About our opportunity: 

The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Urban Planner II GIS in the Planning and Urban Design department.  The purpose of this position is to perform professional-level planning functions to develop, update, and maintain plans and projects and to perform analysis, and make staff recommendations regarding planning requests for an assigned department. 

This is the second level in the Planner series. This classification is distinguished from lower levels in this job family by increasing degrees of scope, complexity, independence, responsibility, and decision-making, as well as having two years of experience in urban planning. 

• What you’ll be doing: 

  • Performs various statistical research and comparative analyses: compiles, maintains and updates planning operational data; analyzes planning data; forecasts and identifies future planning and growth management deficiencies, trends, and problems in area of assignment; evaluates impacts to proposed planning objectives and application to areas of responsibility; and assists in development of planning improvements and modifying proposed objectives accordingly.

  • Prepares a wide variety of materials, reports and documentation for public hearings, various meetings, and board presentations using primarily GIS but also other Urban Planning tools and skills: provides presentations and information to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups and the public on planning and growth management issues as directed.

  • Maintains City GIS databases related to planning, land development and building and development permitting such as emergency addressing, zoning districts, variance, development and permitting shapefiles.

  • Facilitates both long-range and current planning actions related to compliance with applicable codes and comprehensive plan goals, objectives, and policies in area of assignment: participates in various development review and pre-development meetings to provide information and guidance for community development goals, objectives, and initiatives; and provides professional and technical assistance and consultation regarding planning issues with industry professionals and the public.

  • Evaluates and analyzes proposals and related data and information: evaluates planning proposals to ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes, ordinances, and related regulatory standards; evaluates environmental, statistical, impact and related information and data; identifies non-compliance and adverse impacts; and recommends mitigation measures.

  • Performs various statistical research and comparative analyses: compiles, maintains and updates planning operational data; analyzes planning data; forecasts and identifies future planning and growth management deficiencies, trends, and problems in area of assignment; evaluates impacts to proposed planning objectives and application to areas of responsibility; and assists in development of planning improvements and modifying proposed objectives accordingly.

  • Participates in preparation and administration of state and federal grants, inter-local agreements, land development regulations, and special studies as directed: gathers data; conducts research; and prepares and submits related applications, documentation, and reports.

  • Participates in planning projects and activities: researches projects; prepares related reports and documentation; attends a variety of meetings, workshops, and public forums with applicants and citizens; gathers feedback and answers questions; assists in explaining and providing information regarding planning, land use, zoning, transportation, or other project components; evaluates and analyzes potential project outcomes; and represents interests, policies, goals, and objectives of the City.

  • Prepares a wide variety of materials, reports and documentation for public hearings, various meetings, and board presentations: provides presentations and information to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups and the public on planning and growth management issues as directed.

  • Communicates with City administrators and elected officials, supervisor, other City employees, contractors, the public, outside agencies and organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

  • Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives, reviews, prepares, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate various forms, reports, correspondence, census data and population statistics, draft ordinances, sit plans, architectural designs, planning reports, maps, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

  • Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

  • Performs other related duties as required. 

About you:

• What you Bring:

We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements or have comparable experience and/or education will be considered:

Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering or a related field required; supplemented by two years of experience in planning in area of assignment; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. 

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license. Must obtain and maintain a valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.  Possession of a GIS certification such as GISc or equivalent or ability to obtain within one year of hiring.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.