The Planning Technician provides essential technical and administrative support to the City’s Planning Department. This role is responsible for assisting with zoning inquiries, permit processing, mapping, data management, and customer service.

The ideal candidate demonstrates servant leadership principles, treating all residents, developers, and team members with respect, humility, and a commitment to public service. The Planning Technician helps ensure that development and land use activities align with the City's plans, codes, and values.

• Respond to public inquiries related to zoning, land use, and permit requirements in a courteous, helpful, and professional manner.
• Review permit applications for zoning compliance and coordinate with other departments as needed.
• Assist in preparing staff reports, maps, and visual materials for planning cases, public meetings, and presentations.
• Maintain and update GIS datasets, planning records, zoning maps, and filing systems.
• Conduct research and compile data related to land use, demographics, and development trends.
• Provide administrative support for zoning board, planning commission, or other public meetings including agenda preparation, public notices, and minutes.
• Perform site visits to collect information and verify compliance with zoning requirements.
• Support departmental goals and long-range planning efforts such as updates to the comprehensive plan and development code.
• Uphold a culture of accountability, integrity, and community-oriented service.

• Associate’s degree in urban planning, geography, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in planning, zoning, permitting, GIS, or related technical work is required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

 Key Skills/Competencies for this position 

• Working knowledge of zoning ordinances, land use regulations, and planning concepts.
• Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS), Microsoft Office, and permit tracking systems.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, plats, site plans, and zoning codes.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with an emphasis on public service.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to servant leadership, exhibiting humility, active listening, empathy, and a willingness to go the extra mile to support the community and team.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.

Physical/Environmental Demands for this position, when such demands exist.

• Work is typically performed in an office environment with periodic fieldwork.
• May require occasional attendance at evening meetings.

Personal Qualities
IBTS places a high value on certain personal traits that work toward creating a positive,
professional, and supportive work environment, which is essential for working together and achieving success. We believe “how” you achieve your results is as important as what you achieve. The following highlights the personal traits key for success within the organization.

• Strong Work Ethic
• Teachable/Continuous Learner
• Reliable/Dependable
• Collaborative/Team Contributor

Bring your passion, expertise, and experience to IBTS, where we appreciate and are committed to our employees. We offer outstanding benefits, growth opportunities, and work hard to maintain a culture that values our employees. 

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established to provide unbiased professional building code compliance services, while enhancing the communities in which we work. At IBTS, our mission is to deliver quality services to meet the challenges of governance at all levels while enhancing public safety, economic development, and the general welfare of the community. Our services include Building and Community Development, Energy and Sustainability Services, Disaster Planning and Recovery, Quality Assurance, as well as Compliance and Risk Monitoring.

IBTS is headquartered in Ashburn, VA, with additional offices in Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

We are committed to building a community of experts with diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives who are passionate about our mission. IBTS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer that maintains a diverse and inclusive workforce.  All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. This opportunity is open to Section S3 Residents.  Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Explore the opportunities!