Planner II / Senior Planner

Town of Cary•Cary, NC

About The Position

The Town of Cary is seeking a planning professional to join its Planning and Community Development Department as a Planner II or Senior Planner. The role performs advanced professional work focused on complex planning and development projects. Approximately 75–80% of the position involves reviewing development plans and plats for compliance with applicable ordinances, regulations, and adopted plans. The development plan reviewer handles projects of varying land uses and complexity, including greenfield, infill, and redevelopment projects. Work is performed under the general supervision of senior staff and requires independent judgment and discretion; duties and requirements may vary by assignment. The position collaborates with Cary departments, the development community, boards, commissions, elected and appointed officials, and the public. It includes case management, staff report preparation, and presenting information to public audiences and the Zoning Board of Adjustment, with possible support for the Historic Preservation Commission. The Planner also works on zoning and development standards, permits, citizen inquiries, and long-range planning and comprehensive plan initiatives. Cary describes this as an opportunity to help shape the future of its growing community amid significant transformational development. The Town offers a comprehensive total compensation package and competitive salary depending on qualifications and experience. The anticipated hiring range is $72,592.00–$108,284.80.

Requirements

Education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in city and regional planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related field, and considerable experience in professional planning and development.
Candidates with a background or related degree in site design, land development, or construction management may be considered if they have a desire to learn planning.
General knowledge of land-use planning principles, practices, techniques, planning research, zoning, and annexations.
Knowledge of municipal planning, landscape architecture principles and practice, urban design, municipal development ordinances and their applications, and bicycle and pedestrian planning.
Knowledge of community facilitation and conflict-resolution principles and practices.
Ability to read and interpret ordinances, statutes, plans, and maps.
Ability to organize and carry out complex research projects effectively and simultaneously.
Ability to present research results effectively in oral, written, and graphic form.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, municipal officials, other agencies, the public, and the development community.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Must complete drug testing, background checks, and satisfactory reference checks before employment.
The position may occasionally require participation in meetings and events outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

2–4 years of experience in public- or private-sector land planning or development.
A master's degree in city and regional planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture, urban design, public administration, or engineering.
2–4 years of experience with land-use principles, zoning practices, urban design, mixed-use projects, and redevelopment projects.
2–4 years of development plan review experience.
2–4 years of experience navigating plan-review software platforms and GIS.
2–4 years of experience writing staff reports and making presentations.
2–4 years of experience managing planning projects and multiple development plan reviews, coordinating with internal departments and external applicants, and collaboratively resolving technical issues while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certified Zoning Official (CZO), or other related professional certification.
Excellent communication skills.
Desire to build collaborative groups within the organization.
Ability to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.
Ability to work on varied tasks while remaining organized and detail-oriented.
Demonstrated knowledge of land-use principles, zoning practices, urban design, mixed-use concepts, architecture, and engineering.

Responsibilities

Review development plans and plats for different land uses and levels of complexity, applying Cary policies, the Land Development Ordinance, and the Community Appearance Manual.
Collaborate and communicate with Cary departments and the development community during plan reviews.
Review Preliminary Development Plans for rezoning cases when applicable, including greenfield, infill, and redevelopment projects.
Manage cases, contribute to staff reports, and prepare and present information to the public and the Zoning Board of Adjustment; support other boards, potentially including the Historic Preservation Commission.
Develop, interpret, amend, and enforce ordinances concerning zoning and development standards.
Review permits, including sign permits, zoning verification letters, and building permits.
Respond to inquiries from citizens, businesses, landowners, developers, and elected and appointed officials about projects, land-use plans, zoning, ordinances, area plans, studies, and development matters.
Assist with developing and implementing Council initiatives and goals related to long-range planning.
Prepare, plan, develop, and implement elements of the comprehensive plan.
Perform other duties as assigned.