Assistant Planning & Zoning Administrator

City of Washington • City of Washington, NC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Planning Administrator performs advanced professional planning, analysis, and administrative oversight to ensure the orderly economic growth, development, and preservation of the City’s historical district, while simultaneously managing a broad range of clerical, secretarial, data tracking, and administrative support duties for the Planning Division. This role provides vital professional guidance on the City's comprehensive plan, enforces local historic standards, manages community programs, coordinates statutory public notification procedures, and delivers comprehensive staff support to governing boards and commissions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in Planning, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, Geography, or a related field, OR an Associate degree in Historical Preservation or a related technical school program.
• Two (2) or more years of related experience in planning, local government, or high-level administrative support; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid N.C. driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain an NC Notary certification within 6 months of hire date.
• Ability to obtain Certified Zoning Official (CZO) certification within 1 year of hire date.
• Thorough knowledge of urban planning principles, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and historic preservation techniques.
• Ability to prepare and review compliance documents and assimilate knowledge of architectural conservation treatments.
• Skill in collecting, analyzing, and presenting technical data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and modern municipal computer software for written and graphic communication.
• Basic proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) to look up parcels, verify historic district boundaries, and generate maps for the public.
• Excellent interpersonal, writing, editing, and oral presentation skills; ability to establish effective working relationships with municipal officials, community groups, and the general public.
• Working knowledge of North Carolina Public Records Law and open meetings statutes.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Floodplain Management (CFPM)
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

Responsibilities

• Serves as technical staff, records minutes, and provides consultation to the Historic Preservation Commission, the Board of Adjustment, and the Planning Board.
• Reviews plans and applications for variances, rezoning, and special use permits; confers with engineers, developers, architects, contractors, property owners, and the public.
• Coordinates Historic District enforcement activities; performs field investigations to ensure projects conform to design standards and nuisance regulations; issues preliminary notices, notices of violation, and prepares civil litigations.
• Receives and greets customers; answers inquiries from contractors and the public; handles confidential materials, mail processing, and coordinates meetings, conferences, and travel arrangements for planning staff.
• Coordinates and verifies statutory public notification processes, including drafting and mailing abutter notices and coordinating the physical posting of signs on-site.
• Handles and processes payroll, accounting, and departmental budget preparation estimates.
• Participates in and makes presentations at public meetings and hearings to explain planning recommendations, comprehensive plan amendments, and code interpretations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree