Senior Planner (All Levels)

Cabarrus County•Cabarrus County, NC

About The Position

The Senior Planner performs difficult professional work on a variety of Planning Department assignments under the general supervision of the Planning Manager. The position handles development and subdivision applications, zoning and related code matters, planning research and analysis, public inquiries, site plan review, and preparation of reports, maps, and recommendations. It may also mentor Planners and Planning Interns as needed. Night meetings and site visits or inspections may be required. The recruitment covers Planner and Senior Planner levels; the Senior Planner salary range is $64,230.40–$76,793.60 (Grade 23), and the Planner salary range is $58,240.00–$69,659.20 (Grade 21). Initial placement for new employees is customarily at entry level through the 35th percentile.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, geography, public administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Three to five years of planning experience for the Senior Planner level.
Thorough knowledge of ArcGIS applications for creating maps and performing GIS analysis.
AICP certification is required for the Senior Planner level.
Thorough knowledge of planning principles and practices for rural and urban areas, current planning literature and developments, and ordinances and concepts governing zoning and related codes.
Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and prepare technical reports.
Ability to clearly and engagingly prepare and present technical information to the public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and representatives of other agencies.
Advanced customer-service skills, including dealing with challenging customers.
Comfort making public presentations to small or large groups; ability to work independently and in groups; attention to detail.
May require possession of an appropriate valid driver’s license.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including standing, walking, pulling, fingering, and repetitive motions, and occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force.

Nice To Haves

CFM certification or flood experience preferred.
County planning background is a plus.
Accela experience provides an applicant advantage.
AICP certification is preferred for the Planner level.

Responsibilities

Research, analyze, and review subdivision proposals for compliance with the subdivision ordinance.
Process cases and issue permits using the Accela permitting system.
Conduct property, deed, and other research using multiple computer systems.
Process cases for the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment, including rezonings, special use permits, and variances.
Explain zoning and subdivision regulations and procedures to customers in person and by phone.
Conduct field surveys for rezoning and subdivision cases, documenting land use, surrounding uses, nearby traffic patterns, and area development for staff reports.
Issue zoning permits.
Make public presentations.
Perform or assist with studies, analyses, and recommendations concerning current and long-range physical, social, and economic development of the County.
Gather, compile, and analyze area characteristics and demographic and geographic information, including population estimates and projections.
Attend committee, board, and other meetings as needed.
Create maps and graphs for analysis, demonstration, and publication.
Research and assist in composing zoning ordinance amendments.
Assign and look up addresses using GIS and the Addressor.
Provide customers with plan, ordinance, and FEMA NFIP map information in person and by phone.
Serve as the primary point of contact for site plan review and conduct the review.
Conduct architectural review when required.
Prepare reports and supporting graphic materials describing research and recommendations.
Mentor Planners and Planning Interns as needed.
Perform related tasks as required.