Zoning Officer – City of Bethlehem

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Extensive responsible zoning experience and completion of a 4-year college degree in architecture, building, public administration or planning; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

REQUIREMENTS: Must pass a criminal background investigation, pre-employment physical, and drug test.

NATURE OF WORK PERFORMED: The Zoning Officer has the responsibility for the enforcement of the City Zoning Ordinance and other land use regulations as applicable. The employee reports to the Director of Planning and Zoning. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Community and Economic Development. The employee also works closely with the City’s Bureau of Code Enforcement and develops recommendations for zoning policy implementation.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: Enforces the City Zoning Code; explains and interprets ordinances to architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners and other citizens; supervises the issuance of zoning permits and assists the Chief Building Inspector in the issuance of other permits; reviews all applications for zoning-building permits, and issues permits; receives applications for special exceptions, variances, and other zoning matters requiring review by the Zoning Hearing Board; receives applications for appeals from the decision of the Zoning Officer and forwards these applications to the Zoning Hearing Board; attends and administers all Zoning Hearing Board meetings; prepares recommendations for Zoning amendments or updates to Planning policies as they relate to Zoning; conducts zoning plan reviews for all land developments and subdivisions and provides field inspections for such projects as they are developed; works with inspectors in Permits and Housing to oversee the inspections and field work of zoning complaints and other violations of the Zoning Ordinance; conducts inspections and surveys to determine compliance or non-compliance with the terms of the Zoning Ordinance; works with code inspectors for correction of conditions found to be in violation of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance; works with GIS Coordinator to maintain maps showing the current zoning classification of all land in the City; prepares facts, records or reports which City Council, the Planning Commission or the Zoning Hearing Board may request to assist in making decisions; resolves complaints and emergencies related to the Zoning Ordinance; works with Solicitor’s office for prosecution of Zoning Ordinance violations, as appropriate; compiles any necessary reports concerning the activities of the Zoning Office; assists the Director of Planning and Zoning and the Assistant Director of Planning on related assignments.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Comprehensive knowledge of zoning and land use codes including National, State and City codes and ordinances and the PA Municipalities Planning Code; thorough knowledge of city planning and the interrelationship between planning and zoning goals and objectives; ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form; ability to work with other departments in city hall and maintain effective working relationships with the public; ability to work independently with great attention to detail.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter outlining how they meet the specific requirements of the position. While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $67,000.00 – $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

Education:

  • Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Experience:

  • architecture, building, or planning: 3 years (Preferred)
  • zoning: 4 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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