This unique, growing community of Wake Forest, NC, seeks an energetic and motivated individual with impeccable organizational skills to serve as its next Senior Planner—Parks. Duties related to this position primarily focus on developing solutions and interpreting laws related to Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources plan review and project oversight. This new classification for the Town offers an exciting opportunity to grow and continue developing an evolving community.

General Statement of Duties

Under general supervision, performs complex planning and land use work activities for the Department. Work responsibilities extend to providing work direction to other planning staff.
 
Distinguishing Features of the Class 

An employee in this class performs at the responsible and independent level. Work in this class may require developing solutions to problems and performing a high interpretation of ordinances, laws, etc. An employee in this class works closely with other departments, primarily including Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources on plan review, project oversight, and final inspections. Work includes considerable public contact with contractors, engineers, developers, and the general public and involves giving information, answering inquiries, and carrying out the Town ordinances in zoning, planning, and other land use policies. You must contact the public while maintaining high customer service and tact. Work is supervised by the Projects & Programs Manager and is evaluated through conferences, review of assigned projects, and overall completion of assigned tasks.

Employee Values: The Town of Wake Forest employees are expected to uphold and exhibit the Town’s shared employee values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration.

Essential Functions

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Oversee the design (concepts, site plans, and construction plans) of new parks and park improvement plans in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan.
• Oversee land acquisition and construction plan design of the greenway system. 
• Make recommendations to other planning divisions and departments for Comprehensive Plan updates, studies, ordinance updates, and other initiatives related to the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Master Plan.
• Participate in environmental, natural, cultural, or historic resource assessments.
• Prepare and administer federal and state grant applications.
• Assist in the management of CIP prioritization for select implementation projects.
• Review land development applications and proposals to determine their impact on the Town park system’s goals and objectives.
• Develop and maintain a policy on how to best accommodate property disposal and acquisition.
• Assist with the identification of property suitable for park development. 
• Participate with other agencies in developing multijurisdictional park and greenway plans.
• Handles daily inquiries from internal and external customers. 
• Serves as support staff to various commissions and boards. 
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the advanced principles and practices of park planning and the relationship between long-range and current planning
• Considerable knowledge of GIS, sketch-up, Adobe, and Microsoft Office technology
• Considerable knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the field of planning
• General knowledge of budgeting and purchasing procedures
• Ability to interpret and analyze technical information and to prepare and present technical oral and written reports
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, partner agencies, and the general public
• Considerable knowledge of planning data and ability to perform research functions and draft reports and position papers for higher-level review and actions
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms
• Considerable knowledge of governmental laws, programs, and services pertinent to the planning process
• Skill in the collection, analysis, and compilation of technical data from maps, charts, and other sources and in drafting and mapping
• General knowledge of grant application and reporting

Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in parks and recreation, urban and regional planning, or a related field with considerable professional planning experience, including supervisory experience. A master's degree in urban planning or related field is preferred.

Special Requirement
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
AICP certification is required within one year of employment.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, kneeling, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, talking, grasping, feeling, talking, and talking.
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, do extensive reading, operate a computer terminal, use measurement devices, and visually inspect land areas for purposes.

Closing Date

2/9/2025 11:59 PM Eastern