Application information: https://www.lscog.org/employment-opportunities

The Lower Savannah Council of Governments, a regional planning and development agency located in Aiken, SC, is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Planning Manager.

The Planning Manager is responsible for managing planning programs including but not limited to transportation, comprehensive, and, hazard mitigation plans, zoning ordinances, land use regulations, and general planning documents necessary to maintain compliance with state law at the local level.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have working knowledge of State, Federal and Local Planning and Zoning governing requirements.
• Be detail oriented and have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Master’s degree in urban and regional planning, public or business administration, or political science.
• Two years of work experience preferred.

For more information visit https://www.lscog.org/employment-opportunities
Qualified applicants should send a résumé to Emory Langston, Planning Community and Economic Development Administrator, email elangston@lscog.org or mail to P.O. Box 850, Aiken, SC 29802.
Resumes accepted through April 11, 2025, or until position is filled.
The Lower Savannah Council of Governments is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Details: View complete job listing

Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ashevillenc/jobs/4840808/planning-technician

This Planning technician position will support and grow with the Community planning, Urban design, and Preservation division of the City of Asheville planning department.

Position Details: View complete job listing

Apply Here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hollysprings

The Holly Springs Development Services Department is seeking an intern to work with the Development Services Planning Division. The 2025 internship is expected to run May – August 2025. Flexible schedule with up to 40 hrs/week @ $15-20/hour.

Holly Springs is a fast-growing community located in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina. The Town’s vision is to provide an unmatched quality of life that reflects the joys of small town living in a safe, family-friendly community that residents and businesses are proud to call home. The Land Development Internship positions will work within the recently formed Development Services Department that brings together planners, engineers, and building code officials to promote collaboration, innovation, and efficiency for the development process.

POSITION INFORMATION
Under the supervision of the Planning Division Manager, the Planning Intern will assist the staff on a variety of Planning related projects, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide assistance and research in the development, update or implementation of elements of:
  • The Comprehensive Plan,
  • Long-range plan implementation,
  • Ordinance and policy development,
  • Tree Advisory Committee activities,
  • Assisting with the development or maintenance of GIS data layers;
• General Planning office related duties such as filing, copying, other clerical duties as needed and other planning related assignments integral to the daily operations of the team.

The successful candidate should be enrolled in a program specializing in urban or regional planning, geography, landscape architecture, engineering, or closely related field, be proficient in general computer skills (Microsoft Office), have excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to handle multiple tasks, and ability to work independently in a professional environment. Familiarity or experience with GIS software is beneficial but not required.

For information about the Holly Springs Development Services Department, visit us online at https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/2170/Development-Services

To apply, submit a Town application and resume to Human Resources. Applications can be obtained https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hollysprings or at (919) 557-2922. Open until filled. EOE.

Full job description and apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/296830

The University of North Carolina School of Government works to improve the lives of North Carolinians by engaging in practical scholarship that helps public officials and citizens understand and improve state and local government. The School offers up to 200 courses, webinars, and conferences for more than 12,000 public officials each year. Faculty members annually publish approximately 50 books, reports, articles, bulletins, and other instances of print and online content related to state and local government. The School is also home to a nationally ranked graduate program in public administration.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Development Finance Initiative (DFI) at the School of Government partners with local governments in North Carolina and beyond to attract private investment for transformative projects by providing specialized finance and development expertise. DFI partners with communities on projects including: building reuse and downtown revitalization; master development planning and execution; community and neighborhood development; industrial shell buildings; small business loan programs; and affordable housing development. DFI has worked on over 250 projects since its inception in 2010. DFI projects have resulted in over one billion dollars in private investment. DFI is experiencing high demand for its services and, accordingly, is seeking to expand its talented team of mission-driven real estate development experts.

The Development Finance Initiative (DFI), a program of the School of Government, is recruiting a Real Estate Development Analyst for a full-time EHRA Non-Faculty appointment. The Real Estate Development Analyst position reports to the DFI Associate Director and will work in close collaboration with DFI Project Managers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

This position will perform advanced data extraction, manipulation, management, and sophisticated analysis for real estate development projects aimed at assisting local governments with recruiting tens of millions of dollars in private investment for projects that accomplish local community and economic development goals. This includes measuring job growth, demographic analysis, assessing housing needs, analyzing neighborhood or downtown tax parcel data, modeling public-private partnerships, and other types of analysis. Analysts will work with project leads to develop narratives about local market conditions and challenges while also participating in project strategy sessions.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a quantitative research environment, demonstrates intellectual curiosity, enjoys data visualization challenges, and is excited by real estate development practices, public-private partnerships, and community development strategies. Responsibilities will include the following: creating analytic data files using techniques to extract and aggregate community and market information; performing sophisticated geospatial analysis using GIS and parcel data; conducting market analyses and financial feasibility modeling; and designing and preparing reports and presentations. The position will also include oversight, training, and support of graduate student fellows in extracting, manipulating, managing, and analyzing data. The Real Estate Development Analyst will work with a team of analysts to standardize and improve analytical processes. The successful candidate will be highly organized, creative, extremely detail oriented, and self-driven. The candidate will also be an effective interpersonal communicator with demonstrated ability to respond to changing workloads and priorities.

The School of Government recognizes the importance of an educational and work environment in which all individuals are respected and valued. To that end, we are strongly committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. For more information about the School’s commitment to diversity, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page: https://www.sog.unc.edu/resources/microsites/diversity-and-inclusion.

Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/296830

Apply Here: Carrboro Planning Director

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK:

The Town of Carrboro seeks an experienced and highly efficient Planning Director to lead and manage its Planning Department. This role involves complex professional and administrative work in planning, directing, coordinating, and supervising planning, zoning, the Town’s building permitting, minimum housing, and inspection programs, services, and staff. The Planning Director oversees long-range and current planning activities including floodplain and watershed management, Town Engineering/Development Plan Review, Geographic Information Services, administers the department budget, and ensures effective implementation of programs and policies.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL PROVIDE:

• Technical expertise to advisory boards, commissions, elected officials, and community organizations;
• Formulate, and recommend policies;
• Represent the Town with local and regional agencies.

This role operates under the direction of the Assistant Town Manager with full supervision of department personnel either directly or through subordinate supervisors. 
The position may require work outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, or during emergency situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force.
• Regular activities: speaking, hearing, using hands to handle or feel, and sitting.
• Frequent activities: reaching, standing, and walking.
• Occasional activities: climbing, balancing, kneeling, and crawling.
• Visual acuity is required for reading maps, charts, and written data, operating computers, and observing interior and exterior conditions of land areas and infrastructure, construction sites, and buildings, performing inspection work.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Department Oversight:
  • Administers, plans, organizes, direct, and enforce all Planning Department programs, including zoning, subdivision regulations, watershed protection, flood control, hazard mitigation, and transportation.
  • Supervises, directs, and evaluates department staff, including hiring, scheduling, training, and performance management.
  • Prepares and implements annual planning work programs and department budgets, including managing consultant contracts.
  • Coordinates development review with internal and external review partners.
• Policy Administration:
  • Administers and enforces laws, rules, ordinances, and policies related to planning and zoning; interprets ordinances and issues permits.
  • Coordinates with the Assistant Town Manager on long-term planning and zoning-related projects and manages long-range planning efforts, including land use, transportation, and open space.
  • Manages updates to the Land Use Ordinance and prepares amendments to ordinances as needed.
• Public and Regional Engagement:
  • Oversees preparation of data, staff reports, and recommendations for Town Council, advisory boards, and other committees.
  • Conducts public outreach and community education on planning and zoning issues.
  • Represents the Town at local, regional, and community meetings.
• Specialized Responsibilities:
  • Serves as Floodplain Manager and ensures the Town’s eligibility in the National Flood Insurance program.
  • Serves as Watershed Administrator and ensures the Town’s compliance with local and State regulations associated with watershed management/protection.
  • Coordinates with regional agencies on joint programs, grants, and environmental initiatives.

• Major Initiatives
  • Unified Development Ordinance Rewrite: Lead the initiative to update and streamline the Town’s zoning and development regulations to promote sustainability, equity, and growth management.
  • Downtown Area Plan Creation: Oversee the creation of a comprehensive downtown development plan that balances economic growth with preserving Carrboro’s unique character.
  • Comprehensive Plan Initiatives: Lead and contribute to long-term planning initiatives that guide the Town’s growth and development over the next decade.
  • Transportation and Greenway Projects: Oversee transportation and greenway development projects to improve mobility, sustainability, and quality of life for residents.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Geography, or a related field. Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in planning or land use, including a minimum of four years’ experience in positions with progressive responsibility up to and including senior-level position, budget administration, and supervisory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• AICP certification required.
• Certified Zoning Officer (CZO), is desired, and certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification is obtainable within 6 months of employment.

 

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of advanced principles and practices of planning, including rural, regional, and urban planning. Comprehensive understanding of demographics, economics, finance, environmental conditions and regulations, community engagement and equity, and transportation and mobility as they apply to planning. Familiarity with code and building inspection processes, recent developments in planning, and principles of urban design and civil engineering as related to planning.
• Strong ability in data analysis, presenting technical reports, and making recommendations based on trends and findings. Proficient knowledge of GIS and general office software to support data-driven decision-making and enhance departmental functions.
• Ability to develop goals and priorities, cast a clear vision for the department, and educate staff both within the department and across the organization on the value and significance of the department’s roles. Skilled in creating a working environment that encourages curiosity, explores opportunities for improvement, and embraces change.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Town leadership, other municipal departments, local, regional and state agencies, elected officials, and community organizations. Foster trust and transparency with residents, businesses, and stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and inclusivity in decision-making processes.
• Ability to continuously seek and implement innovative solutions to improve departmental processes and enhance overall effectiveness. Skilled in promoting a culture of efficiency by streamlining workflows, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring timely service delivery. Demonstrated capacity to encourage staff development and foster an environment that values continuous improvement, creativity, and effective problem-solving.

Apply Here: Carrboro Planning Director

Clarion Associates
919.967.9188
101 Market Street, Suite D
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
www.clarionassociates.com

Summer Planning Intern Position – Chapel Hill, NC
January 21th, 2025

Clarion Associates is a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in community planning and zoning and plan implementation. This work covers a variety of topics, such as land use, design, community equity, affordable housing, sustainability, resiliency, and historic preservation. We have offices in Chapel Hill and Denver, and affiliated offices in Cincinnati and Philadelphia. This position would be based out of the Chapel Hill office under a hybrid (in-person and remote) work approach. Fully remote work may be considered.
Clarion has assisted over 200 U.S. cities and counties to plan for their futures and implement those plans creatively, efficiently, and effectively. We are highly regarded as a firm that forms strong partnerships with each of our communities to tackle complex planning projects and resolve them in ways that get adopted, get implemented, and build public support for ambitious local planning efforts. You can learn more about us at www.clarionassociates.com.
This intern position will support our extensive plan development and plan implementation practice areas. Work will involve research, preparation of plan documents, public engagement assistance, support for drafting of zoning ordinances, and research on equity, affordable housing, sustainability, and resiliency issues.
Pursuit of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in urban planning is required, and one to two years relevant practice experience is helpful. Joint planning and law students are encouraged to apply. Excellent computer, written, and oral communication skills are essential. Experience with Microsoft Office and Teams, ArcGIS Pro, Google SketchUp, and Adobe Suite preferred but not required. Clarion offers competitive compensation. The duration of the internship will be based on the school schedule of hired intern(s) and can continue into the fall and spring semesters.
Please submit 1) a cover letter, 2) a resume, 3) three professional and academic references, 4) a writing sample, and 5) an example of graphics or document layout/design related work to: chapelhillhiring@clarionassociates.com by February 10, 2025. No phone calls please.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) seeks a detail-oriented Program Analyst to support ongoing programs and studies as well as established committees of the Commission. The ideal candidate will have: an understanding of transportation and transit issues, both in Northern Virginia and across the industry as a whole; an interest in transit policy and funding; experience collecting and visualizing data (ex. GIS, PowerPoint, Excel); excellent written and oral communication skills; and a strong desire to learn and grow professionally.

The Program Analyst will provide technical, policy, research, and logistical support. Responsibilities will include: conducting data collection and analysis; supporting transit planning efforts and technical assistance to NVTC jurisdictions; assisting ongoing work to find dedicated funding for Northern Virginia transit agencies; and preparing and presenting findings to stakeholders, project teams, management, and the Commission.

*NVTC has openings for up to 3 Program Analyst positions and intends to fill multiple positions with this advertisement.*

The full posting, including information about how to apply, is here: https://novatransit.org/employment-opportunities/program-analyst/

GIS Mapping Coordinator

Clarion Associates is a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in zoning, community planning, sustainability and resilience, community equity, housing affordability and diversity, and historic preservation. We have offices in Denver and Chapel Hill and affiliated offices in Cincinnati and Philadelphia. We have assisted over 200 U.S. cities and counties to plan for their futures. Clarion is highly regarded as a firm that forms strong partnerships with each of our client communities. We tackle complex projects and find creative solutions that lead to adoption and implementation of our work. We are known for building public support for ambitious local planning and zoning efforts. Learn more at www.clarionassociates.com.

About the Position
We are actively seeking a full-time GIS Mapping Coordinator to serve both our Chapel Hill and Denver offices. Successful candidates should have experience and interest in the following core job skills:

 GIS Database and File Management – The GIS Mapping Coordinator is responsible for working with client communities to receive, collect, transmit, organize, and inventory geospatial and related data. Experience preparing, maintaining, and using ESRI geodatabases is required.

Cartography – This core job skill involves development of professionally designed graphic representations of geospatial data, including maps, charts, and other graphic information displays to support the firm’s planning and zoning projects. A keen eye for design is required.

Land Use and Zoning Analysis – The Coordinator will prepare a wide array of geospatial analyses for planning and zoning projects, including analyses of community build-out, existing land use, future land use, zoning, natural assets, and preparation of land use scenarios, among others.

Drafting Technical Reports – This position requires technical writing to explain GIS methodologies, analyses, and findings, offered to a wide variety of audiences (community residents, local government staff, community stakeholders, and elected officials).

Development and Management of GIS-based Public Engagement Platforms – This core job skill involves building and managing mapping and data applications to support public engagement initiatives, including ESRI products such as StoryMaps, Dashboards, and Survey123.

Staying Current in Latest Cartographic and GIS-related Technologies – The coordinator researches new technologies and makes recommendations to the firm for software acquisition and implementation and advancement in the fields of GIS and cartography.

The Coordinator would also have the opportunity to provide other direct support for development of community plans and development codes as interested.

Strong candidates for the position:
• Are willing to work hard to help foster positive change in America’s cities, counties, and regions
• Are team-oriented
• Are detail-oriented
• Have excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Are able to work on (and balance) a wide range of assignments and concurrent projects
• Have a master’s degree in geography, urban planning, or a related field with a minimum of two years of professional work experience, or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three years of professional work experience; mid-career professionals are highly encouraged to apply                                                                                                                • Are proficient in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Word, and Excel. (Sketch-Up, InDesign, and Illustrator experience are pluses but not required)
• Are enthusiastic about planning and land-use consulting – because the work we do matters, and it changes the future

Additional “great to have,” but non-essential skills and characteristics include:
• AICP credential
• Spanish fluency
• Graphic design
• Project management experience
• Prior experience working in consulting and/or a general interest in learning the business end of consulting

Compensation and Benefits
Compensation is based on your experience and performance. The salary range for the GIS Mapping Coordinator is generally $60,000-$75,000. Clarion Associates offers competitive benefits to all full-time employees, including full health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision), 401K plan with a 3% annual employer contribution, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, ten days of PTO and eight personal days accrued annually to start (up to 20 days PTO based on tenure), eight paid holidays, coverage of AICP and other professional dues, and a variety of professional development opportunities. A combination of in-person and remote work is offered.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Clarion Associates provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter, no more than one page each, along with a technical writing sample of no more than five pages, and two to three samples of your GIS capabilities to hiring@clarionassociates.com by December 18, 2024. Submissions will be reviewed as they arrive and interviews may be scheduled prior to the scheduled application deadline.

Position Details: View complete job listing

How to Apply
You must apply at https://tinyurl.com/3knesbck by November 25.

NCDOT is a Great Place to Work.
Don’t take our word for it. Read what our people are saying at https://bit.ly/NCDOTGreatPlaceToWork. We are the highest rated state agency for employee satisfaction on Glassdoor with 300 reviews.

Salary: $62,739 – $109,794

The Challenge
We are hiring for an experienced Aviation Transportation Planner to join our Aviation team!

In this role, you will:

• Manage the planning and environmental requirements for aviation projects across North Carolina, including projects related to developing infrastructure for NC’s public airport system and, increasingly, planning for and overseeing infrastructure development related to integrating advanced air mobility, sustainable fuels, and electrification.
• Develop program guidance, standards and best practices.
• Provide technical assistance in the planning and environmental program areas to internal partners in Aviation and other NCDOT business units, and external partners/stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Lead or assist with project delivery activities affecting planning and environmental program areas.
• Lead or assist with public outreach efforts.
• Review engineering plans and scoping documents.
• Complete technical reviews and oversee project documents, including planning analyses and environmental documentation.
• Support oversight of Aviation’s cooperative agreement with US Dept of Agriculture to provide wildlife hazard mitigation program training, assessment, and emergency response for the state’s public airports.
• Evaluate designs and proposals submitted by private engineering firms for compliance and best practices.
• Lead or help with preparation of special studies conducted by NC affecting planning and environmental program areas.
• Respond to urgent requests from internal and external partners.
• Support Aviation outreach; providing data and reviewing reports/briefing documents.
• Serve on panels and make presentations to advance our mission, vision, and goals.

What You Bring

• Knowledge and understanding of best practices in planning and environmental program areas, including federal and state laws/regulations related to transportation planning and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and apply planning techniques to multimodal transportation.
• Experience serving as a technical advisor on transportation planning and NEPA/SEPA matters and maintaining good working relationships with partners at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Demonstrated ability to give public presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as an individual contributor and team member, and to lead small projects, programs, or work activities in planning and environmental program areas.
• Computer experience with Microsoft Office and GIS software proficiency.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, and
• 5 years of relevant experience related; or
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.

Questions?
Call me: Val Smith at 919 814 0566.

Inspire me to join the NCDOT Aviation Team!
As a nationally-recognized leader in air mobility innovation, we promote the economic well-being of North Carolina by developing a safe and robust air transportation system. As the state’s aviation authority, our team manages state and federal airport infrastructure development grant projects, collaborating with local government owners of the state’s 72 public airports, the integration of advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems for business and government use, airport professional development, aviation business and workforce development, and flight services for state agencies. Join us!

Connect me to NCDOT Careers: https://linkedin.com/in/ncdot-careers

Show me more NCDOT jobs: https://bit.ly/NCDOTJobs

Curious? https://bit.ly/JoinNCDOT

The purpose of this position is to serve as the main point of contact within the Planning and Economic Development Division for current and future residents, developers, surveyors, business owners, investors, and others. This position also provides administrative support for the Planning Division staff.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs if they believe they are unable to perform every task on a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The town will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications.