Senior Planner

The City of Morganton is a vibrant and energized city of 17,000 citizens located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a track record of innovation, creativity, positive results, and a progressive mindset. The City is looking for a self-starting planning professional who is motivated, well-organized, and flexible. If you’re a planner who is comfortable with the status quo, you will not be a good fit for our organization. We require someone who desires professional challenges, is able to find creative solutions, and has a strong sense of commitment to the community. The ability to interpret and follow regulatory requirements, paired with the willingness to explore development options to promote project implementation, is essential to be successful – rather than stopping at what we can’t do, we keep moving, building partnerships and focusing on what can be done.

This position performs planning work that provides coordinated guidance and regulation of the growth and development of the City. Work includes:

• Performing the detailed review and analysis of applications for zoning and subdivision approval; including review of site plans, landscaping plans, elevations and plats, as well as certificates of non-conformity and variances;
• Responsibility for thorough documentation and detailed record keeping of applications, map amendments, text amendments, subdivisions, and related plans and documents;
• Providing clear and courteous advice to property owners, developers, citizens, and other City departments on matters related to zoning codes and ordinances;
• Conducting research on zoning, annexation, and other issues; and
• Supervising the Zoning Technician/Code Enforcement Officer

Work involves providing technical guidance with considerable public contact on issues requiring judgment, firmness, customer service and tact – strong communication skills (both oral and written) are a must. The ability to operate independently and frequently switch between tasks is essential. This position requires knowledge and expertise typically found in a Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field along with three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience (or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in planning). Must possess or have ability to obtain a valid NC Driver’s License and AICP certification.

Pay range is $53,275 – $79,912 with starting rate dependent on experience. Open until filled. EOE