, application status, meeting schedules, records, and departmental procedures; refer technical or regulatory questions to appropriate staff.
10. Other Departmental Responsibilities: Assist with special projects, research, data collection, field activities, and other duties as assigned; maintain current knowledge of applicable planning, development, GIS, records management, and municipal practices.

Open until filled. For questions, please contact Christi Herring.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent required. An associate or bachelor's degree in planning, geography, geographic information systems, public administration, business administration, engineering technology, project management, or a related field is preferred. Experience: Two (2) years of administrative, planning, GIS, project coordination, municipal government, public works, engineering, development services, or related experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Certifications and Licenses: A valid Texas driver's license and acceptable driving record are required. GIS certification, planning-related certification, or other relevant professional certification or the ability to obtain within one (1) year.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of basic planning and development principles, municipal processes, records management, project coordination, and geographic information systems. Familiarity with zoning, subdivision, land use, development review, infrastructure, and permitting processes is preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Ability to create and maintain spreadsheets, databases, project tracking systems, maps, charts, tables, and other visual materials. Working knowledge of GIS software and mapping principles is preferred. Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, records, and priorities. Strong attention to detail and follow-through. Ability to research, organize, analyze, and present information clearly and accurately. Ability to prepare professional correspondence, reports, presentations, meeting materials, and other documents. Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with City staff, elected and appointed officials, developers, engineers, consultants, contractors, property owners, and the general public. Ability to work independently with appropriate direction, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, identify problems, and develop practical solutions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work collaboratively in a fast-paced municipal environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The position is primarily performed in an office environment but may require occasional field visits to development sites, infrastructure projects, City facilities, and other locations. Field work may involve walking over uneven terrain, standing, bending, and exposure to varying weather conditions and typical construction-site environments. The position requires regular use of computers, mobile devices, telephones, and other office and field equipment. Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required for evening meetings, public hearings, special projects, or other departmental responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Maypearl