Community Development Planner

The City of Kinston is seeking a Community Development Planner with high initiative and interest in a wide variety of planning tasks including: long range planning, state and federal grants, floodplain management, zoning administration, GIS mapping, citizen engagement programs, advisory board guidance, public art programs, and downtown development. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the Director of Planning.

Description:

Essential Functions:

• Oversee community development initiatives, including but not limited to:  two neighborhood-based redevelopment efforts, arts-based redevelopment and downtown revitalization.
• Evaluates requests and assists customers with basic planning needs including zoning and permits.
• Design and conduct outreach, community engagement, trainings, meetings and workshops with general public and key stakeholder groups of community.
• Prepares applications for stated and federal funding and other grant opportunities.  Manages and administers grants.
• Creates, implements and evaluates new and existing plans, including Comprehensive Land Use Plan, neighborhood plans, etc.
• Conducts research, analyzes data and updates stakeholders on relevant planning and community development issues.
• Responsible for presentations to City Council, Planning Board, Historic Preservation Commission and other groups.
• Oversees Community Rating (CRS) and floodplain management programs.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in planning, urban design, or related field and  at least two years relevant experience in a municipal or regional planning environment and/or grant administration  or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master’s degree in related field preferred, but not required.
• AICP , CZO, and CFM preferred but not required.
• General  knowledge of the theory, principles, practices and techniques of City planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas.
• General  knowledge of the various ordinances, codes and regulations pertaining to planning, community development and  zoning.
• Basic understanding of GIS.
• Ability and experience working comfortably with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to research and analyze various topics regarding neighborhood revitalization, downtown revitalization,etc.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing;ability to speak comfortably with diverse groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, elected officials, surveyors, engineers, architects, state and federal agency representatives and the general public.
• Must be self-starter with capacity to work individually and in a team environment.
• Must have passion and enthusiasm for community development, including downtown and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
• Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of North Carolina.

Apply and see additional requirements at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kinstonnc/jobs/3395151/community-development-planner?keywords=planner&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs.