Planner II / Senior Planner

Town of Cary • Cary, NC

8h • Onsite

About The Position

Cary is seeking a passionate planning professional to join the Planning and Community Development Department as a Planner II or Senior Planner. This role performs advanced professional work with a focus on complex planning and development related projects. Candidates should have experience with development plan review, land development ordinance amendments, reviewing infill and redevelopment sites, a mindset to help facilitate high-quality projects, and demonstrated ability to facilitate issue resolution through internal and external collaboration. This position requires excellent written and verbal skills to communicate with various audiences including boards, commissions, development professionals, and the members of the community. Successful candidates will collaborate in a fast-paced, evolving environment and must be able to adapt to change through continuous learning while empowering others through shared knowledge. Demonstrated knowledge of land use principles, zoning practices, urban design, mixed-use concepts, architecture, and engineering are desired. Work is performed under the general supervision of senior staff and requires independent judgment and discretion in the performance of duties. Specific duties and requirements are determined by the area of assignment. Cary places a special emphasis on taking care of their employees and citizens. We offer the best benefits, which support our diverse workforce, providing employees with choices. A competitive salary is offered depending on qualifications and experience. Our highly comprehensive total compensation package is unprecedented, allowing Cary to value and support our employees’ whole selves, and sets us apart as an employer of choice. At Cary, we strive to live inspired and work together to impact lives through exceptional service. With significant transformational development underway, this is an exciting moment to join our team. As a Planner II or Senior Planner, you will play a key role in shaping the future of Cary and supporting our growing and vibrant community!

Requirements

• 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.
• Considerable experience in professional planning and development.
• General knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of land use planning, planning research, zoning, and annexations.
• Knowledge of municipal planning, landscape architecture principles and practice, and urban design.
• Knowledge of municipal development ordinances and their applications.
• Knowledge of bicycle and pedestrian planning.
• Knowledge of principles and practice of community facilitation and conflict resolution.
• Ability to read and interpret ordinances, statutes, plans, and maps.
• 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 establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal officials, representatives of other agencies, and the public and development community.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to talk, hear, and see.
• Visual acuity necessary to read and write handwritten and typewritten materials, review and draw plans, and view a computer.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates may also have a background and/or related degree in the areas of site design, land development or construction management with a desire to learn planning.
• 2-4 years of experience in public or private sector land planning or development.
• 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 and redevelopment projects.
• 2-4 years of experience with development plan review.
• 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 completing complex projects in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certified Zoning Official (CZO) or other related professional certifications.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Desire to build collaborative groups within the organization.
• Ability to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work on a variety of tasks while being extremely organized and detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Review development plans and plats for various land uses and levels of complexity, applying Cary’s policies, Land Development Ordinance and Community Appearance Manual.
• Collaborate with other departments within Cary and the development community during plan review.
• Perform Preliminary Development Plan review for rezoning cases, including greenfield as well as complex infill and redevelopment projects.
• Prepare and present staff reports to various audiences, including the public and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• Support other boards, such as the Historic Preservation Commission.
• Develop, interpret, amend, and enforce ordinances regarding zoning and development standards.
• Review permits including signs, zoning verification letters, and building permits.
• Respond to inquiries from citizens, businesses, landowners, developers, and officials regarding project status, land use plans, zoning, ordinances, and development issues.
• Assist in the development and implementation of Council initiatives and goals related to long-range planning.
• Prepare, plan, develop, and implement elements of the comprehensive plan.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The best benefits, which support our diverse workforce, providing employees with choices.
• A competitive salary is offered depending on qualifications and experience.
• Our highly comprehensive total compensation package is unprecedented, allowing Cary to value and support our employees’ whole selves, and sets us apart as an employer of choice.

What This Job Offers

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