Planning Director Jobs

Alamance County Government is seeking a creative and motivated Planning Director to lead our County through the next phase of our growth. Located between the Triad and the Triangle, Alamance County is in a period of rapid industrial and residential growth. This position will help us craft the policies and procedures to manage that growth in coordination with multiple municipalities in the county.

Alamance County does not currently have county-wide zoning. This position will play a critical role in assisting with the continued evaluation of the need for zoning or other land use management tools and advise the Alamance County Board of Commissioners on necessary changes to our land use ordinances. The Planning Director supervises a staff of three and reports to an Assistant County Manager.

Hiring range for position is $71,000 - $81,000 depending on qualifications.

• Serves as Floodplain Administrator;
• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long-range plans and the development or modification of land use ordinances
• Supervises the employees of the planning department Presents agenda items before the County Commissioners, assisting with public hearings and presenting recommendations from the Planning Board and staff.
• Assists with community development projects;
• Ensures compliance with County ordinances and the Jordan Lake rules;
• Administers and enforces County ordinances including the Uniform Development Ordinance;
• Prepares departmental budgets;
• Serves as technical advisor to the County Planning Board, Board of Adjustment and Historic Properties Commission;
• Provides technical and non-technical assistance to other County departments, local, state and federal agencies, citizens, business and other non-governmental entities;
• Ensures the maintenance of accurate and complete records of department activities and of records relating to licenses, permits, maps, blueprints, overlays, and sketches pertinent to planning and development programs and projects.

• Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
• Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.
• Autonomy – Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
• Relationship Building - Ability to effectively build relationships with customers and co-workers.
• Analytical – Ability to analyze statistical data, keep accurate records and complete reports.
• Multitasker – Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Safety-Minded – Creating a safe work environment; managing risks; reducing exposure liabilities.
• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Judgment – Ability to use good judgment and discretion as it relates to interpreting policies and procedures.
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful, maintain high level of confidentiality and be seen as credible in the workplace.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in urban or regional planning, geography, public administration, engineering, community development or related field and three (3) years of progressive management or supervisory experience in governmental planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master's degree in planning or public administration is preferred.

Computer Skills: Prior computer skills experience with Microsoft Windows.

License/Credentials: Possession of a valid NC driver’s license. American Insitute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification preferred.

Health Insurance - Full-time employees are eligible for medical/health benefits upon the 1st of the month following the 30-day waiting period. Changes to elections can then be made during the annual open enrollment period, usually in the fall, or within 30 days of a qualified life event (marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, change in child's dependent status, death of a spouse or other dependent and other change in employment status).

Alamance County Government currently offers three plans of medical/pharmacy benefit options including a COPAY Plan 70, COPAY Plan 80 and a QHDHP with HSA.

Dental Benefit - Alamance County offers one dental insurance plan for FT employees. The plan, if elected, would be effective the first of the month following 30 days of FT employment. Coverage must be elected within your first 30 days of FT employment or upon a qualifying event.

Dental Insurance - A dental insurance program is available to FT employees. The current program allows employees access to dental providers for a variety of dental services. The plan, if elected, would be effective the first of the month following 30 days of FT employment. Coverage must be elected within your first 30 days of FT employment or upon a qualifying event.

Vision Insurance - A voluntary vision program is available to FT employees. The current PPO style plan allows employees to seek treatment and hardware from any vision care provider of their choice. The plan, if elected, would be effective the first of the month following 30 days of FT employment. Coverage must be elected within your first 30 days of FT employment or upon a qualifying event.

Voluntary Benefits: Alamance County Government provides a variety of voluntary health related benefits to allow employees to purchase protection from what life may bring. A sampling of voluntary benefits includes Flexible Spending Accounts with dependent care opportunities, Health Saving Account with an employer contribution, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Cancer Protection Plan, Group Critical Care Insurance and more.

Death Benefit - Alamance County Government has elected to contribute towards a Death Benefit associated with the Retirement System for all employees that are contributing Retirement System members. Once an employee has met at least one (1) year as a contributing member to the retirement system, the employee will have a benefit payable to their beneficiary of no less than $25,000 and no more than $50,000 based on the employee's salary. Benefit is payable if the employee is actively working and has not reached 70 years of age.

Life Insurance – Basic term life insurance is the amount of one times the annual salary (no greater than $70,000) is provided for all FT employees. Additional coverage is available for purchase through payroll deductions for employee and eligible dependents.

Retirement Benefits - Membership in the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System (NCLGERS) is a requirement for all full-time and regular part-time employees (working more than 1,000 hours annually). Employees contribute six percent (6%) of their annual compensation before it is taxed. If you leave the County service before retirement, you may withdraw your retirement contributions or elect to freeze your contributions in anticipation of future local government employment. If you have at least five (5) years of service, you are considered 100% vested in NCLGERS. Alamance County will be contributing a percentage as required by NCLEGRS on your behalf as well.

Time Off Accruals:
Vacation Time – All Alamance County full time employees immediately earn a bank of vacation hours that can be used after 6 months of employment (exhausting their probationary period). Vacation time accrues based on the full-time hire date (most recent hire date is used in the case of rehires). Employees with a hire date before the 15th of the month will receive vacation credit for that month; otherwise, time will not be earned. Time will be contributed to the employee's time off bank on the 15th of the month based on a monthly proration of the schedule below.

Years of Service - Days of Vacation Annually
0-4 years of service 10 days equivalent to 80 hours
5-9 years of service 13 days equivalent to 104 hours
10-14 years of service 16 days equivalent to 128 hours
15-19 years of service 21 days equivalent to 168 hours
20 years or more 25 days equivalent to 200 hours

Sick Time – All Alamance County full-time employees will earn a bank of sick hours to be used when they are away from work for instances related to their own illness or the illness of an immediate family member, death of an immediate family member or when they (or an immediate family member) need to attend a health-related appointment. All County employees earn 12 days of sick leave per year with an earnings of 8 hours per month if employed on or before the 15th of the month.

County Observed Holidays – Alamance County will observe the State of North Carolina Holiday Schedule. Holidays will include the following and will be paid at 8 hours holiday pay. Exceptions have been made for certain departments given the nature of the services provided. Please check with your department head for supplemental information.

Wellness Benefits & Programming:
Employee Assistance Counseling Program: There are times when everyone needs a little help or advice. The confidential Employee Assistance Counseling Program (EACP) through a local provider can help you with things like stress, anxiety, depression, chemical dependency, relationship issues, legal issues, parenting questions, financial counseling and dependent care resources. Best of all it's free for County employees and available for your household to utilize. Utilization of the EACP is completely confidential and participation isn't recorded.
Help is available 24/7/365 by telephone.
Please see brochure available on the SharePoint for additional information about the EACP program.

Alamance County Employee Health Clinic: Available to employees and spouses who are covered under the Alamance County Insurance Plan and their covered dependents, 18 years of age and older. Retired employees under age 65 are also eligible to use the clinic. Depending on insurance coverage elected, care at the clinic ranges from free to a fair market value cost.

Services Available:
Treatment of injuries or illnesses such as Flu, Sinus Infection, pink eye, sprains, strains or fever.
Monitor chronic conditions (Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Health Disease, Asthma, etc...)
Assistance with finding a Primary Care Provider
Health Education and Counseling
Triage and referrals to specialists when appropriate.

Employee Fitness Center:
Alamance County encourages all employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle both at home and at work. In support of this philosophy an Employee Fitness Center is available for all County employees to use at their convenience during non-work hours and is open 24/7/365. This center includes weight training equipment, cardio equipment, a small aerobics room along with restrooms, changing room and lockers.