Regional Planner I / Zoning Administrator

Land of Sky Regional Council is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Regional Planner/Zoning Administrator with primary duties of Code Enforcement, Land Use Planning, Stormwater/Environmental Planning, Housing, and Community Development. Duties may also include support of comprehensive plans and infrastructure administration.

Successful candidate will possess the ability to work independently; review information for accuracy and consistency; interpret regulations; determine when to seek guidance from superiors; and possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Position requires superb verbal and written communication skills to interact with a variety of individuals including co-workers, local government staff, general public, and elected officials.

Distinguishing Features of the Class: An employee in this class performs technical and professional planning work preparing and enforcing municipal codes on zoning, minimum housing, and nuisance abatement for the region. The position manages the administration of code issues from discovery to compliance which requires excellent communication skills and knowledge of compliance tools provided in local, state, and federal regulations. The employee works closely with the general public to provide customer service on code issues and must exercise appropriate firmness, tact, and courteousness in carrying out duties. Work may also include services for the community such as serving as a compliance officer, reviewing applications for permits, and checking work of contractors. The employee may also serve 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 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:

• Provide enforcement of the Code of Ordinances and Unified Development Ordinance.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce code compliance processes and procedures.
• Provide technical assistance and information to staff and the general public in the administration/enforcement of codes.
• 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.

Who We Are: Land of Sky Regional Council is a multi-county, local government, planning and development organization. We reach county and municipal borders providing technical assistance to local governments and administer projects and programs which benefit our region’s citizens.

Our Mission: Our mission is to provide creative regional solutions to relevant and emerging issues in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties while providing a standard of excellence in the delivery of federal, state, and regional services for our member communities.

Learn more about us: http://www.landofsky.org/about.html