Planner II

Hall County • Gainesville, GA

1d

About The Position

Under the direction of Planning leadership, the Planner II performs advanced professional planning work. The position reviews land disturbance permit (LDP) plans, commercial building plans, and residential building plans for compliance with local zoning codes, development standards, and subdivision regulations. It also supports the long-range planning department as needed, conducts site inspections, and regularly interacts with the public, development professionals, other departments, and staff.

The Planner II reviews development and building applications, processes land-use applications, researches and interprets planning regulations and policies, and prepares reports, correspondence, and public-hearing materials. The position provides front-counter and phone assistance, guides applicants through review and permitting, and supports the Planning Commission. Long-range planning support may include research and drafting for zoning ordinance updates and comprehensive plan revisions, and attending daytime or evening meetings when requested. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Other related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, engineering, or a related field, with three years of relevant experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• AICP certification, or the ability to obtain it within one year.
• Valid Class I driver’s license and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record.
• Knowledge of urban and regional planning principles and practices.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards, and regulations related to the position.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain records, reports, and information in accordance with departmental or governmental requirements.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with supervisors, employees, government officials, and the public.
• Ability to research and analyze information, draw conclusions, and prepare clear, concise written reports and documents.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in routine situations.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize daily or long-range assignments and activities.
• Ability to prepare and deliver public presentations and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with the public.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review residential building permit applications, commercial development plans, and land disturbance permit applications for compliance with zoning regulations, design standards, environmental constraints, and applicable ordinances.
• Conduct site visits and field inspections to assess conditions and verify plan accuracy.
• Review and process rezoning, variance, conditional use, and special use permit applications.
• Draft staff reports, legal advertisements, and public-hearing materials.
• Research and interpret zoning codes, subdivision regulations, and land-use policies for internal reviews and public inquiries.
• Draft annexation reports, zoning verification letters, and technical memoranda.
• Provide daily front-counter and phone support on zoning questions, development feasibility, and permitting procedures.
• Meet with property owners, developers, engineers, and other stakeholders to explain development regulations and guide them through review and permitting.
• Support the Planning Commission by preparing agendas, staff reports, and presentations, and responding to commissioner inquiries.
• Maintain accurate records of development activity and ensure timely processing of applications and reviews.
• Support the Long-Range Planning Division as needed, including research for zoning ordinance updates, drafting ordinance amendments, attending requested daytime or evening meetings, researching comprehensive plan revisions, and identifying opportunities to improve the zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and perform other related duties as required.

What This Job Offers

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