We are excited to recruit a Parks Senior Planner to join our vibrant team! This is a newly created position that will help to implement policy recommendations and carry out meaningful projects that have a tangible impact on our thriving and growing town. If you have a passion for public service and community development and are looking for a workplace that values collaboration, innovation, and a healthy work-life balance, the Town of Wake Forest Planning Department invites you to bring your talents and enthusiasm to our dynamic team! Under general supervision, the Senior Planner – Parks performs complex planning and land use work activities primarily in park and greenway planning, design, and construction, as well as grant management, and development review. 

General Statement of Duties

Under general supervision, performs complex planning and land use work activities for the Planning Department. Work responsibilities extend to coordinating between Departments and providing direction to other planning staff.

Distinguishing Features of the Class 

An employee in this class performs at a responsible and independent level. Work in this class may require developing solutions to problems and performing a high level of interpretation of ordinances, laws, etc. An employee in this class works closely with other departments, primarily 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. It involves giving information, answering inquiries, and carrying out the Town ordinances in the areas of zoning, planning, and other land use policies, including parks and greenways.  Frequent contact with the public while maintaining high customer service and tact is required.  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: Employees of the Town of Wake Forest 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 plan, and construction plan) of new park and park improvement plans in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan.
• Oversee land acquisition and construction plan design of the greenway system. 
• Participate in environmental, natural, cultural or historic resource assessments.
• Prepare and administer federal and state grant applications.
• Assist in 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.
• Handle daily inquiries from internal and external customers. 
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge in design and construction of development projects.
• Considerable knowledge of the advanced principles and practices of parks planning. 
• Considerable knowledge of GIS, sketch-up, Adobe, and Microsoft Office technology.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations and policies.
• General knowledge of budgeting and purchasing procedures.
• 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, landscape architecture, or related field with considerable professional planning 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, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, 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 an eligible 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 do visual inspection of land areas.

Once an offer of employment has been extended, candidates will undergo a thorough background investigation, including SBI fingerprinting.

Why Choose Wake Forest Planning?

Working for the Town of Wake Forest Planning Department isn't just a job – it's an opportunity to contribute to the unique character and future of a special place. Here's what makes us stand out:

• Our Organizational Culture
• Make a Real Difference
• A Collaborative and Supportive Environment
• Engaging and Diverse Projects
• A Commitment to Innovation
• Work-Life Balance Matters
• Located in a Charming and Growing Town
• Opportunities for Professional Development
• Competitive Benefits Package