The City of High Point Planning and Development Department seeks to fill a Senior Planner position in the Planning Services Division.  This position performs responsible professional and technical work related to long-range, comprehensive planning with an additional focus on demographic analysis.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Planning Administrator.

Essential Tasks:

• 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; and
• 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.

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.

Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification

Interested applicants must apply through NEOGOV, the City of High Point’s job application system. Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application. To apply, please type the following link into your web browser:  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/highpointnc/jobs/4133506/senior-planner.

This job will remain open until filled.  The City of High Point is an Equal Opportunity Employer.