Senior Planner

City Of Belmont • Belmont, NC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

An employee in this class performs responsible and technically difficult work in land use planning and zoning regulations. The Senior Planner reviews, analyzes, and responds to project applications, ensuring compliance with ordinances and standards and making recommendations that balance the needs of users and the community. Applications may include plats, permits, site plans, variance requests, and rezonings. The position also produces reports and correspondence, contributes to ordinances and regulations governing development, and helps maintain the Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations.

The Senior Planner attends and presents at public meetings, including evening meetings, responds to public questions about zoning and plan review, and mentors Planners and Planning Technicians. The work is performed in an indoor office environment, with meetings at sites throughout the City and occasional remote work permitted.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, architecture, geography, or a closely related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in planning and policy; applicants with a master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field may be considered with a minimum of three years of experience.
• At least one planning-related certification; Senior Planners must possess or be able to obtain AICP certification in less than one year.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a North Carolina driver’s license within four months.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of current planning and design principles, practices, trends, regulations, standards, and measurements.
• Knowledge of municipal planning and local government administration principles and practices.
• Knowledge of state and local laws relating to planning and land use regulations.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS Pro, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Good organization and time-management skills; ability to work effectively with developers, design professionals, contractors, citizens, and other diverse customers.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, solve problems, and apply creativity in decision-making.

Nice To Haves

• Additional planning-related certifications are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and respond to project applications, including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests, and rezonings, for compliance with ordinances and standards.
• Make recommendations that balance and optimize the needs of users and the community.
• Write and present formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence.
• Write or assist in writing ordinances and regulations related to development controls.
• Assist with updates and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations.
• Attend and present at public meetings, including evening meetings, and assist other planning staff as appropriate.
• Respond to public questions regarding zoning and plan review matters.
• Mentor Planners and Planning Technicians, including assisting with site plan reviews, text amendments, and zoning inspections.

What This Job Offers

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