What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Planner position at Town of Clayton?
** Salary offered will be determined based on directly related experience **
* Work Location is Town Hall Clayton, NC (Johnston County) *
- Conducts reviews for compliance to the Town’s Unified Development Ordinance for requirements for planning projects including but not limited to: principal and secondary use establishment, zoning district compliance, use-specific standards, landscape standards (perimeter, streetscape, parking lot), design standards for multi-family and commercial buildings, onsite pedestrian and vehicular circulation flows, open space set asides (passive and active types), and site lighting requirements.
- Performs high-level reviews for Conditional Rezoning applications including but not limited to: establishment of minimum development standards (e.g. setbacks and building heights), points of access, enhancing onsite pedestrian connectivity, high-quality building development, and robust landscaping on the project site.
- Prepares applications and presentations to the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and Town Council on a regular basis, such as Conditional Rezonings, Text Amendments, and Variances.
- Effectively communicates and interprets town land use regulations and policies to customers in an effective manner for land use applications.
- Performs the review of site plans for development projects ranging in complexity, from minor subdivision to concept plans for conditional rezonings.
- Assists with the Town’s Code Enforcement and Abatement efforts by providing guidance and expertise regarding interpretation and implementation of the Town’s Unified Development Ordinance and Code of Ordinances.
- Provides expertise to applicants seeking conditional approvals from Town Council by articulating necessary requirements as well as political viability of projects.
- Prepares for projects in advance of formal submittals by researching sites, applicable codes, and processes and provides this information to applicants, such as through the pre-application meeting.
- Conducts thorough analysis of submitted projects by evaluating and determining compliance to the Town’s Unified Development Ordinance and prior applicable land use regulations.
- Understands the big picture when reviewing master plans and concept plans that impact larger areas of the Town.
- Participates in internal or external planning efforts that may involve offsite meetings and can positively represent and actively communicate the Town’s interests.
- Communicates and advises applicants that may be controversial when going through the public engagement process.
- Seeks guidance and leadership when needed to help navigate problems of all manners to come up with solutions and courses of action for success.
- Serve as a mentor, leader, and team player for the department, Town, development and business community, and residents of Clayton.
- Knowledge of North Carolina State Statutes Chapter 160D and how these statutes apply to local government planning practice and regulations.
- Knowledge of planning best practices as articulated by current thinkers advancing the profession.
- Knowledge of planning professional organizations and the positions/solutions they have regarding current planning-related problems/observations.
- Knowledge of municipal local government operation, department, and elected and appointed boards.
- Knowledge of planning department applications, permit types, and the different levels of reviews required to process and approve each application.
- Skill of applying design standards to architectural building elevations for compliance to the Unified Development Ordinance.
- Skill of applying recommendations when there is a lack of regulations to enhance a project and achieve a high-quality product.
- Skill of looking up property facts related to planning using mapping tools and software.
- Skill of reading and understanding site, building elevation, grading, topography, utility, landscape, and lighting plans.
- Skill of providing technical land use regulatory compliance comments on plan sets using tools and software applications, such as BlueBeam.
- Skill of typing and reading using electronic equipment and software applications, such as Microsoft Word.
- Skill of using analytical tools and software applications, such as Microsoft Excel.
- Skill of using mapping applications, such as Google Earth, online GIS platforms, and ESRI programs.
- Ability to distinguish and articulate best planning practices to applicants for projects so that they are representative of high-quality development.
- Ability to provide analysis and recommendations for planning projects, text amendments, and land use policy development within a reasonable development supportive context.
- Ability to prepare staff reports, complete agenda packets, and deliver required public noticing’s within required deadlines for the department’s various boards (e.g., Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and Town Council).
- Ability to conduct a thorough analysis of discretionary applications in order to advise applicants how to achieve success and to provide confident recommendations to Town leadership.
- Ability to meet department and State statute mandated review deadlines for applications.
- Ability to communicate Town land use regulations that may be in conflict with applicant desires and able to provide resolutions and suggestions to acquire a win-win scenario.
- Ability to prepare for and deliver professional presentations to elected and appointed leaders and able to communicate what may be complex planning concepts to the general public during public meetings and public hearings.
- Ability to prepare and distribute department and State Statute required public noticing for meetings.
A Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Geography, or a related field is required while a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.
Requires a minimum of 6 years local government or private sector planning experience with a Bachelor’s degree or 4 years with a Master’s degree.
Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) will be required within 2 years of employment.
North Carolina Association of Certified Zoning Officials (CZO) will be required within 2 years of employment.
OR
Depending on the position, the Town may consider an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.
Salary : $66,894 - $83,548