This position works in the Department of Planning and Community Development and is the entry-level position within professional planning.   This position is responsible for a variety of professional and technical duties for the County's zoning, subdivision review, floodplain management, open lands, and community development programs.   The position provides technical assistance regarding zoning and subdivision regulations, processes subdivision applications, processes zoning applications and permits, conducts research, and performs other planning projects as assigned.  The position reports to the Chief Planning Officer with project specific work supervised by the Current Planning Manager and Community Development Manager.  This position does not supervise other County personnel.      Each duty listed below makes up at least 20% of the job, and all other functions are included in Other Duties as Assigned.   All duties below are essential functions unless otherwise indicated. TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:   * Provides professional-level customer service to the general public and other customers of the Department of Planning and Community Development. * Provides information to the public regarding land-use, adopted development regulations, and plans.    * Reviews or assists in the review of simple to moderately complicated subdivision and zoning applications (e.g. subdivision exemptions, subdivisions, zoning amendments, site plans, conditional use permits, variances, land use permits, sign plans, zoning determinations, etc.) to determine conformance with applicable plans, and regulations.   * Conducts site visits and performs research to compile information and perform analyses relevant to applications.   * Prepares and presents detailed reports that summarize a specific application, identify applicable regulations, and provide other relevant factual information to inform advisory boards and decision-making bodies.   * When assigned, conducts research, gathers data, and prepares summary reports on subjects relevant to land-use planning and community development (e.g. socioeconomic, demographic, and land-use trends; trends in application numbers; cross-jurisdictional information; legislative history; case law; gathering planning-related information from other jurisdictions, etc.).    * When assigned, develops planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations.   * Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing and administering plans and regulations.   * When assigned, collaborates with interns, other departments, and consultants working on County projects.   * Attends hearings, meetings, conferences, and trainings, including, when necessary, those held on evenings and weekends. * Maintains databases necessary for accurate and timely tracking of application information. * Creates a variety of forms and policy documents related to the processing of applications and permits.   OTHER DUTIES Performs a variety of other duties as assigned by the Gallatin County Planning Director or others, including organizing and coordinating a variety of special projects, completing special reports or compiling specialized data, making presentations at hearings, meetings and conferences, attending continuing education and training, and a variety of other functions as needed.  If the County Commission proclaims a local emergency due to an actual or threatened disaster such as an earthquake, fire, riot, flood, etc., County employees may be required to provide services during the emergency and for a subsequent period of assessment and recovery.This work requires knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and procedures associated with land-use planning, including familiarity with land-use regulations and plans. Position must have the ability to effectively communicate complex technical information verbally and in writing to audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge; perform research and collect data; apply basic mathematical skills to practical situations; ability to use common computer software to develop reports and spreadsheets and maintain databases and familiarity with geographic information systems is desirable; work on several projects or issues simultaneously; work independently or in a team environment as needed; attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind; the ability to have creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems and the ability to review plans and apply provisions of the regulatory documents to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in planning or a related field.  GALLATIN COUNTY VALUES Commitment to Service. Employees meet the needs of constituents in a positive, engaged, respectful manner. We have a clear understanding of why our jobs are important and how we make a difference for our citizens. We are engaged in our work and focused on doing it to the best of our abilities.    Teamwork.  Employees attain collective goals by building, maintaining, and leveraging internal and external collaboration. We strive to create a positive working atmosphere by recognizing the strengths of our coworkers and partners and put aside personal differences for the benefit of the organization and the people we serve.   Mutual Respect. Employees are open-minded and willing to listen respectfully to and incorporate alternative opinions to build dynamic solutions. We listen to understand and value everyone for what they contribute. Innovative. Employees maintain a solution-focused perspective and think creatively to take advantage of opportunities, overcome constraints, and anticipate and address long-term needs.   Effectiveness. Employees accurately and thoroughly complete work to improve outcomes and produce the intended result. Responsibility.  Employees are accountable and fulfill their obligations in an open and transparent manner. We take our obligations seriously, make good decisions, and can be depended upon.  Licenses and Certifications:  Applicants for this position must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of Montana, provide own transportation to conduct out of office job duties (mileage reimbursement provided under the County policy), and to be insurable under the County's liability policies. As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and background investigation.  Please be prepared to attach the following documents when you submit your application materials: * cover letter * resume * three work references. Gallatin County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment on the basis of merit and qualifications without regard to race, creed, religion, color, or national origin or because of age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex when the reasonable demands of the position do not require an age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex distinction.