EXPECTED HIRING RANGE: $71,156.80 - 87,152.00

WORK LOCATION: Mason Street Municipal Building, 322 N. Mason St, Apex, NC 27502 USA

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm (hybrid work possible after probationary period)

POSTING CLOSING DATE:  Open until filled. Preference given to applications submitted by March 19, 2026

*** A candidate may be hired as a Planner II or a III depending on qualifications. Planner III salary would be commensurate with education and experience.

 WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

An employee in this position performs responsible journey-level planning work in a variety of current planning efforts. Work includes tasks such as residential and commercial plan review and processing; participating in the Technical Review Committee; research and design; special project coordination and assistance; and providing input into the revision of the Unified Development Ordinance. Other duties include supervision of interns, land use planning, assisting citizens and developers with various issues, and providing staff assistance to Town Council and various advisory boards. Work involves considerable research, public contact often in sensitive or emotional issues requiring judgment, firmness, and tact. The role also includes developing a favorable relationship between the Town and the community. Work is evaluated through conferences, review of work results obtained, and overall acceptance of the programs by the Town's leadership and its citizens.

This position reports to the Senior Planner or Current Planning Manager. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

A SAMPLE OF THE ESSENTIALS:

• Plans and participates in public workshops, charrettes, stakeholder interviews, and meetings to explain planning proposals, answer citizen questions concerning plans and issues; make various presentations of staff recommendations and possible scenarios.
• Researches, prepares, and presents planning elements necessary for decisions by management or boards regarding land use, zoning, housing, appearance, open space, environmental impact, and hazard mitigation.
• Serves as staff to the Town Council and Planning Board; serves as staff on an as-needed basis for ad hoc advisory committees; prepares and presents reports to the Council and Board; answers questions at these meetings about development plans and the potential impacts at public meetings.

Current planning duties include:

• Reviews assigned moderately difficult rezoning applications, Special Use Permits, and administrative, site, and subdivision development plans for compliance with Town ordinances and plans; researches and prepares recommendations for board consideration; reviews plats for compliance with approved plans and the UDO; provides testimony during quasi-judicial public hearings for Special Use Permits.
• Coordinates and participates in research, development, and revision of the Unified Development Ordinance, various zoning and related ordinances, and the 2045 Land Use Plan; special area planning, subdivision administration, and related functions.
• Identifies, plans, coordinates, administers, and implements a wide range of aesthetic, urban, and design projects.
• Assists the public, developers, engineers, contractors, other Town staff, and others with information, processes, technical guidance and other customer service needs.
• Performs related duties as required
• Assists with other special projects as needed, under the direction of the Senior Planner, Current Planning Manager and/or Long-Range Planning Manager.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Bachelor’s Degree in urban or regional planning, geography, landscape architecture, or closely related field and a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in public sector planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Four (4) years of experience is required to hire at the Planner III level.

Special Qualifications:

AICP Certification is preferred.  AICP Certification is required to hire at the Planner III level.

WHO WE ARE:

Known as "The Peak of Good Living", the Town of Apex is a rapidly growing Wake County municipality with a current population of over 85,000 and has been ranked as one of Money Magazine's Best Place to Live in America.  Our current workforce is comprised of over 680 full-time employees and over 125 part-time/seasonal staff.  Our Human Resources Department - with the support and confidence of Town leadership - is committed to providing best-in-class HR programs for our employees, with a mission to create a culture of empowerment and accountability that maximizes individual and organizational potential. We offer a generous benefit package and have a highly competitive compensation program.  More than that, the Town is an awesome place to work, as evidenced by the high job satisfaction rating received in the last employee opinion survey.

WHAT WE OFFER:

We strive to "reach the peak" of being an employer of choice by providing competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including:

·       Free medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees

·       5% contributions to the NC401(k) retirement plans (no matching required)

·       Participation in the Local Government Employees' Retirement System (LGERS)

·       Traditional sick and vacation leave

·       80 hours Peak Paid Time Off

·       $1,200 Peak Lifestyle Benefit to pay for health and wellness activities (after completion of probation)

·       8 weeks of Paid Parental Leave

·       3 weeks of Paid Caregiver Leave

·       Bereavement leave

·       13 paid holidays 

·       Longevity Pay

·       Tuition assistance

·       Expansive wellness program, and more!