Senior Planner

Town of Harrisburg•Harrisburg, NC

20h

About The Position

The Town of Harrisburg, North Carolina, is seeking a Senior Planner for its Planning Department. The position performs advanced professional planning work on current and long-range planning projects, reviews site plans throughout development, and serves as a liaison between the Town and applicants. The Senior Planner explains planning processes and requirements to applicants, the public, and other interested parties, including how those processes affect development in the Town. The role handles complex, sensitive, and conditional cases; leads assigned current and long-range planning efforts; and provides guidance and training to Planners and Planning Technicians. Work is performed under the supervision of the Assistant Planning Director and evaluated through conferences, completed-work reviews, achievement of assigned objectives, and the accuracy and effectiveness of work results. The Town describes its culture as community-based, with customer service excellence as a top priority. It offers a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative work environment. The hiring range is $35.23 to $43.82 per hour, with starting pay dependent on qualifications and prior experience. The role is eligible for a $2,500 sign-on bonus upon hire.

Requirements

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in urban planning, architecture, or a related field.
At least five years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, preferably in local government; candidates with a master's degree in planning or a closely related field may qualify with at least three years of progressively responsible professional planning experience.
Thorough knowledge of planning, urban design, and development principles and practices.
Considerable knowledge of GIS systems, including applying software, hardware, and peripherals to planning needs.
Ability to read and understand the Town's development regulations, including the Harrisburg Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Ability to assist in reviewing and verifying applications, including subdivision and zoning applications.
Skill in public speaking and meeting facilitation.
Skill in communicating ordinance requirements effectively to the public, developers, builders, real estate brokers, and property owners.
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
If not AICP-certified at appointment, must pass the AICP exam within 18 months of employment and obtain AICP certification within 12 months after meeting the American Planning Association's experience requirement.

Nice To Haves

A master's degree in planning or a closely related field.
North Carolina Certified Zoning Official (CZO) certification.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification at the time of appointment.
Professional planning experience in local government.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced and complex professional planning work for current and long-range planning projects.
Review site plans throughout each phase of development and serve as a liaison between the Town and applicants.
Communicate planning processes and requirements to applicants, the public, and other interested parties, and explain how the processes affect development in the Town.
Review comprehensive plan amendments, text amendments, rezonings, subdivisions, and development plans for compliance with Town regulations.
Conduct field reviews of complex and conditional projects and verify compliance with applicable conditions of approval.
Prepare staff reports and make presentations to various boards.
Assist with special projects.
Lead assigned current and long-range planning efforts.
Provide guidance and training to Planners and Planning Technicians.