Planner Jobs

Performs professional planning and zoning administration functions in the planning department.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class is responsible for professional-level planning duties enforcing zoning, land use, watershed, and mobile home ordinances, and performing related planning functions. Work is performed independently and includes staff support to boards. Work includes reviewing zoning permits, performing site reviews, and enforcing planning ordinances and policies. Work requires considerable public contact with developers, boards, and the general public. Tact and courtesy are essential in performing assigned duties. Work is supervised by the Planning Director and is evaluated based on conferences and reviews of the assignment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Administers the zoning permit process; reviews rezoning and variance applications; explains regulations and process requirements; reviews plans and makes recommendations and amendments to Planning Board; issues zoning and watershed permits.
Explains and advises the public on regulations of zoning, water supply watershed, Falls watershed stormwater, and subdivision ordinances.
Reviews development plans for zoning and subdivision regulations, and road standards; conducts site inspections and reviews.
Reviews potential plans and projects for compliance with County ordinances such as zoning, subdivision, water supply watershed, Falls watershed stormwater, and floodplain hazard mitigation contained in the land development code.
Prepares agenda, reports, and packets for Planning Board and Board of Adjustment; serves as staff support and advisor to boards.
Additional Job Duties
Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of community planning.
Knowledge of the technical ordinance, codes, and regulations pertaining to land use planning and development including zoning and subdivision principles.
Knowledge of basic governmental and administrative frameworks involved in effective planning.
Skill in the use of computers for compiling reports, developing presentation material, and storing and retrieving data.
Ability to enforce zoning and other ordinances with tact and firmness.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form and make presentations.
Ability to analyze planning issues and recommend solutions.
Ability to organize and perform the administrative and technical support functions of the assigned boards.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county employees, county officials, developers, and the general public.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of standing, walking, fingering, talking and hearing.
Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Must possess the visual acuity to prepare data, operate a computer, do extensive reading, review plans, and use measurement devices.
Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from a four year college or university with a major in urban planning, geography, landscape architecture or related field and some experience as a professional planner; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
Special Requirement
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.