Planning Technician

Planning Technician

Salary

$36,266.74 - $47,146.76 Annually

Location

Hickory, NC

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

200-01314

Department

Planning

Opening Date

10/16/2026

Closing Date

11/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary Depends on Qualifications

Yes

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This position is responsible for providing administrative and technical support to the department. An incumbent in this position may be classified as a Senior Planning Technician.

All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a post-offer functional prework screen and a drug screen. This examination process is designed to determine if applicants are able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the job without physical harm to themselves, or others. All applicants are subject to a background check. Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid NC Class "C" drivers license.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must meet the City criteria for an acceptable driving record.

Salary Depends on Qualifications

Major Duties

• Maintains records; produces daily, weekly, and monthly reports; maintains a detailed filing system for Zonings, Certificates of Occupancy, etc.
• Issues residential and commercial zoning permits.
• Enters and monitors departmental plan reviews in county permit system.
• Maintains current development files.
• Drafts and types correspondence and memoranda.
• Provides information to the general public, realtors, contractors, and developers concerning zoning regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Answers the office telephone and greets the public as necessary; responds to a variety of requests and provides information regarding zoning regulations and current development plans.
• Issues various permits for residential and commercial construction development.
• Issues and coordinates Special Event Applications.
• Acts as liaison between the applicant(s), Police, Planning, City Manager's Office, Fire, Fire Life Safety, and County Administration on ABC permits.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Knowledge of city zoning and development ordinances and subdivision regulations.
• Knowledge of city policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to multi-task.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing work.
• Skill in operating such office equipment as a computer, fax machine, copier and scanner.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina.

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Planning Director assigns work in terms of general instructions. Completed work is spot-checked for compliance with procedures, accuracy and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include city zoning and development ordinances and subdivision regulations.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related administrative and technical duties. Frequent changes to guidelines and the need to understand and explain complicated ordinances contribute to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to provide administrative and technical service support to the department. Successful performance that enhances the public image of the city government.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with engineers, contractors, surveyors, attorneys, architects, builders, developers, planners, other city employees, county employees and the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give and exchange information, provide services and resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching or stooping.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office with the ability to work independently or with limited supervision.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.

The City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package valued at over 30% of an employees annual salary. Employer provided benefits include:

• 11 paid holidays
• 12 paid sick leave days per year
• Paid vacation
• Health insurance for employees and family members
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program - 5 FREE visits
• 15.1% contribution per employee to the NC Local Government Retirement System
• Up to 5% matching contribution to 401k
• Free Life insurance of 1.5 times salary up to ($125,000)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• On-site Wellness Clinic
• A selection of voluntary benefits such as additional life insurance, dependent life, short-term disability insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance.
• Employees working in seasonal/part-time positions are not eligible for benefits.*

01

Are you at least 21 years old?

• Yes
• No

02

Describe your customer service skills and philosophy.

03

Please select your highest level of education.

• Masters Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Associates Degree
• High School / GED

04

Describe, and give examples, of your computer skill level in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

05

Describe your skills and/or experience as it relates to this advertised position.

Required Question

Employer City of Hickory

Address 76 North Center Street

PO Box 398

Hickory, North Carolina, 28603

Phone 828-323-7421

Website http://hickorync.gov/employment