Planning and Zoning Administrator

General Statement of Duties

Performs responsible managerial, administrative and supervisory work in directing the activities and personnel of the Town’s Planning Department.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class plans, manages, and reviews the planning activities including current and long range planning, economic development, and downtown revitalization programs involving the physical, economic and social future of the Town. Work involves professional planner responsibilities in the formation, installation, modification and improvement of the Town’s growth and development. Duties include staffing and consulting with boards and committees on development issues in the Town including zoning, economic development, community appearance, long range planning, downtown revitalization, land development and related issues. Work involves coordination with a variety of other local and state jurisdictions and agencies and considerable knowledge of the planning field and local ordinances, and extensive public contact skills. Work is performed in an office environment under the direction of the Town Board of Commissioners and Town Administrator and is evaluated through conferences, reports, and progress on planning and economic development issues and projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks:

• Manages the Town’s economic development program; works with developers interested in locating in Town on commercial and residential development opportunities.
• Manages zoning issues regarding compliance issues; provides technical expertise and advice to the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment.
• Researches, writes and recommends ordinances and grants related to long range planning, growth and development issues; applies for grants for Town projects and manages the grant process and compliance matters.
• Plans and manages special projects; researches complex planning problems; prepares a variety of comprehensive reports and makes presentation of findings and recommendations to the Board and other agencies and committees.
• Represents the Town at various meetings and events and serves as technical support regarding planning, development and transportation issues.
• Manages and coordinates the activities related to the annual Downtown Street Festival.
• Works with the Board of Commissioners to develop and revise Town policies related to long range comprehensive plan goals and other plans and documents adopted by the Town.
• Provides periodic updates and advice on planning and economic development work to the Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, and various appointed boards and committees; deals with the public on controversial issues.
• Hires, trains, provide work assignment and performance coaching and evaluation to assigned staff.
• Develops and recommends budget for department staff, equipment, materials and supplies, and monitors expenditures.

Additional Job Duties:

• Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, land use, and zoning related to long range planning, current planning, economic development, and the comprehensive planning process.
• Considerable knowledge of computer applications related to GIS, planning, data base and statistical analysis.
• Considerable knowledge of the laws and regulations in building inspections and local code enforcement.
• Knowledge of modern and effective supervisory principles and practices including leadership, communications, motivations, performance coaching and evaluation.
• Knowledge of the Town’s personnel, purchasing and budgeting policies and procedures.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, problem solving, public speaking and meeting facilitation.
• Skill in working with committees, tasks forces, state and federal agencies, and other groups and in making public presentations.
• Ability to organize work, set and follow effective priorities, and coordinate work with others to obtain desired outcomes.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms; to interpret planning, zoning and building inspection policies to officials and the general public.
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information, and to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to evaluate the feasibility of planning alternatives in relation to trends, costs and social pressures and needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, developers, property owners, other Town staff, officials, and the general public.

Physical Requirements:

• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, accounting, and operate a computer terminal.
• Subject to both environmental conditions: activities occur inside and outside.
• Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of fingering, talking, hearing, standing and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. .

Desirable Education and Experience
Completion of a four-year degree in urban and regional planning or related field and considerable experience of an increasingly responsible nature including supervisory and management experience in municipal or regional planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
Prefer certification or ability to obtain from the American Institute of Certified Planners.

MAIL: NC State PD-107 Application, Cover Letter, and Resume to:
Human Resources Administrator
“Planning and Zoning Administrator Position”
Town of Williamston
PO Box 506, 102 E Main Street
Williamston, NC 27892