JOB SUMMARY
The Planner performs professional planning work involving development review, zoning and land development administration, community enhancement, and public outreach. The position reviews development applications and plans for compliance with Town regulations; assists applicants, property owners, and the public with planning and development processes; may provide staff support to boards and commissions; tracks development projects; and participates in planning initiatives, special projects, and community engagement activities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Development Review & Planning Administration
- Reviews plans, applications, and submittals for completeness and compliance with applicable zoning and land development regulations.
- Tracks development projects from initial submittal through completion and monitors compliance with mitigation measures or conditions of approval.
- Assists developers, engineers, architects, contractors, property owners, and the public with development review processes and zoning and land development questions.
- Participates in site visits related to development and construction projects.
- Assists with efforts to improve coordination among departments and agencies and streamline development review processes.
Boards, Commissions & Public Engagement
- Participates in public outreach, public information, and community engagement initiatives.
- Provides staff support to assigned boards and commissions.
- May have an opportunity to serve as staff liaison to assigned boards and commissions, with associated incentive pay.
Planning & Special Projects
- Assists with planning and community enhancement initiatives.
- Participates in special projects and grant-funded projects related to planning and community enhancement.
- Conducts research and prepares information, reports, and recommendations in support of planning initiatives.
- Performs other related assigned duties.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, City Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field and one (1) year of related professional planning work experience or qualified internship;
- Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; and
- Valid South Carolina driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with development review, site planning, architecture, or landscape architecture.
- Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge
- Principles and practices of urban and community planning.
- Zoning, land development, and development review principles and processes.
- Basic research, data collection, and planning analysis methods.
- Construction and development processes.
Skills
- Microsoft Office, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Adobe InDesign, and related applications.
- Research, technical writing, public speaking, customer service, and organization.
- Reviewing plans, applications, and development-related documents.
Abilities
- interpret and apply zoning ordinances, land development regulations, and Town policies and procedures.
- Analyze planning and development issues and prepare reports and recommendations.
- Organize and prioritize multiple applications, projects, and assignments.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing with applicants, architects, engineers, contractors, developers, property owners, employees, boards and commissions, and the public.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The work is performed primarily in a professional office environment with occasional field visits. The position requires the ability to communicate effectively; operate a computer and standard office equipment; sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; perform repetitive keyboarding; handle documents; occasionally traverse uneven terrain or construction sites during field visits; and occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS:The position requires the ability to:
- Read, interpret, and apply zoning ordinances, land development regulations, plans, policies, and procedures.
- Review development applications, site plans, and related technical information for completeness and compliance.
- Analyze planning and development information and identify issues requiring additional review or guidance.
- Exercise sound professional judgment within established policies and procedures.
- Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple applications, projects, and deadlines.
- Prepare clear reports, correspondence, presentations, and recommendations.
- Communicate effectively with applicants, developers, consultants, property owners, employees, boards and commissions, and the public.
- Adapt to changing priorities, project schedules, and regulatory requirements.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment with occasional field visits to development sites and construction areas. The position requires frequent interaction with employees, applicants, consultants, developers, contractors, property owners, boards and commissions, and the public. Work involves managing multiple priorities, meeting established deadlines, and occasionally attending evening meetings or public hearings.
To deliver superior performance in a manner that is distinctive and impactful to each person served and that establishes a standard for quality that endures for generations.
