Planner

The Mid-East Commission Planning, Economic Development, and Community Services Department, located in Washington, North Carolina serving a five county region, is seeking a qualified individual with education and experience in the areas of, Land Use Planning, Zoning Administration, Transportation Planning and Water Quality Planning, to fill the position of Planner. The Planner position, under the supervision of the Department Director, performs professional planning work for the organization. Work primarily includes conducting planning, zoning, land use, open space, water quality and assistance to the commission members. Work requires thorough knowledge of the planning field and is characterized by independent judgment and initiative in the performance of duties. Work is performed primarily in an inside environment. The employee may serve as a lead worker or project manager. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Director of Planning, Economic Development and Community Services and is evaluated through conferences, observation, reports, progress on projects, and feedback from the clients.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Conducts and participates in planning, land use, water quality, and zoning studies; gathers data on residential and commercial annexation requests according to statutory and local ordinance requirements; documents services and benefits; drafts feasibility reports.
• Researches statutes and local ordinances regarding zoning; studies site plan drawings; provides technical assistance to member agency staffs.
• Serves as a technical advisor and makes presentations to the various planning and zoning boards for completed projects; makes presentations to elected officials.
• Develops recommendations on code and zoning ordinances as assigned; conducts research on ordinances; reviews and drafts ordinances that are consistent with local philosophy and practices.
• Conducts public meetings; facilitates input; provides technical guidance.
• Assist planners, economic developers, administrators, and elected officials for member communities.
• Conducts analysis and studies on special issues and makes recommendations; gathers data; performs research; drafts reports.
• Provides staff support to a wide variety regional groups and bodies.
• Research and preparation of various technical memoranda regarding various water quality strategies; develops GIS models to analyze efficacy of various strategies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices, laws, and regulations relating to zoning, water quality, and land use planning.
• Considerable knowledge of the application of personal computers to document preparation, GIS research, spreadsheet analysis, presentation software, and other related applications.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information, and to prepare technical reports.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate the feasibility of planning alternatives in relation to trends, costs and social pressures and needs.

A complete job description is available on the Mid-East Commission website at http://www.mideastcom.org/employment-opportunities/.

Salary range is $36,555 to $46,788, commensurate with qualifications.

The position is open until filled.