Zoning Planning Assistant

To excel as a Zoning Planning Assistant at the City of Fort Worth, candidates should have strong customer service skills and be adept at communication, particularly in providing technical assistance related to zoning. Ideally, you should possess two years of experience in Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or similar fields. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and GIS software is highly beneficial, alongside basic administrative skills. Bilingual ability in English and Spanish is a plus, enhancing your capacity to serve our diverse community.

As a Zoning Planning Assistant with the City of Fort Worth, your primary role involves facilitating communication between city planners and the public. You’ll help community members understand zoning applications better and ensure that their development needs are met. By providing technical assistance and guiding residents through complex processes, you directly contribute to enhancing community engagement and transparency in local governance.

Working as a Zoning Planning Assistant at the City of Fort Worth involves both desk work and field tasks. The physical demands are classified as light work, requiring the ability to touch, talk, hear, grasp, and walk. Depending on specific assignments, you might need to perform tasks that include standing, kneeling, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. We strive to create a positive work environment that supports your physical well-being.

The City of Fort Worth offers an attractive benefits package for Zoning Planning Assistants, which includes 11 paid holidays a year, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a solid pension plan for your retirement. You’ll also have access to paid time off and opportunities for professional development, ensuring you grow in your role while enjoying a balanced work-life.

While a degree is preferred, the City of Fort Worth is open to candidates with relevant work experience. If you have two years of experience in customer service or an administrative role that involves public interaction, you may also qualify for the Zoning Planning Assistant position despite not having a formal degree. Your ability to perform well in a dynamic environment is what we value most!

As a Zoning Planning Assistant at the City of Fort Worth, your key responsibilities include providing customer service to clients, guiding them with zoning application processes, preparing meeting agendas, and supporting city boards and commissions. You’ll also review applications for accuracy, process payments, and help facilitate the development review process. Your role is vital in ensuring the smooth operation of planning activities and providing vital information to the public.

To apply for the Zoning Planning Assistant position with the City of Fort Worth, you’ll need to submit your application before the closing date of December 2, 2024. Ensure that your resume highlights your relevant experience and skills. After your application is reviewed, qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Remember, showcasing your customer service abilities and passion for urban planning can set you apart in the selection process!

In dealing with difficult customers seeking zoning information, it's important to stay calm and listen carefully to their concerns. Acknowledge their frustrations and empathize with their situation. Provide clear, factual information regarding zoning processes, and if necessary, offer to follow up later or connect them with a specialist for more complex inquiries. Good customer service is all about patience and understanding.

When discussing your experience with zoning applications and permits, focus on specific instances where you assisted clients in navigating these processes. Highlight any direct involvement you had in reviewing applications, providing guidance on requirements, or interacting with city departments. Mention tools or software you utilized, such as GIS or Accela Automation, if applicable.

In a busy planning office, effective prioritization is key. I assess tasks based on deadlines, the complexity of requests, and the urgency of public hearings. I often utilize organizational tools like checklists or project management software to keep track of my workload. It’s important to be flexible and communicate with team members to adapt to any changes in priorities.

When discussing collaboration on a planning project, share specific examples that illustrate your teamwork skills. This might include projects where you worked with a diverse group of individuals—such as city planners, board members, and even community groups. Explain your role in facilitating communication, gathering input from different stakeholders, and ensuring that everyone was aligned with the project goals.

When asked about your familiarity with city zoning ordinances and legal compliance, emphasize any relevant coursework, certifications, or work experience you have in planning or urban design. Mention if you have experience interpreting and applying zoning regulations, attending training sessions, or collaborating with city officials to ensure adherence to local laws.

To effectively manage the intake and processing of zoning applications, I utilize a systematic approach. This includes creating a checklist for required documents, ensuring applications meet all criteria before submission, and using software tools to track application statuses. By setting clear timelines for follow-ups and communication, I can keep applicants informed and minimize delays.

Expressing a genuine interest in working as a Zoning Planning Assistant for the City of Fort Worth can set a positive tone for your interview. Discuss your passion for urban planning and community engagement, and how you admire Fort Worth’s growth and diversity. Emphasize your desire to contribute to shaping sustainable, vibrant communities as part of a dedicated team.

To ensure accuracy and attention to detail, I adopt a meticulous approach to my tasks. This includes double-checking all documents, using templates for standardized forms, and maintaining organized notes. Additionally, I always seek input from colleagues to validate critical information. Implementing these strategies helps minimize errors, especially when dealing with zoning applications.

In preparing to discuss your proficiency with tools or software during an interview, list specific programs you are familiar with that are relevant to the Zoning Planning Assistant position. This may include Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, Accela Automation, or any other project management tools. Be prepared to share examples of how you have used these tools effectively in prior roles.

Staying updated on changes in zoning laws and regulations is critical in a planning role. I make it a point to subscribe to newsletters from relevant planning organizations, attend workshops, and participate in webinars. Networking with professionals in the field also helps me stay informed about best practices and legislative changes that impact zoning policies.