PLANNER I

Effinghamcounty; Dunwoody (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Planner I to join their dynamic team in a professional-level planning role. This position focuses on core planning functions such as land use review, zoning analysis, and public engagement. The ideal candidate will have foundational planning experience and a passion for contributing to community development. You'll be involved in coordinating projects, conducting planning studies, and liaising with citizens and developers. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow professionally while supporting equitable and compliant development services in a government setting.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of planning experience, including internships.
• Basic understanding of zoning and land development review.

Responsibilities

• Conduct planning studies and assist with updates to land use plans.
• Review site plans and zoning requests for compliance.

Skills

Zoning Analysis

Public Engagement

Project Coordination

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Bachelor’s degree in Geography

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS Platforms

Adobe Illustrator

SketchUp

Job description

The Planner I is a professional-level planning position emphasizing core planning functions such as land use review, zoning analysis, ordinance development, and public engagement. It is designed for a candidate with foundational planning experience ready to grow professionally and take on moderate project coordination duties in a government setting. The position supports daily operations and long-range initiatives, focusing on delivering responsive, equitable, and regulation-compliant development services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts planning studies and assists with updates to land use plans, zoning ordinances, and development regulations.
• Reviews site plans, rezoning requests, variances, and special use permits for consistency with applicable codes.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets planning data (e.g., land use, demographics, infrastructure).
• Prepares staff reports and presentations for public hearings, boards, and commissions.
• Serves as liaison to citizens, developers, and agencies to provide guidance on planning and development procedures.
• Coordinates community review of public and private projects and responds to public inquiries.
• Assists with administering regulatory programs, including floodplain and erosion control compliance.
• Maintains maps, files, and documentation in GIS and other planning systems.
• Provides support to the Planning Board, including agenda preparation, public notices, and minute-taking.
• Contributes to project tracking, grant reporting, and record-keeping.
• Participates in field inspections and on-site evaluations as needed.
• Attends evening meetings and occasional weekend events related to planning initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Architecture, Geography, or a related field.
• At least one (1) year of planning experience; internships or part-time planning work may be considered.
• Basic understanding of zoning, subdivision regulations, and land development review.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and GIS platforms.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years or more of professional planning experience in a local government setting.
• Exposure to regulatory permitting, ordinance writing, or long-range planning.
• Experience with grant writing or project documentation.
• Proficiency with GIS analysis or graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, SketchUp).
• AICP Candidate or Certification is a plus.

Work Environment / Conditions

• Primarily office-based with some site visits and field evaluations.
• Regular attendance at evening meetings; occasional weekend events.
• Moderate physical effort, including lifting up to 20 pounds, climbing stairs, and walking over uneven terrain.

We are an equal opportunity/drug-free workplace employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Applicants with a known disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request an accommodation in the recruitment or selection process, but must request this accommodation no later than 48 hours before the need.

All resumes must be submitted with a completed County Application. Applications can be obtained at: Human Resources Office, 804 S Laurel Street, Springfield, GA 31329 or www.effinghamcounty.org/Jobs.aspx