Assistant Planner

Salary: $24.73 Hourly
Location : 900 Concourse Dr., Rapid City, SD 57703, SD
Job Type: Part-Time Non-Benefitted
Job Number: 01788
Department: Planning & Zoning
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 6/15/2026 11:59 PM Mountain


Position Description

Position Objective: The Assistant Planner is a part-time, non-benefitted position working up to 28 hours per week. This position primarily serves as a Building Permit Technician and is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and processing building permit applications for completeness and compliance with established submission requirements. The position provides customer service to the public, contractors, and developers; maintains accurate records; and assists planning staff with routine administrative and zoning-related functions as assigned. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Planning Director and requires attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to interpret and apply applicable regulations and procedures.

Position Functions

Essential Functions:

• Reviews building permits and zoning permit applications to assure compliance with zoning ordinance requirements.
• Reviews or assists in the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations.
• Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners.
• Provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public in the administration of specific planning program areas or ordinances.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree and one year of progressively responsible experience.
• Experience in planning, geographical information systems, geography, surveying, or other related fields is preferred.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid South Dakota Driver's License.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards.
• This position frequently remains stationary for long periods of time and needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted, and move 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in-person and in writin

Pennington County Benefit Summary

The following is a summary of benefits available to full-time and part-time benefited employees of Pennington County.

Heath Care Program

Health - Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co-pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out-of-pocket maximums.
Dental - Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan.
Prescription - The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90-day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co-pay. Co-pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co-insurance limit.
Note: Health care program coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following one complete month of employment. The program is available for employees and their dependents.
Life Insurance
Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.
Employee Assistance Program
Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally speaking, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.
Retirement Plan
Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age.
Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.
Supplemental Insurance
AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.
Paid Time Off
Vacation - Vacation time accrues per pay period at the rate of 3.077 hours for new employees with incremental increases based on years of service. Maximum hours of accumulation apply.
Sick Leave - Sick leave accrues at the rate of 3.077 hours per pay period. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 10 years of employment.
Holidays - Employees are eligible for up to 11 paid holidays per year.
All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated based on the number of hours worked or benefit time taken in a pay period for all benefited employees.


This summary is for general information only. Employees have access to complete and detailed policies, procedures, or summary plan descriptions for all benefits cited.