Planner

The Cumberland County Planning & Inspections Department is seeking candidates for a Planner position open in the Comprehensive Planning Section.  This position is located within the Comprehensive Planning Section of the Planning Department. Employees in this class perform professional planning work in current and long-range planning projects for the County. Employees in this class perform responsible journey level planning work to provide coordinated guidance and regulation of the growth and development of the County and in contracted municipalities. (Planner POS# 119000017; Starting Salary: $44,999)

Position Overview:  This position is located within the Comprehensive Planning Section of the Planning Department. Employees in this class perform professional planning work in current and long-range planning projects for the County. Employees in this class perform responsible journey level planning work to provide coordinated guidance and regulation of the growth and development of the County and in contracted municipalities.

Primary Responsibilities:  Conduct in-depth original research on planning and land use issues, primary responsibility will be working with other staff members in the creation of detailed future land use plans for the County and contracted municipalities.

Examples of Duties

• Conduct in-depth original research on planning and land use issues, primary responsibility will be working with other staff members in the creation of detailed future land use plans for the County and contracted municipalities
• Brief administrative staff and elected officials regarding research through periodic written and oral presentations; organize forums for public input on future land use and long range issues
• Use a variety of computer programs to generate reports and data and to prepare presentations, charts, maps, graphs and other illustrative materials for presentations to elected officials, appointed boards, citizens and contracted municipalities
• Participate in workshops, meetings and public hearings to explain planning proposals
• Answer citizen questions concerning plans
• Makes presentations of staff recommendations and possible scenarios
• Lead or serve on study committees related to planning and land use matters
• Assume leadership role in the development of special studies such as small area plans
• Writes goals and objectives for growth strategies and facilitates implementation of growth policies and related land development regulations.

• Must be proficient in Arc GIS, strong writing skills and experience in grant writing is preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record at the time of hire. Within 60 days of hire, must obtain and show proof of a valid NC Driver’s License and must maintain an acceptable driving record while employed. Driving is an essential function of this position. Background check and negative drug test are required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public sector current and long-range planning
• Knowledge of GIS systems including application of software, hardware and peripherals to planning needs
• Knowledge of the environmental and socio-economic implications of the planning process
• Skills in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, Federal, State, regional and County officials, and the general public
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies and the ability to express ideas effectively in oral and written forms.

Minimum Qualifications:  Graduation from a college or university with a degree in urban or regional planning, geography, public administration, engineering, community development, or a related field, and one year of experience preferably in a local government planning office; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional information and to apply