Senior Planner

Performs responsible professional and technical work in the planning services division of the Planning and Development Department, primarily managing planning projects.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Planning Administrator.

• Prepares reports involving demographic data, such as population estimates and projections.
• Coordinates duties related to U.S. Census Bureau activities, including decennial censuses.
• Gathers, compiles, selects, and analyzes data pertaining to the physical, social, and economic characteristics of the City’s planning area.
• Conducts research and manages projects in the comprehensive planning program, including the formation and revision of the comprehensive plan and related plans concerning the growth and development of the city.
• Facilitates groups participating in planning studies, mediates discussion, and seeks consensus solutions.
• Manages and completes a variety of planning-related studies and projects.
• Receives, processes, and evaluates plan amendment applications and creates written reports to the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council.
• Assists with amendments to the Development Ordinance.
• Conducts field surveys, collects data and information, analyzes, and summarizes existing conditions, derives conclusions, makes recommendations, and prepares written technical reports.
• Provides information to the public regarding City policies and activities, often through the department webpage, and explains the comprehensive planning process.
• Attends meetings and makes oral presentations.
• Maintains records and data related to permitting and land development.
• Provides information and guidance to City and department personnel.
• Assists division head and City staff as needed.
• May be required to drive to various locations to accomplish assignments.
• Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.

• Formal Education
  • Master’s degree in planning, geography, public administration, or closely related field with two (2) years of relevant planning experience; OR 
  • Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, public administration, or closely related field with four (4) years of relevant planning experience.
• Knowledge
  • Well-developed knowledge of urban planning principles, practices, and techniques.
  • In-depth knowledge of comprehensive planning practices and methods.
  • Knowledge of state and local laws and regulations applicable to work responsibilities.
  • In-depth knowledge of principles, methodology and practices of research, data collection and analysis; and
  • Knowledge of computer hardware and software applications applicable to work responsibilities, including the use of geographic information applications in planning.
• Skills
  • Proficient computer skills to use software applications to process board submissions and reviews, prepare reports, and perform essential tasks.
  • Excellent communication skills to communicate in various forms and convey complex information clearly and effectively to different audiences.
  • Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information in the development of effective policy.
  • Effective facilitation skills to lead productive group discussions.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to create and maintain productive working relationships with associates, city officials, consultants, contractors, customers, and the public.
  • Ability to provide technical assistance regarding land use applications, and ability to read construction drawings and details.
  • Ability to read and comprehend scientific and technical journals, reports, ordinances, laws, policies, maps, plans, and other documents relating to essential tasks.
  • Ability to prepare and present technical reports in oral and written form; and
  • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and manage them effectively to meet established deadlines.
• Certifications
  • None required.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification 

• Hearing/Speaking - Expressing and receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to converse with associates, city officials, customers, and the public.
• Visual Abilities – The ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position:
  • Acuity, far – Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Must be able to see from a distance when addressing an audience, performing a site visit to record land features, or operating a motor vehicle.
  • Acuity, mid – Clarity of vision from 20 inches to 20 feet.   Must be able to make visual presentations in an assembly room.
  • Acuity, near – Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to see computer monitor and read plans, ordinances, reports, and documents close at hand.
  • Depth perception – Three-dimensional vision and the ability to judge distance and space relationships.
  • Field of Vision – The area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are focused on one point. Must be able to see a wide span of area when conducting a site visit and addressing an audience.
  • Accommodation – Must be able to adjust the eye lens to glance quickly.
• Physical Strength – The degree of physical demands typically associated with this position include:
  • Light Work
    • Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or
    • Exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and
    • A negligible amount of force constantly to handle or move materials related to the position.
  • Type of Physical Demands
    • Reaching - Extending the hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
    • Handling - Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s).
    • Fingering - Picking, pinching or otherwise working with fingers primarily rather than the entire hand or arm.

• Reasoning
  • Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems; to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.); to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables; to comprehend and respond to a variety of situations in an expedient manner and to exercise good judgment.
• Mathematics Ability
  • Using Algebra:  Ability to apply fundamental mathematical concepts and theories, and to work with real and complex variables to analyze and compile technical information.
  • Using Statistics:  Ability to work with mathematical statistics to generate and maintain a variety of records and reports.
• Language Ability
  • The ability to speak, read and write the English Language are required for this position.

• Physical Surroundings
  • This position is subject to working indoors or outdoors.
• Hazards
  • No environmental hazards are indicated for this position.
• Machinery/Tools/Work Aids/Other Equipment
  • Computers, monitors, projectors, printers, copiers, plotters, cameras, plans, maps, records, reports, manuals, policies, ordinances, reference materials, periodicals, correspondence, telephone, calculator, and regular office supplies.

Salary : $51,790 - $70,292