Planner II

CLOSING: 7/31/2019 5:00 PM Eastern
APPLY: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/matthewsnc/jobs/2489106/planner-ii?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs difficult journey level planning to provide coordinated guidance and regulation of the growth and development of the Town. Work involves creating and updating maps and GIS data base; reviewing applications for sign permits; assisting citizens and developers with various development issues; preparing text amendments; updating documents and plans; and participating in site plan reviews, zoning verification, and special projects. Work involves considerable research, public contact often in sensitive or emotional issues requiring judgment, firmness, and tact. The role also includes developing a favorable relationship between the Town and the community. Work is supervised by the Planning Director and is evaluated through conferences, review of work results obtained, and overall acceptance of the programs by the Town’s citizens.

Essential Duties and Tasks

Creates and updates maps; manages and updates data; gathers data and researches needed information; develops graphs and tables utilizing GIS technology.
Reviews applications for sign permits and makes sure they are in compliance with the UDO.
Assists the public, developers, engineers, contractors, and others with information, processes, technical guidance and other customer service needs in the development review process.
Updates design guidelines such as building styles, sign regulations, streetscape improvements, and requirements for tree protection.
Prepares text amendments for the UDO; prepares staff reports, memoranda, etc.
Facilitates various meetings, task forces, teams and other groups.
Performs site plan reviews; prepares zoning verification letters; prepares grant applications and performs other special projects.
Reviews plans for compliance with land use plans; researches and prepares recommendations for board consideration; reviews commercial site plans for compliance with town codes.
Researches and prepares planning elements necessary for decisions by management or boards regarding land use, zoning, housing, transportation, open space, and environmental impact.
Represents the Town with various local, regional and state groups; serves as staff when needed to Planning Board, and Town Commissioners.

Additional Job Duties

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the Town’s zoning, land use, and other ordinances and codes.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of community and economic development and public sector planning.
Knowledge of governmental laws, programs, and services pertinent to the community and economic development and planning processes.
Considerable knowledge of GIS systems including application of software, hardware and peripherals to planning needs.
Considerable knowledge of the environmental and socio economic implications of the planning process.
Knowledge of the application of information technology to the work.
Skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations.
Skill in conflict resolution, meeting facilitation, and public presentations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, state, regional, Town officials, and the general public.
Ability to enforce codes with firmness and tact.
Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies.
Ability to express ideas effectively in oral and written form.
Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with staff, leaders, volunteers, elected officials and the general public.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, standing, walking, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
Must possess the visual acuity to examine and work with maps, charts, and detailed materials, operate a computer, inspect sites regarding planning issues, and do extensive reading.

Desired Education and Experience
Graduation from a college or university preferably with a Masters degree in planning or related field and professional experience in public sector planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Typical Qualifications

The Town of Matthews, NC is seeking an energetic professional team player, self-motivated, with well-developed communication and consensus-building skills. This position focuses on providing high quality GIS-generated products for the Planning and Development Department, various Town departments and others. The qualified candidate must demonstrate strong GIS capabilities as evidenced by past/current work responsibilities, with preference for familiarity with ArcGIS/ArcPro systems at the parcel and community level. The candidate should also have experience in performing a variety of professional urban planning tasks, including: proven ability to compile technical and statistical data and clearly present them in oral and written format; working knowledge of transportation planning efforts; experience with rezoning and site development review processes; and providing technical planning expertise to citizens.

General work hours are 8AM to 5PM weekdays, with occasional evening meetings.

Hiring Range for this position is from $47,397 to $60,431 depending upon qualifications.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in city planning or closely related field with coursework in GIS, and at least three years of experience in a GIS position or a local government planning position with demonstrable proficiency in GIS. AICP preferred, or can attain AICP designation within two years of employment. Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Drivers License.