Planner I

Town of Cary•Cary, NC

20h

About The Position

The Town of Cary is seeking a passionate and inquisitive Planner I to join its Planning and Community Development Department. The position supports a broad range of current and long-range planning activities, including building permit and development plan review, ordinance research and amendments, special area planning, community engagement, and comprehensive plan amendments. The Planner I works independently and collaboratively across the department’s planning divisions, using independent judgment and discretion to carry out assigned responsibilities and develop sound recommendations under the general supervision of senior planning staff. Successful candidates will bring strong written and oral communication skills and be able to collaborate in a fast-paced, evolving environment. The Town values adaptability, continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and empowering others. Cary describes its employee benefits as supporting a diverse workforce and providing employees with choices. A competitive salary is offered based on qualifications and experience; the anticipated hiring range is $65,852.80–$78,728.00.

Requirements

Education or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, or a related field, plus two years of professional planning experience or two years of graduate-level education in a related field.
General knowledge of land use planning philosophies, principles, practices, and techniques, including planning research, zoning, and annexations.
General knowledge of municipal planning, landscape architecture practice, and urban design.
General knowledge of Development Ordinances and their applications.
General knowledge of personal computers and associated software.
Ability to read and interpret ordinances, statutes, plans, plats, and similar materials.
Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and carry out complex research projects effectively and simultaneously.
Ability to present research results effectively in oral, written, and graphic form.
Ability to communicate effectively and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, representatives of other agencies, and the public.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Must complete drug testing, background checks, and satisfactory reference checks before employment.

Nice To Haves

Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work on a variety of tasks while remaining organized and detail-oriented.
Development plan review and/or permit review experience.
Experience working with or researching zoning ordinances.
Experience writing planning-related documents or reports.
Ability to interpret and analyze data and maps.
General knowledge of government services relevant to planning.

Responsibilities

Assist with developing and implementing Council initiatives and goals related to long-range planning, including land use plans, design guidelines, transportation-related plans, and other small area plans.
Research the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) and analyze regulatory practices; coordinate dialogue with internal and external stakeholders about potential changes.
Monitor changes in State law and assist with preparing staff reports for ordinance amendments.
Review building permits and development plans.
Answer questions from residents, developers, contractors, business owners, and Town staff.
Assist in coordinating and organizing public meetings and charrettes.
Represent the Town at public meetings and open houses when needed.
Represent the Town at inter-governmental meetings.
Perform other job-related tasks as required.