The Planner I performs entry level planning work implementing a variety of planning activities focused on development review and current planning requiring a general level of independence.

An employee in this class is responsible for reviewing plats, processing annexation petitions, assisting residents and developers with various issues, reviewing administrative permits such as minor architectural applications and sign permits. Work involves providing technical guidance to department staff and the public requiring empathy, tact, and firmness. Work in this class requires developing solutions in partnership with others to problems and performing an entry level of interpretation of ordinances, laws, etc. The employee works under the general supervision of the Assistant Planning Director. Work requires a high level of discretion and often requires the use and handling of confidential information.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Reviews final plats;
• Reviews sign permit applications;
• Reviews plots plans;
• Reviews annexation petitions;
• Reviews minor architectural applications;
• Issues zoning verification letters;
• Performs site compliance inspections;
• Researches, investigates, and prepares written reports on planning policies and issues;
• Helps citizens and developers on zoning and related matters;
• Assists other planning staff with special projects;
• Assists with covering the front desk; and
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of planning principles and practices.
• Knowledge of current literature and best practices in the field of planning.
• Knowledge of governmental laws, programs, and services pertinent to the planning process.
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which include Microsoft Office, internet applications, and GIS
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, partner agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to work effectively independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection.
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public.
• Critical thinking skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction and supervision.

Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in urban and regional planning, geography, architecture, historic preservation, engineering or related field with considerable professional planning experience.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Certified Zoning Official certification required or must be obtained within one year of employment.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, and hearing.
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, do extensive reading, operate a computer terminal, use measurement devices, and do visual inspections in the field.

This Planning Manager is the lead member of the Comprehensive Planning team, which primarily manages long-range citywide, neighborhood, and corridor planning projects and staffs the rezoning, annexation, and demographic programs. Comprehensive Planning is a 12-member team that includes two supervisors, a principal planner, six senior planners, and two planners in addition to the advertised position. Current projects include station area planning for Raleigh’s western and southern BRT corridors and an upcoming new comprehensive plan.

View the full job posting here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/raleighnc/jobs/4346126/planning-manager

The City of Morganton is a vibrant and energized city of 17,000 citizens located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a track record of innovation, creativity, positive results, and a progressive mindset. The City is looking for a self-starting planning professional who is motivated, well organized, and flexible. . We require someone who desires professional challenges, is able to find creative solutions, and has a strong sense of commitment to the community. The ability to learn, interpret and follow regulatory requirements, paired with the willingness to explore development options to achieve a successful project, is essential to be effective – rather than stopping at what we can’t do, we build partnerships and focus on what can be done.

This position performs planning work that provides coordinated guidance and regulation of the growth and development of the City. Work includes:

Performing the detailed review and analysis of applications for zoning and subdivision approval; including review of site plans, landscaping plans, elevations and plats;
Responsibility for thorough documentation and detailed record keeping of applications, subdivisions, and planning advice provided;
Providing clear and courteous advice to property owners, developers, citizens, and other City departments on matters related to zoning codes and ordinances;
Conducting research on zoning, annexation, and other issues.
Work involves providing technical guidance with considerable public contact on issues requiring judgment, firmness, customer service and tact – strong communication skills (both oral and written) are a must. The ability to operate independently and frequently switch between tasks is essential. This position requires knowledge and expertise typically found in a Bachelor’s degree in Planning or an equivalent combination of experience in planning; education, and training. Must possess or have ability to obtain a valid NC Driver’s License and we encourage pursuit of AICP certification.

Pay range is $48,000 – $70,000, dependent on experience. Open until filled, with first review of applications beginning February 19, 2024.

The City of Shelby currently has an opening on the management team for Planning and Community Development Director. To be successful on this team, the right candidate needs to have a solid foundational understanding of planning and development regulations, experience in long range planning projects, the ability to interpret and understand development ordinances, and effective skills to manage and motivate their departmental team.

Currently the City (population 22,000) has several exciting projects underway. More than 3,500 homes have recently been approved for construction or through zoning changes. We are in the early stages of completely revamping our Comprehensive Land Use Plan with intentions to overhaul our Unified Development Ordinance afterward. We are in the process of building a 13-mile rail trail, revitalizing a former hotel downtown, and renovating the historic Webbley home. With a bustling uptown, growing business park, existing trail network, and other upcoming amenities, you can help plan the future Shelby you want to call home as the next Planning and Community Development Director. We are committed to continuing the kind of work that makes Shelby, NC the number one micropolitan in the state and ninth in the nation (Site Selection Magazine, 2023).

If you have a degree in urban planning or related field (Master’s degree preferred) and experience in city, regional, and/or urban planning, we want you to join our team. The City of Shelby offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. The City is prepared to offer a competitive annual salary that reflects the ideal candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Please see the full ad and details at https://tinyurl.com/shelby-planning.
The City of Shelby is an equal opportunity employer.

North Carolina Sea Grant is seeking a graduate student intern for critical work on the integration of climate change and resilience into local planning in North Carolina communities. The Resilience Intern will conduct research and develop materials to help communities utilize the outcomes of state-led resilience efforts and provide a better understanding of what key considerations communities can be making to ensure climate change and resilience is incorporated into comprehensive planning processes. Applications are due March 20.

• The internship requires full-time enrollment in a master’s or Ph.D. program in planning, public policy, public administration, environmental management, or a closely related field.
• Preferred candidates will have strong writing, critical thinking, and literature-based research skills.
• Strong applications will include a demonstrated interest in climate change, resilience, sustainability, hazard mitigation, or community engagement. Experience managing projects independently or in teams, and knowledge of local government planning processes are also desired.

The paid position is remote and flexible, based on the student intern’s schedule. Work will begin with a target date of May 18 and continue over the summer at an anticipated 30-32 hours per week, with the flexibility to extend into the fall semester at reduced hours.

NC Sea Grant strongly encourages applications from students from under-resourced and underrepresented communities, and who are familiar with our organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility.

You can view the full position listing and apply here: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/197935

The Polk County Land Development Division has an excellent opportunity for Urban and Regional Planning Students to gain real world knowledge in the Local Government Land Use Planning operations of Florida’s fastest growing county. This internship not only offer hands on experience in development review but also opportunities in policy writing and community outreach.

See the attached PDF for more information about the internship opportunity.

to apply for the internship, go to: https://www.polk-county.net/about/careers/

For more information on Polk County or the Offices of Planning and Development Land Development Division contact Erik Peterson: erikpeterson@polk-county.net

The City of Brevard Planning Department is currently a small team of five but is looking to expand with a part-time person to handle a variety of planning functions. This position is new, and we expect it to evolve based on the breadth of experience, education, and overall strengths of the candidate, which should generally fall in one or more of the following areas: long-range planning, development code amendments, grant writing and administration, affordable housing, GIS, floodplain administration, architecture, transportation planning, development plan review, and zoning administration.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a fast-paced environment where your work will cross all disciplinary boundaries from zoning administration to long-range planning and joining a dynamic planning team. Throughout our work, we strive to make connections between people, places, urban form, nature, and the built environment by continually evaluating and updating adopted plans and refining land use regulations and Code of Ordinances. The department relies on teamwork to work toward common goals and encourages independent thinking and initiative and the ability to use theoretical and practical aspects of urban planning to benefit the organization and the citizenry at large. Hours are flexible, but some evening meetings may be required.

See PDF for full job description.

LAND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 

PLANNER I, II, II, or Senior (Land Development) 1 position available 

Salary range: ($23.71hr – $47.67hr) ($49,316.80 – $99,153.60) Annually
Paygrades – 15, 17, 19, 21 – Exempt

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

PLANNER I (Land Development)

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Performs planning work in assisting with comprehensive research planning projects and the conducting of independent studies. Prepares and/or assists with preparation of studies and research relating to land use, economic base, zoning ordinances/revisions, population, transportation systems, community facilities and housing.
• Prepares and/or assists with planning data presentations in both a graphic and/or written form. Develops various maps for planning purposes. Prepare preliminary drafts and edits materials related to a variety of planning activities. Participates and assists in conducting field studies and surveys related to planning programs and the county’s comprehensive plan.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of land use development of public planning. Knowledge of collection and research methods related to planning data. Ability to use independent judgment methods related to planning data. Ability to use independent judgment and assist in preparing written and graphic planning reports and studies. Ability to learn to read and interpret land, aerial and related maps. Must have the ability to see, write and perform data entry keying efforts. Ability to use independent judgment. Ability to drive from work site to work site. Ability to speak in a manner that can be understood. Ability to make public presentations. Ability to perform creative writing tasks. Ability to research, investigate, experiment, detect, inspect, verify, recognize, and recommend solutions. Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with other employees, officials, and the public. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others.
May serve as technical planning liaison with other county departments, related local, state, and federal agencies and/or resources as assigned, which will include working non-traditional office hours.
Ability to utilize personal computers and software utilized by the assigned work unit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in urban planning or a related field, including urban studies, geography, environmental studies or science, landscape architecture, urban design, GIS, public administration, political science, or other similarly related field.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.
• A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications with the exception of the required college degree.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

• This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

PLANNER II (Land Development)

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Performs independently a varied scope of planning work preparing research, data and reports related to countywide development studies and projects.
• Prepares and reviews a variety of reports, maps, and charts related to county planning activities. Conducts field surveys to secure any necessary planning data such as land use, population density, traffic, housing conditions, economic conditions, community facilities inventory, and availability of community services. Assists with projects by attending and reporting on planning related meeting information, independent interviews and library research. Analyzes and evaluates pertinent data. Prepares reports and projections from survey and research data.
• Assists in the preparation of land use, controls, regulations, and ordinances. May confer with municipal, county and other related agency/resource officials, and the public regarding mutual planning matters. May assist with interpretations of county regulations which effect development uniformity as projected in the County Comprehensive Plan.
• Develops charts, graphs, and other audio-visual material for public presentations. Develops various maps for planning purposes. Designs cover and page layouts of planning publications. Attends meetings, conferences, and seminars as requested. May act as technical planning liaison with other county departments, related local, state, and federal agencies and/or resources as assigned, which may include working non-traditional office hours.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of land-use development and public planning. Must have the ability to see, write, and perform data entry keying efforts. Knowledge and ability of collections and research methods related to land use planning. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others. Ability to drive from work site to work site. Ability to speak in a manner that can be understood. Ability to make public presentations. Ability to perform creative writing tasks. Ability to research, investigate, experiment, detect, inspect, verify, recognize, and recommend solutions. Ability to prepare and analyze planning reports and studies. Ability to read and interpret land, aerial, and related maps. Ability to use independent judgment and interpret applicable regulations. Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with other employees, officials, and the public. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited college or university and have a minimum amount of relevant planning experience, as follows:

• Master’s degree with major course work in urban planning or a related field, including urban studies, geography, environmental studies or a science, landscape architecture, urban design, GIS, public administration, political science or other similarly related field and have one-half (1/2) year experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in urban planning or a related field, including urban studies, geography, environmental studies or a science, landscape architecture, urban design, GIS, public administration, political science or other similarly related field, and one (1) year experience.
• Must be able to utilize personal computers and software utilized by the assigned work unit.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.

A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications with the exception of the required college degree.

SPECIAL PREFERENCE

College degree in Urban Planning from a PAB-Accredited planning program.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

PLANNER III (Land Development)

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Responsible preparatory planning work identifying, interpreting, and analyzing land use plans, projects, programs and the county comprehensive plan. Participates and prepares technical research, studies and recommendations related to land use controls, regulations and the county comprehensive plan. Develops and implements methods estimating land use data, population density, traffic and housing conditions, economic conditions, community facilities and availability of community services. Gathers data and identifies population growth areas correlating related information and preparing a written/graphic analysis of present and/or projected land use and/or development trends.
• Assists in preparing recommendations for land use controls, regulations, and the county comprehensive plan. Assists in preparing proposed regulations, ordinances and zoning recommendations. May act as technical planning liaison with other county departments, related local, state, and federal agencies and/or resources as assigned, which may include working non-traditional office hours. May confer with the public and officials regarding technical interpretation of land use regulations. Attends and/or may conduct meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of land use development and public planning. Must have the ability to see, write and perform data entry keying efforts. Knowledge as to methods of collection and analysis of planning data and the preparation of planning reports and studies. Ability to drive from work site to work site. Ability to speak in a manner that can be understood. Ability to make public presentations. Ability to perform creative writing tasks. Ability to research, investigate, experiment, detect, inspect, verify, recognize, and recommend solutions. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others. Ability to read and interpret land use, aerial photographs and related maps. Ability to interpret applicable rules and regulations. Ability to use independent judgment, analyze information and formulate recommendations. Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with other employees, officials, and the public. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited college or university and have a minimum amount of relevant planning experience, as follows:

• Master’s degree with major course work in urban planning or a related field, including urban studies, geography, environmental studies or science, landscape architecture, urban design, GIS, public administration, political science, or other similarly related field, and two (2) years experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in urban planning or a related field, including urban studies, geography, environmental studies or science, landscape architecture, urban design, GIS, public administration, political science, or other similarly related field, and three (3) years experience.
• Must be able to utilize personal computers and software utilized by the assigned work unit.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.

A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications with the exception of the required college degree.

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

College degree in Urban Planning from a PAB-Accredited planning program. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

SENIOR PLANNER (Land Development)

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Performs and coordinates planning activities as assigned by the Unit’s Principal Planner and serves as a task team supervisor of assigned project areas. Performs professional technical planning work in all County planning program areas. Plans, develops, and conducts special studies relative to land use and occupancy; to streets, road, and arterial locations and usage; water and sewer facilities; transportation services; recreational and cultural needs of the County. Analyzes and evaluates pertinent data. Prepares comprehensive reports and projections from databases. Reviews and obtains proper interpretation where necessary of the laws, rules, and regulations affecting planning functions. Prepares and/or supervises the preparation and implementation of the comprehensive plan elements, various recommendations and any proposed ordinances. Correlates a variety of statistical and planning data for various plans, projects, and programs.
• Assists in providing public information for the preparation and promotion of County economic and physical development plans and programs. Assists with coordinating County plans and programs with other County departments/divisions and regulatory agencies. May confer with officials and the public regarding the definition of planning problems affecting uniformity and possible beneficial assets. Attends meetings, conferences, and seminars etc. Prepares and makes public presentations as assigned.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of land use development and public planning. Knowledge as to methods of collection and analysis of planning data and the preparation of planning reports and studies. Ability to read and interpret land, aerial, and related maps. Ability to interpret applicable legislation, rules, and regulations. Must have the ability to see, write, and perform data entry keying efforts. Ability to drive form work site to work site. Ability to speak in a manner that can be understood. Ability to make public presentations. Ability to perform creative writing tasks. Ability to research, investigate, experiment, detect, inspect, verify, recognize, and recommend solutions. Ability to use independent judgment. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to communicate team assignments and meet task requirements within the scope delegated by the unit’s Principal Planner. Must possess the ability to delegate assignments to project team members and perform project management tasks which include communication and reporting to the unit’s Principal Planner. The reports include project status, recommendations or project changes, task schedule, project issues, and resource allocation issues. Ability to utilize personal computer and software utilized by the assigned work unit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college or university and have a minimum amount of relevant planning experience, as follows:

• Master’s degree with major course work in Urban Planning or a related field, including Urban Studies, Geography, Environmental Studies/Science, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, GIS, Public Administration, Political Science, or other similarly related field, and have four (4) years experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in Urban Planning or a related field, including Urban Studies, Geography, Environmental Studies/Science, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, GIS, Public Administration, Political Science, or other similarly related field, and have five (5) years experience.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.

A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications with the exception of the required college degree.

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

College degree in Urban Planning from a PAB-Accredited planning program.
Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

Those who are interested in the above positions can apply using the following link: https://fa-eqpz-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/requisitions/preview/1733/?

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated. The job description herein provides for the range of duties to be performed for this position. It is not intended to reflect all duties that are required within this position.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Assist the planning administrators in research and review of professional literature, gathering of historic data, and spatial analysis. Identify and research facts and development trends that provides the basis for potential Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code text amendments.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Performs independently a varied scope of planning work preparing research, maps, charts, data and reports related to countywide development studies and projects.
• May conduct field surveys to secure any necessary planning data
• Attend and report on planning related meeting information and research.
• May confer with municipal, county and other related agency/resource officials, and the public.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Skilled in the use of personal computers, Microsoft-Office and Geographic Information System software (GIS) software applications. Possess ability to collect, compile and prepare information and reports. Ability to effectively communicate oral and written instructions/directions. Skillful in research, reporting, writing, communications, and public speaking. Knowledge of planning and planning concepts as well as ability to utilize personal computers and Division software. Ability to concentrate on detail and sequential work tasks. Ability to see, sit for long periods, bend, stoop. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to complete and maintain records, reports and files. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, officials and the public. Ability to work with people or alone as circumstances require. Ability to receive instructions and work independently.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

Current enrollment at an accredited college or university in a Graduate or Bachelor’s program with major coursework in Planning or related field including Urban Studies, Economics, Geography or a related field.
Must possess a valid driver’s license or be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment and pass a background screen.

SPECIAL PREFERENCE

None

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

We prefer students interested in planning careers and majoring in urban planning, geography, or GIS.

Those interested can apply using the following link: https://fa-eqpz-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/requisitions/preview/1773/?