Planner I

Performs technical and specialized professional planning duties for communities in the region or for region-wide projects.

Distinguishing Features of the Class: An employee in this class performs technical and professional planning work for the region, with tasks such as serving
as a project manager on specialized project or projects covering a portion or the region or for region-wide services; providing contracted services such as researching planning issues, preparing zoning and development ordinances, or facilitating public hearings or other means of public input; or supporting other staff through technical research and writing. Employees work on one or more areas of expertise including community planning and zoning, water, forest and land quality and restoration process, economic development, alternative and clean energy, solid waste, brownfields, or transportation (roads and alternatives). Work includes tasks such as gathering statistics and field data; analyzing data, ordinances, laws and policies and developing recommendations; preparing or requesting GIS data and maps; providing technical assistance to the local government members; planning and participating in various public participation processes; supporting groups and committees made up of citizen and public officials; evaluating programs and preparing and presenting reports; and complying with grant reporting regulations. Work may also include services for the community such as serving as a compliance officer, reviewing applications for permits, and checking work of contractors. Work requires thorough knowledge of the area of expertise to which assigned and of planning concepts, as well as independent judgment and initiative in the performance of duties. Work is performed primarily in an inside environment but also requires field work and travel within, and occasionally outside, the region. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through conferences, observation, reports, progress on projects, and feedback from the clients.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Serves as a specialist in a technical area of expertise or as a generalist in broad areas of the planning process; works on projects as assigned.
• Leads or participates in projects in technical areas such as community planning and zoning, water, forest and land quality and restoration process, economic development, alternative and clean energy, solid waste, brownfields, or transportation (roads and alternatives); conducts studies for communities through contracts or complying with grant requirements for multi-jurisdiction projects.; develops recommendations on code and zoning ordinances as assigned; conducts research on ordinances; reviews and drafts reports; presents recommendations.
• Conducts specialized research; gathers and analyzes relevant data for projects; documents services and benefits; drafts feasibility reports;
• Prepares maps using GIS technology; obtains datasets from various data sources for map creation; maintains and updates multilayer GIS database for communities; works with GIS Analyst in gathering, analyzing and using data to display information.
• Serves as a technical advisor to groups such as local governing and planning boards and citizen working groups; makes presentations to groups; supports community events.
• Reviews applications for permits and advises communities on approval; advises public on design and compliance issues; meets on-site with citizens and developers to review codes and regulations.
• Provides technical assistance to member agency staffs.
• Conducts public meetings; facilitates input; provides technical guidance.
• Creates hazard mitigation plans.
• Serves as administrator for local projects as required including recommending contracts, reviewing programs to insure compliance, making inspections, meeting with contractors on program requirements, submitting pay requests and reviewing and approving contractor change orders for projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices, and research methods related to urban and regional planning.
• Considerable knowledge of relevant federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of regional issues, plans and programs.
• 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 prepared technical reports.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate the feasibility of planning alternatives in relation to trends, costs and social pressures and needs.

How to Apply?

To apply for any positions at Land of Sky Regional Council, please send a completed Land of Sky Regional Council job application, a resume and a cover letter. Applications without a resume and cover letter will not be accepted. EOE/AA/ADA Employer

Land of Sky Regional Council Job Application (Download and save the application before completing)

Email cover letter, resume and application to:
Info@landofsky.org

Mail or drop off cover letter, resume and application at:
Land of Sky Regional Council
339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140, Asheville, NC 28806
Fax to: 828-251-6353