Planner I/II - Zoning

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description

Planners are responsible for assisting in the implementation of the short- and long-term objectives and activities of a specific department division. This is accomplished by completing assigned tasks and projects; interpreting and applying plans, ordinances, and other policies; presenting data and information through written and oral presentations; and ensuring compliance with all codes, plans, policies, and standards

Typical Tasks

JOB DUTIES-GENERAL:

• Assists members of the public and partner agencies with planning issues and questions by responding to questions and inquiries and providing information.
• Acts as liaison to committees and the public by developing and presenting information, meeting with citizens and property owners, reviewing public input for incorporation into codes and/or policies, organizing and facilitating public meetings, and presenting information to management, committee members, boards, commissions, and elected officials.
• Assists in policy development by researching and identifying trends; organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data; and researching local, state, and federal regulations;
• Coordinates data collection and publications by creating and coordinating geographic data and maps and developing and tracking metrics.
• Ensures that information is made available to the public by developing and publishing information through methods such as the organization’s website, social media accounts, and other public facing platforms.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Reviews permit applications for compliance with Land Development Code (LDC) and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements.
• Assists the Board of Adjustment in its review of zoning variances and floodplain development standards waivers by reviewing applications and presenting written case summaries and oral presentations to the Board.
• Provides support to the development review process by providing guidance to prospective applicants with regard to zoning and floodplain requirements.
• Assists in conducting damage assessment after emergency events.

Qualifications

• Planner I. Knowledge of:
  • Philosophies, principles, practices, & techniques of planning;
  • Principles and practices of research and data collection
• Planner II. Well-developed knowledge of the items identified for Planner I and:
  • In-depth knowledge of one or more areas of specialization, such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation, or economic development; and
  • Local government procedures and practices.

• Planner I
  • Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public
  • Interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships with staff, officials and stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently or on a team
  • Effective oral and verbal communication skills
  • Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve practical problems and address citizen inquiries and concerns
  • Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and design standards to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions
  • Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
  • Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind
  • Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual public participation activities, including small group facilitation as part of community workshops
• Planner II. Skills and abilities of Planner I, plus:
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to resolve complaints
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to build consensus in developing solutions to problems
  • Ability to identify needed changes to design standards and ordinance provisions to meet goal and policy objectives.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and projects based on the needs of the organization
  • Ability to manage multiple projects effectively and meet firm deadlines

• Certifications.
  • Planner II. At least one of the following certifications or ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire: North Carolina Association of Zoning Officials (NCAZO), Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). (Due to experience requirements associated with AICP certification, passing of the certification exam will be considered compliant with the certification requirement.)
    
• Work Schedule. Ability to work nights and weekends.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently, sitting most of the time.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position generally requires work indoors/office setting. Some outdoor work may be necessary for particular events.

Our Core Values:

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What we offer:

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance many other insurance options
• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
• Paid sick and vacation leave 13 paid holidays per year
• 6-weeks paid parental leave
• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
• Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.