PLANNER I

The Town of Cary is seeking a passionate and inquisitive individual to join our team in the Planning and Community Development Department as a Planner I. This position provides an opportunity to work across a broad range of planning activities, including building permit and development plan review, ordinance research and amendments, special area planning, community engagement, and comprehensive plan amendments.

The Planner I works independently and collaboratively across the department’s current and long-range planning divisions. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, as is the ability to collaborate in a fast-paced and evolving environment. Successful candidates will demonstrate adaptability, a commitment to continuous learning, and a willingness to share knowledge and empower others. The position works under the general supervision of senior planning staff while exercising independent judgment and discretion in carrying out assigned responsibilities and developing sound recommendations.

Cary emphasizes the importance of taking care of its employees and citizens. We strive to live inspired while working together to impact lives through exceptional service. We believe Cary offers the best benefits, which support our diverse workforce, providing employees with choices. A competitive salary is offered depending on qualifications and experience. 

Anticipated hiring range: $65,852.80 - $78,728.00

Typical Tasks

• Assists in the development and implementation of Council initiatives and goals related to long-range planning, including the preparation land use plans, design guidelines, transportation-related plans, and other small area plans;
• Performs LDO research and analyzes best available regulatory practices; coordinates collaborative dialogue regarding potential changes with internal and external stakeholders; monitors changes in State law, and assists in the preparation of staff reports for ordinance amendments;
• Reviews building permits and development plans;
• Answers questions for residents, developers, contractors, business owners, and other Town staff;
• Assists in coordinating and organizing public meetings and charrettes;
• Represents the Town at public meetings and open houses when needed;
• Represents the Town at inter-governmental meetings; and
• Performs other job-related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General knowledge of the philosophies, principles, practices and techniques of land use planning, planning research, zoning, and annexations; general knowledge of municipal planning, landscape architecture practice, and urban design; general knowledge of Development Ordinances and their applications; general knowledge of the use of personal computers and associated software; ability to read and interpret ordinances, statutes, plans, plats, etc.; ability to plan, organize, supervise and carry out complex research projects effectively and simultaneously; ability to present the results of research effectively in oral, written, and graphic form; ability to communicate effectively; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, representatives of other agencies, and members of the general public.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

Requires education or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, or related field, plus two years of professional planning experience or two years of graduate level education in a related field. 

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate thorough knowledge and experience across the following identified areas. Applications should include specific, substantive examples from coursework, research, internships, work history, or other relevant experiences that demonstrate the candidate’s knowledge, experience, and ability to apply and communicate relevant skills.

• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to work on a variety of tasks while being organized and detail-oriented;
• Development Plan review and/or permit review experience;
• Experience working with or researching zoning ordinances;
• Experience writing planning-related documents or reports;
• Ability to interpret and analyze data and maps; and
• General knowledge of government services that pertain to the field of planning.

Physical Requirements

Work in this class is generally inside and sedentary. Work requires the ability to hear and talk in order to be able to communicate with the public and other employees. Visual acuity is necessary to read handwritten and typewritten materials, read maps and plans, and to operate a computer. The ability to walk or move about may be necessary in order to observe issues or activities in the field.

Special Requirements

• Requires a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, SBI finger-printing, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment.