Planner I

Guilford County; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Planner I to join their dynamic Planning Section. This role involves interpreting and implementing the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regulations, assisting in public presentations, and engaging with the community on land use inquiries. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree in Planning or a related field, complemented by practical experience in planning functions. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to community development and planning initiatives, making a tangible impact on local growth and development. If you are passionate about urban planning and eager to make a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field with 2 years experience.
• Knowledge of UDO regulations and planning principles.

Responsibilities

• Interprets UDO regulations for land use and subdivision.
• Reviews site plans and assists in public presentations.
• Advises developers and citizens on planning procedures.

Skills

Planning Principles

Statistical Data Analysis

Public Communication

Organizational Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Planning

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture

Tools

Personal Computers

Data Management Software

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs a variety of technical functions within the Planning Section in interpreting and administering the regulations of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Responds to questions from the general public concerning land use types and their dimensional requirements. Performs minor site plan, and exempt and minor subdivision plat review. Work also involves assisting in the preparation, presentation and implementation of Area and/or Town Plans.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The Planner I position is responsible for interpreting and implementing policies and procedures for which precedent has been established. This employee has significant interaction with the public and provides interpretations of the UDO regulations such as they apply to subdivisions, site plans, and road/easement closures and land uses, among other items. Knowledge of UDO regulations and Map Standards provides the basis for minor site plan and exempt and minor subdivision plat review. This class is distinguished from the Planner II (Senior Planner) classification by more limited knowledge and training in subdivision and zoning ordinances, site plan experience, and area/town planning. Work is performed under general oversight (but not supervision) of a Planner II (Senior Planner). The Planner I may assist in preparing and/or delivering public presentations such as for Area / Town Plans, but seldom is solely responsible for public forum activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Informs and answers questions from the public about subdivisions, site plans, plat recordation and other general planning and land use procedural items.
• Interprets rules and regulations in the UDO regarding subdivisions, site plans, easement and road closures and other general planning and land use items.
• Advises owners, developers, engineers, and surveyors of procedures, principles, solutions, and alternatives for development.
• Reviews plats and minor site plans for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Logs and maintains file envelopes for subdivision plats and minor site plans.
• Consults with other departments/agencies and obtains signatures/releases plats and minor site plans.
• Distributes preliminary and final plats to the appropriate staff reviewers.
• Researches plat/site plan histories by examining maps and applicable regulations or documents.
• Must be familiar with County and municipal subdivision regulations and Environmental Health Department septic regulations and apply to review of plats and minor site plans.
• Maintains plat/site records and prepares and maintains those records in the appropriate data bases and/or spreadsheets as well as in microfiche.
• Prepares population projections, analyzes socio-economic data, and prepares analysis of trends for Area/Town Plans.
• Analyzes existing land uses and environmental features impacting trends for Area/Town Plans.
• Assists in preparation of Area/Town Plans or plans and may assist in their public presentation.
• Assists citizens and landowners with questions on Area/Town Plan elements, including land use, transportation, utilities, recreation and open space, housing, and environmental protection.
• Occasional attendance at evening meetings is required.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of planning.
• Working knowledge of the geographic, socio-economic, and topographic characteristics of the County.
• Working knowledge of the general functions of the various departments of County government.
• Demonstrated ability to use personal computers effectively and efficiently in daily work.
• Ability to gather, compile, and analyze statistical data.
• Ability to present data and recommendations clearly in written and oral form.
• Record-keeping and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with people effectively and under tight timelines or stressful situations.
• Organizational skills where automated workflows may/may not exist.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field and two years of related experience;

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

NC Driver’s license

Ability to work some evenings and non-traditional work hours as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:

Completion of the NC School of Government Introduction to Zoning course; American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification

Experience working with legal descriptions, deeds, plats, surveys, easements, site plans, landscape plans, town or area plans, subdivisions, in such settings as a government planning office, surveyor’s office, engineer’s office, landscape or building architect’s office, or related settings.

Transcript Required
Copy of transcripts must be submitted with online application. Official college transcripts required at time of hire. Please send transcripts to:

Guilford County/HR c/o
Albert Parks III, 201 South Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401 or attach a copy to your online application.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

Physical activities may include but are not limited to climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. Activities associated with driving to a construction site and performing a visual and physical inspection of the work in progress.

May Require Driving

This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria. If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.

Special Note

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available as a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating as a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.