GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Performs advanced professional level planning, research, and analysis work in the development and implementation of current and long-range planning activities to ensure the orderly growth of the City.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
An employee in this class is a proactive leader that supports all planning functions and programs. Work involves professional and administrative work processing complex land use applications, administering the residential and commercial site plan review process, informing the public of planning regulations and procedures, serving as a team leader on special planning projects and initiatives, conducting research and analysis for a variety of planning activities, providing staff assistance to various boards, processing annexations, and assisting with drafting land use code amendments as needed. Work involves considerable public contact requiring judgment, firmness, and tact. Work is distinguished from the Planner I and II classifications by greater independence, supervisory responsibilities, complexity of projects, and impact of decisions. Work is performed under general supervision of the Planning Director and is evaluated through review of work results obtained, and overall acceptance of the programs by the City's citizens.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conducts research on planning issues and special projects; researches zoning and ordinance issues; prepares and presents staff reports and recommendations on various planning studies including land use, rezoning, and subdivision development.
• Develops, interprets, and enforces the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and related land use and environmental codes; providing technical assistance on complex issues.
• Provides policy guidance and work oversight to staff planners on project review, permit issuance and code enforcement.
• Reviews and evaluates special use permits, rezoning, variance and appeals applications; preparing reports.
• Prepares and administers planning related grants.
• Serves as the primary staff liaison for the Board of Adjustment as well as staff support to the Planning and Zoning Board; works with various boards, commissions and/or committees involved in the development, adoption, and implementation of City plans and policies; prepares board information for review; attends meetings; prepares and present staff reports and other technical or necessary correspondence; provides staff input and recommendations.
• In coordination with the City Clerk, acts as the primary planning staff on annexation petitions, processing petitions, coordinating work, and analyzing the impact of annexations across city departments and prepares written opinion for Council’s review as well as determining statutory compliance with State annexation laws.
• Creates and updates maps; manages and updates data; gathers data and researches needed information; develops graphs and tables utilizing GIS technology.
• Assists with developing, implementing and administering planning and zoning policies, ordinances, and procedures.
• Is the team lead for long range, transportation, and special planning studies in the community; gathers data for evaluating current and advanced planning projects.
• Researches and prepares planning elements necessary for decisions by management or boards regarding land use, zoning, housing, transportation, economic development, and environmental impact.
• Advises citizens, other department staff, and Board members on zoning and planning regulations, policies and procedures; interprets ordinances and codes related to development and zoning; serves as a technical advisor and communicates with the public about planning projects.
• Manages, facilitates, and coordinates special projects related to land use, growth management, open space plans, streetscape plans, historic homes/district, etc.
• Prepares presentations, charts, maps, graphs, and other illustrative materials for presentation to elected officials, appointed boards, and citizens.
• Prepares, develops, presents and implements long-range planning projects related to long term development, coordinates as necessary with adjoining municipalities.
• Performs additional duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of the principles and practices pertaining to urban planning and community development.
• Knowledge of North Carolina planning, zoning, and community development laws as well as City zoning, land use, and other ordinances and codes.
• Knowledge of ESRI ARC GIS data and projects. of the principles and practices of automotive repair shop management.
• Knowledge of the built environment and socio-economic implications of the planning process.
• Skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, meeting facilitation, and public presentations.
• Ability to prepare and present, in a clear and concise manner, oral and written reports on planning and development activities to internal or external agencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, public officials, contractors, and the general public.
• Ability to mentor staff in a manner that helps achieve the highest performance.
• Ability to enforce codes with firmness and tact.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, department heads, governmental officials, City employees, and contractors.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in planning or related field; master’s degree is highly preferred.
• 2-4 years of experience in land use planning activities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to adequately perform the essential duties may be considered.
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
• None.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Work is generally performed in both inside and outside environmental conditions , with potential exposure to adverse weather conditions. In addition, the employee is subject to a chance of injury from walking or standing in a construction site. Work involves emergency call-back service.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Must possess visual acuity to read maps and diagrams; to operate a vehicle and computer; and to read, analyze and prepare reports. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months, AICP and CZO certifications.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have reviewed this job description. I understand the contents and that the City has the right to alter this job description at any time without notice. By signing below, I certify that I understand and agree that this job description applies to my current position, and I am responsible for meeting the requirements outlined.
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Employee Signature Date