Principal Planner - Long Range Planning
About The Position
This position leads the City's long-range planning initiatives, including development and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Responsibilities include managing special planning projects such as small area plans, growth analyses, corridor studies, land use analyses, and text amendments. The position coordinates community engagement efforts, presents planning recommendations to City leadership, and manages multiple planning projects and priorities. The role also provides staff support to boards and commissions, collaborates with the public and internal stakeholders, and attends meetings as needed. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Planning Services Administrator and is evaluated through project outcomes and ongoing communication.
Requirements
- Thorough knowledge of planning principles, land use, zoning administration, and long-range planning practices.
- Working knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 160D and its application to municipal planning.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Bluebeam, Google Earth, and GIS, including map creation and data analysis.
- Strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills with the ability to work independently.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing and delivering public presentations.
- Ability to lead community engagement efforts and build effective relationships with residents, staff, appointed boards, and elected officials.
- Understanding of the implementation and long-term impacts of comprehensive plans and other planning initiatives.
- Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, or a related field.
- Four years’ minimum experience in planning, zoning, or equivalent in a municipal agency.
- Valid Driver's License.
- Ability to obtain American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification within two years.
- Ability to obtain Certified Zoning Official (CZO) certification through the North Carolina Association of Zoning officials within two years.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in planning, public administration, or a related field.
- One year experience with developing Comprehensive plans.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of a new City-Wide Comprehensive Plan.
- Manage long-range planning initiatives, coordinating with City departments, legal counsel, leadership, and City Council.
- Conduct small area plans, corridor studies, land use analyses, and growth planning projects.
- Research, develop, and recommend updates to City policies, ordinances, and planning documents.
- Prepare reports, presentations, maps, graphics, and other planning materials.
- Facilitate public engagement activities and present planning initiatives to boards, commissions, City Council, and the public.
- Manage consultant contracts and oversee planning-related projects and studies.
- Process and oversee rezoning and annexation requests.
- Prepare and administer grant applications and related projects, as assigned.
- Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and support to planning staff and supervise interns.
- Serve as staff liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Provide zoning and permitting support as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
