Planning Director

Starting Salary: $74,384

The City of Dunn’s Planning Director has informed the City of their retirement.  The City of Dunn, a growing and vibrant community in Eastern Harnett County, is seeking qualified candidates for this position. The Planning Director will perform professional administrative and supervisory work regarding the land use planning, zoning, and community development functions of the City. An employee in this class directs the planning and zoning activities in the City to ensure coordinated guidance and regulation of the growth and development.  Work involves a variety of professional planning activities including comprehensive plan review of development and land use applications; zoning, site plan and environmental review; enforcement of zoning and related codes; grants management and administration; providing professional support to City Boards and Committees; providing technical assistance and administrative guidance to City staff and the public; providing guidance for the orderly long-range growth, appropriate land use, and current development of the City; and supervising staff involved in the issuance of permits, which include a Planner, Planning Technician, and Administrative staff. The employee is responsible for the overall design of the planning program including zoning, regulation of subdivisions, and redevelopment.  Knowledge and skill in process design and facilitation to obtain citizen and developer input and develop consensus among conflicted parties is required.  Extensive judgment and initiative are required in conducting research projects, compiling reports and making presentations, and making recommendations for various programs and functions of the City. Work involves extensive public contact and coordination with other departments, boards and commissions. Considerable tact and courtesy must be exercised in the public contact functions.  Work is performed under the general administrative direction of the City Manager and is evaluated through conferences, review of work, results obtained, and management of and administrative adherence to the City’s plans, programs, and ordinances.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Performs comprehensive plan review of development and land use applications; reviews site plans against zoning and environmental ordinances; completes technical assessments; conducts site inspections; prepares written project analysis and makes recommendations; interprets and explains applicable rules.
• Assists the public, developers, engineers, contractors, and others with information, processes, technical guidance, and other customer service needs in the development review process.
• Serves as zoning administrator; oversees rezonings and development permits to ensure zoning and code compliance; prepares zoning verification letters; writes warning citation letters.
• Prepares applications for federal and state funds and grants; manages grant requirements and paperwork; may administer expenditure of grant funds.
• Provides research and input into the development of ordinances, policies and procedures for the City and the department; advises the City Manager and City Council on related issues.
• Participates in Planning Board and City Council meetings and public hearings to explain recommendations on planning proposals; presents and discusses applications and reports; provides staff support and guidance in design, interpretation, and directions; answers questions regarding planning related issues.
• Organizes, schedules, and participates in Planning Board, Technical Review Committee, and Board of Adjustment meeting and hearings.
• Designs and manages a variety of processes to obtain input from the community and develop consensus among conflicted parties.
• Researches and prepares planning elements necessary for decisions by management or boards regarding land use, zoning, housing, transportation, open space, and environmental impact.
• Creates and updates maps; manages and updates data; gathers data and researches needed information; develops graphs and tables utilizing GIS technology.
• Enforces land use and nuisance ordinances; receives and pursues complaints alleging ordinance violations; issues warning and citation; corresponds with property owners regarding ordinances.
• Develops, coordinates, and directs staff in the functions of minor plan review, zoning and nuisance code enforcement, and permit processing.
• Hires, trains, assigns, builds teamwork, mentors, provides leadership and direction, performance coaching and evaluation, communications, and motivation to department staff.
• Provides research and input into the development of ordinances, policies and procedures for the City and the department.
• Accepts, reviews and processes permits.
• Prepares and monitors department budget; drafts and maintains a variety of planning files, records, and reports.
• Performs related duties as required.

Education, Experience, and Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration or related field and considerable professional experience in public sector planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Possession of Zoning Certification.

Prefer possession of AICP certification.

Benefits

The City of Dunn provides an excellent benefits package that includes participation in NC Local Government Employees Retirement System; participation in the State Health Plan, employer-paid dental, vision & life insurance; optional FSA participation; 5% 401(k) plan and optional 457(b) plan; 12 paid holidays; birthday holiday; and vacation/sick leave.

Submit a City application, resume, and cover letter expressing your interest in working for the Dunn community. Applications are available at City Hall, 401 E. Broad St., or they may be downloaded or submitted online at www.cityofdunn.org. Open until filled. The City of Dunn is an Equal Opportunity employer and provides a drug-free workplace.