Principal Planner - Long Range Planning

About us:
Planning and Community Development is broken down into five divisions: Community Development, GIS, Inspections, Long-Range Planning, and Zoning and Subdivisions. 

What you will do:
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.

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, or a related field.
• Four years’ minimum experience in planning, zoning, or equivalent in a municipal agency.

Special Requirements:

• Valid Driver's License. 
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or ability to obtain within two years. 
• Certified Zoning Official (CZO) certification through the North Carolina Association of Zoning officials or ability to obtain within two years. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in planning, public administration, or a related field.
• One year experience with developing Comprehensive plans.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Work in this class is described as being sedentary and seldom requires much physical exertion to complete tasks. 
• Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. 
• Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned in preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading. 
• Working conditions include inside environmental conditions.

FLSA Status: Exempt
Inclement Weather Classification: Non-Essential

Salary : $69,035 - $110,448