Community Planner II

Natural and Cultural Resources; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 53,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is seeking a State Trails Planner to lead master planning for the 15 state trails and future expansions. The role collaborates across divisions to align regional plans and ensure coherent, sustainable trail networks.

The ideal candidate brings a background in planning with GIS and data–driven reporting, and is prepared to coordinate with multiple teams to advance statewide trail initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a planning curriculum plus 2 years’ planning experience with 1 year in a lead/supervisory role
• Master's degree in Public Administration with planning coursework plus 2 years’ planning experience with 1 year in a lead/supervisory role
• Bachelor's degree in a planning-related field with 4 years of planning experience including lead responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Overseeing master planning for the 15 state trails and new trails as created
• Coordinate regional trail planning to build a seamless state-wide system
• Represent the State Parks on statewide planning efforts (e.g., Complete the Trails Fund, NC Great Trails)
• Collaborate with trails program, natural resources, land acquisition and operations staff to implement planning throughout the state
• Assist with the Complete the Trail Program including pre-application reviews, final scoring and inspections

Skills

Planning principles

Trail planning

Sustainable design

GIS

Spatial analysis

Data visualization

Data analysis

Reporting

Education

Master's degree in planning

Master's degree in Public Administration (planning)

Bachelor's degree in a planning-related field

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Job Classification Title Community Planner II (NS) Position Number Grade NC14

About Us The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

Description of Work

Do you enjoy our state parks and state trails and want to be a part of planning the future of the North Carolina State Parks System? The NC State Parks is seeking a State Trails Planner to join the planning program team to develop trail plans for the 15 state trails located throughout North Carolina.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing the development of master planning for the 15 current state trails and new state trails as they are created.
• Coordinating the regional trail planning efforts throughout the state to develop a systematic and seamless system of trails throughout the state.
• Serve as the State Parks representative on a number of statewide trail planning efforts including but not limited to the Complete the Trails Fund, NC Great Trails State initiative and other legislative initiatives.
• Will work with the trails program, natural resources, land acquisition and operations staff to implement trail planning efforts throughout the state.
• Assist with the Complete the Trail Program including but not limited to, pre-application reviews, final application scoring, final inspections, and other processing.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences

Recruitment Range of $52,592 - $74,000

To receive credit for your work history and credentials; You must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Demonstrated experience with the principles and practices of planning, trail planning, sustainable trail design and/or natural resource-based planning.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing Geographic information system (GIS) to conduct spatial analysis and/or create visualizations.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing and evaluating complex data and creating easy to read and understand reports and/or graphic presentation materials.

Position/Physical Requirements

Typical work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm; Must be available to work after hours, weekends, and holidays when necessary. Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver's license within 90 days of employment. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects with or without reasonable accommodation. Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. This position is located at: Division of Parks and Recreation 121 W Jones St. Raleigh NC 27601.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Master's degree in a planning curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution AND two (2) years’ experience in planning in which one (1) year was in a team lead or supervisory role; OR Master's degree in Public Administration, including planning courses from an appropriately accredited institution AND two (2) years’ experience in planning in which one (1) year was in a team lead or supervisory role; OR Bachelor's degree in a field related to planning, including courses in planning from an appropriately accredited institution AND four (4) years of specifically related planning experience in which one (1) year was in a team lead or supervisory capacity; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

About NC State Parks

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation and education. Conservation: To conserve and protect representative examples of North Carolina’s natural beauty, ecological features, recreational and cultural resources within the state parks system; Recreation: To provide and promote safe, healthy and enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the state; and Education: To provide educational opportunities that promote stewardship of the state’s natural and cultural heritage. To explore NC State Parks visit: https://www.ncdcr.gov/things-to-do/state-parks.

Supplemental and Contact Information

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

State Application Resources / Frequently Asked Questions

The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post‑secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.