Planner

Town of Harrisburg, NC; Harrisburg (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

The Town of Harrisburg, NC is seeking a Planner to join the Planning Department. The role performs journey-level professional planning work in current and long-range planning projects, reviewing amendments, rezonings, subdivisions, and development plans in accordance with town regulations.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in urban planning principles, GIS and data analysis, and can prepare staff reports and presentations for boards. A NC driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, geography, public administration, landscape architecture, architecture, or closely related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in local government planning, development review, zoning administration.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Perform journey-level professional planning work in current and long-range planning efforts.
• Review comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, subdivision and development plans for compliance with town regulations.
• Prepare staff reports and present to boards and commissions; assist with special projects.

Skills

GIS

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field

Certified Zoning Official (preferred)

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Who We Are

The Town of Harrisburg, NC, is one of the fastest-growing communities in North Carolina and is seen as one of the top ten affluent zip codes in the surrounding region. While growth has been exponential over the past decade, the Town has maintained its tight-knit, community-based mindset and strategically fostered a work culture where customer service excellence is our top priority.

What We Need

The Town of Harrisburg is currently seeking a Planner to join our Planning Department. This position performs journey-level professional planning work in current and long-range planning projects.

An employee in this class performs responsible planning work for current and long-range planning efforts. Work includes reviewing comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, subdivision, and development plans for compliance with town regulations; conducting site inspections for zoning, landscape and architectural requirements; preparing staff reports and making presentations to various boards; and assisting with special projects. Work requires considerable knowledge of the Town’s development and zoning ordinances and skill in communicating ordinance requirements to the public, developers, builders, real estate brokers, property owners, etc. The work is supervised by the Assistant Planning Director and is evaluated through conferences, accuracy, and effectiveness of work results, and feedback from officials and the public.

Desirable Candidate

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in urban planning principles and regulatory processes, with working knowledge of zoning, subdivision, and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requirements. They will demonstrate proficiency in GIS and data analysis tools, along with the ability to research parcels, interpret development trends, and prepare maps, technical materials, and well-reasoned planning recommendations. This individual will be an effective communicator, capable of preparing professional reports and presentations, confidently presenting before boards and commissions, explaining complex ordinance requirements to developers, contractors, property owners, and the public, and facilitating productive discussions to resolve planning issues. They will exercise sound professional judgment, approach challenges with a customer-service mindset, and build collaborative working relationships with internal departments, external agencies, elected officials, and community stakeholders while contributing to a positive, team-oriented environment.

Education And Experience

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, geography, public administration, landscape architecture, architecture, or a closely related field; one to three years of experience in local government planning, development review, zoning administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certified Zoning Official, or the ability to obtain Certified Zoning Official certification within 24 months, is preferred.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.

What We Offer

The Town of Harrisburg offers a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative work environment dedicated to shaping the community’s future.

The hiring range is $25.98/hr. – $32.31/hr. and starting pay rate will be dependent on qualifications and prior experience. Will also be eligible for a $2,500 sign-on bonus upon hire.

EOE.