Planner I POS # 119000007

Cumberland County • 130 Gillespie Street Fayetteville, NC

4d

About The Position

Join the Planning & Inspections Department and help shape the future of Cumberland County and its partner municipalities. As a Planner I, you'll work directly with residents, businesses, developers, and local governments to guide growth and development, provide zoning and land use guidance, and review development applications. If you enjoy problem-solving, collaborating with others, and making a meaningful impact in the community, this is an excellent opportunity to build your planning career while helping create vibrant, well-planned communities.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in urban or regional planning, geography, public administration, engineering, community development, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of the County’s zoning, land use, and other ordinances and codes
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of community and economic development and public sector planning and/or landscape design
• Knowledge of governmental laws, programs, and services pertinent to the community and economic development and planning processes
• Knowledge of GIS systems including application of software, hardware and peripherals to planning needs
• Knowledge of the environmental and socioeconomic implications of the planning process
• Skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, State, regional, County officials, and the general public
• Ability to interpret codes with firmness and tact
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies
• Ability to express ideas effectively in oral and written forms
• A formal transcript will be required.
• Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment.
• Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Nice To Haves

• Some experience in an urban or regional planning office preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review rezoning, development, and land use applications for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with County ordinances, adopted plans, and applicable regulations.
• Provide exceptional customer service by guiding property owners, developers, engineers, surveyors, and the public through zoning, development, and permitting processes.
• Interpret and explain zoning, subdivision, watershed protection, and land development regulations while assisting customers with new applications, revisions, and compliance matters.
• Research zoning history, land use records, and applicable regulations to prepare accurate case files, staff recommendations, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with County departments, municipalities, state agencies, and external stakeholders to obtain technical reviews and ensure timely processing of development applications.
• Prepare professional reports, presentations, public hearing materials, graphics, and Board packets for the Joint Planning Board and other decision-making bodies.
• Conduct field inspections and site visits related to rezoning requests, zoning compliance, watershed reviews, development applications, and other planning activities.
• Maintain and update zoning case records, databases, and electronic document management systems to ensure accurate public records and case tracking.
• Assist with drafting ordinance amendments, conducting planning research, and preparing technical reports to support long-range planning and regulatory updates.
• Support departmental operations by reviewing plats, development plans, and Board of Adjustment applications, while collaborating with team members to meet statutory deadlines and provide continuous customer service.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer
• We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind.
• All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations.
• We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level