Community Development Planner

Description

Performs difficult professional work participating in a variety of assignments in the Planning Department including but not limited to: neighborhood-based redevelopment efforts, arts-based redevelopment, downtown revitalization and housing programs and projects. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the Director of Planning.

Essential Functions

• Oversee community development initiatives, including but not limited to: two neighborhood-based redevelopment efforts, arts-based redevelopment, downtown revitalization and housing programs and projects.
• 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 state 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

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; skilled in preparation of charts, graphs, PowerPoint presentations, and maps; skilled in interpreting statistical data; 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 prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports; 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; ability to coordinate and direct several major planning projects concurrently. 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.

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.

CZO and CFM preferred or ability to acquire during employment.

Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of North Carolina.

Physical Demands

This work is sedentary and requires little to no exertion of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently sitting and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, walking and reaching with hands and arms; work requires distance vision, depth perception and color perception; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work has some exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office with typewriters and/or computer printers, light traffic).