Planner

Summary

Rockingham County is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with federal and state statutes regarding discrimination in employment matters.

Performs intermediate skilled technical work researching and conducting studies related to planning and zoning issues, assisting and providing information to the public, issuing zoning permits, reviewing plans, overseeing planning related committees and boards, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Planning & Inspections Director.

Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions

• Receives and responds to questions regarding land use, planning and zoning issues, programs and services; responds to questions regarding plats, plans, rezonings, processes, setbacks, permits, signs, easements, ordinances, etc.
• Reviews and issues zoning permits for new residences, businesses and signs, etc.
• Performs research on ordinances, North Carolina general statutes and various planning and zoning issues.
• Conducts field inspections for compliance with zoning regulations and postings.
• Assigns new addresses and administers the addressing ordinance.
• Corresponds with Tax Department and Environmental Health to handle development issues.
• Prepares maps and GIS layers; utilizes other GIS data for use in mapping and analysis for planning/inspections and other departments.
• Conducts sign clean up initiative; issues notices of violation and removes non-compliant signs.
• Assists with the review of major and minor subdivisions; reviews subdivision plats.
• Prepares and provides various reports as needed; prepares and makes presentations; prepares and maintains files and records.
• Attends workshops for continuing education and study related to the Unified Development Ordinance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
General knowledge of the County’s zoning, land use, and other ordinances and codes; general knowledge of the principles and practices of community and economic development and public sector planning; general knowledge of governmental laws, programs, and services pertinent to the community and economic development and planning processes; general knowledge of the environmental and socioeconomic implications of the planning process; skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations; skill in conflict resolution, meeting facilitation, and public presentations; ability to enforce codes with firmness and tact; ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies; ability to express ideas effectively in both oral and written formats; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, state, regional, Town officials, and the general public.

Physical Requirements
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and repetitive motions, frequently requires walking and occasionally requires standing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; 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, using of measuring devices, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather) and exposure to fumes or airborne particles; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree with coursework in planning, geography, or related field and minimal experience in municipal planning, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements
Valid driver’s license.