Under general supervision of the Planning Director, performs professional level planning studies, technical reviews, customer service, and projects; supports planning assignments of varying complexity in the department; and performs related work as required.

Position may be upgraded to the “Planner II” level (Grade 12, Hiring Range $55,657-$69,571) based on meeting thresholds for relevant experience, education, and demonstration of ability to conduct planning tasks of higher levels of complexity, including but not limited to major plat and site plan review, land development project liaison, land development code research and support, and similar project management roles. Please reach out to Human Resources with questions and for more information on the Planner II essential duties and position description. 

Essential Duties

(Any one position may not include all the tasks listed, nor do the examples necessarily include all of the tasks performed.)

• Participates actively in the performance of all planning projects and studies. 
• Provides assistance to the public via phone, email, or in-person related to commercial and/or residential permitting processes and ordinance requirements. Information provided may include but is not limited to property zoning, setbacks, signs, permitted uses, watershed regulations, etc. 
• Processes and reviews various land development submittals in the Mecklenburg County Accela system, including but not limited to site plans, plats, and permits for residential homes and accessory structures, signs, and commercial upfits/changes of use. 
• Prepares and presents various planning cases, studies, and projects to governing and/or advisory boards, including rezoning, variance, special use permit, watershed, annexation, and other related plans and projects.
• Prepares and maintains GIS data and map management for planning projects and other Town departments using software such as ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro; Responsible for preparation of certain map presentations.
• Supports development and implementation of long-range planning projects such as Land Use Plan, Downtown Master Plan, and similar projects.
• Confers with various governmental agencies, local civic groups, business leaders, developers, and others with regard to planning and community development matters.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good knowledge of the principles and practices pertaining to urban planning.
• Good knowledge of statutes, rules, and regulations as they pertain to planning and zoning.
• Good knowledge of the philosophy underlying the laws and regulations pertaining to planning and zoning.
• Good knowledge in the use of ESRI GIS mapping applications.
• Proficient with the use of MS Office and Adobe Acrobat Professional applications. 
• Ability to prepare and present, in a clear concise manner, oral and written reports on planning and development activities to internal and external agencies.
• Ability to write in a professional manner with thorough knowledge of sentence structure, English language vocabulary, grammar, and spelling.
• Ability to analyze complex planning problems and to identify and present clear, concise recommendations for their solution.
• Ability to support preparation of comprehensive master plans and to maintain such plans with technical accuracy.
• Ability to deal effectively with public and community groups concerned with municipal planning.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town officials and various diverse groups and agencies.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with other personnel involved in planning and zoning programs and projects. 

Education and Experience

Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, geography, public administration, or closely related field; master’s degree preferred. Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in municipal planning, zoning administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Equipment Operated

Automobile, computer, various database applications and topographical maps, architect and engineering scales, and related equipment. Experience in the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is preferred. 

Special Requirements

Possession of an appropriate valid driver’s license. 

Physical Demands

Work is primarily in an office environment but may involve field work requiring walking, standing, and grasping with exposure to varied weather conditions.

Special Note

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.