Planner I - Development Services

Town of Wake Forest; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Long-term and short-term disability

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Town of Wake Forest is seeking a Planner I to support development review and current planning. You will review final exempt plats, sign permits, plots plans, annexation petitions, and minor architectural applications while assisting residents and developers with zoning matters.

The role emphasizes collaboration, public service, and professional growth. A six-month probationary period offers a path to hybrid telework and ongoing training in planning practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in urban planning, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations and policies; excellent organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Review final exempt plats, sign permit applications, and plots plans.
• Review annexation petitions and minor architectural applications.
• Issue zoning verification letters and perform site compliance inspections.
• Research planning policies, prepare written reports, and assist residents and developers.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written & oral communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors or Master’s in urban planning or related field

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join Our Vibrant Team and Shape the Future of Wake Forest!

We are excited to recruit a Planner I to join our Planning team.

Do you have a passion for community development and a desire to make a tangible impact on a thriving and growing town? Are you looking for a workplace that values collaboration, innovation, and a healthy work-life balance? If so, the Town of Wake Forest Planning Department invites you to bring your talents and enthusiasm to our dynamic team!

Why Choose Wake Forest Planning?

Working for the Town of Wake Forest Planning Department isn't just a job – it's an opportunity to contribute to the unique character and future of a special place. Here's what makes us stand out:

Our Organizational Culture:

The Town’s vision is that Wake Forest’s vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community fosters its distinct character, thriving economy, and high quality of life. Our Core Values are Caring, Commitment, Character, and Collaboration. Every quarter, we have peer nominations to recognize exemplary work being demonstrated by our employees that align with our core values. As part of employee development, the Town hosts a Toastmasters group, Supervisory Bootcamp, Leadership Academy, Effective Supervisory Practices course, and other professional growth opportunities. The Town also provides at least two Employee Appreciation food truck events each year.

Make a Real Difference:

You’ll be directly involved in shaping the physical landscape and guiding the thoughtful growth of our community. From reviewing development permits to providing input for long-range plans, your work will have a lasting and visible impact on the Wake Forest community.

A Collaborative and Supportive Environment:

We foster a close-knit team where your ideas are valued, and collaboration is key to our success. You’ll work alongside experienced and passionate professionals who are dedicated to mentorship and professional growth. Almost all our staff are Certified Zoning Officials, AICP, or both. Over the past five years, the department has won a total of eight state Planning and Historic Preservation awards for our plans, outreach and professional achievements. We regularly have team building events to celebrate departmental and personal accomplishments.

Engaging and Diverse Projects:

You’ll have the opportunity to work on a wide array of projects, keeping your days interesting and challenging. This could include zoning administration, site plan review, comprehensive planning initiatives, transportation planning, historic preservation efforts, and more.

A Commitment to Innovation:

We embrace forward-thinking approaches and utilize technology to enhance our planning processes and create a more sustainable and resilient community. Your input on innovative solutions will be welcomed. We also offer hybrid work from home options upon completion of a six-month probationary period.

Work-Life Balance Matters:

We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and strive to create a supportive environment that respects your time and commitments outside of work. The Town offers Wellness Wednesday once a month which allows employees to take off one hour early to attend to wellness needs. We also offer free access to our recreational facilities and discounted fees for youth athletic programs for families of employees. Our department also offers opportunities for management leave and flex time.

Located in a Charming and Growing Town:

Wake Forest offers a high quality of life with a historic downtown, beautiful parks and greenways, a growing arts and culture scene, and a strong sense of community. Our Town Hall is in the Downtown area which allows you to walk to lunch and other amenities. Our office space was recently remodeled for the Planning and Engineering departments.

Opportunities for Professional Development:

We are committed to investing in our employees' growth through training, workshops, conferences, and other opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills in the field of planning.

Competitive Benefits Package:

The Town of Wake Forest offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, long-term and short-term disability programs, retirement plan, paid time off, volunteer leave, paid parental leave, paid elder care leave, non-matching required 401k contributions, longevity pay bonuses, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and more. Upon completion of a six-month probationary period, you will also receive a 5% increase in salary.

What You’ll Do:

As a Planner I, your responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing final exempt plats
• Reviewing sign permit applications
• Reviewing plots plans
• Reviewing annexation petitions
• Reviewing minor architectural applications
• Issuing zoning verification letters
• Performing site compliance inspections
• Researching, investigating, and preparing written reports on planning policies and issues
• Helping citizens and developers on zoning and related matters
• Assisting other planning staff with special projects

What You’ll Bring:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Analytical, problem-solving, and written and oral communication skills
• The ability to interpret and apply regulations and policies
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• A collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• A passion for public service and a commitment to the principles of good planning

We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how your skills and passion can help us shape the future of Wake Forest!

This position performs entry level planning work implementing a variety of planning activities focused on development review and current planning.

An employee in this class is responsible for reviewing exempt plats, processing annexation petitions, assisting residents and developers with various issues, reviewing administrative permits such as minor architectural applications and sign permits. Work involves providing technical guidance to department staff and the public requiring empathy, tact, and firmness. The employee works under the general supervision of the Development Services Manager.

Essential Duties and Tasks:

• Reviews final exempt plats;
• Reviews sign permit applications;
• Reviews plots plans;
• Reviews annexation petitions;
• Reviews minor architectural applications;
• Issues zoning verification letters;
• Performs site compliance inspections;
• Researches, investigates, and prepares written reports on planning policies and issues;
• Helps citizens and developers on zoning and related matters;
• Assists other planning staff with special projects;
• Assists with covering walk in customers and phone calls; and
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of planning principles and practices.
• Knowledge of current literature and best practices in the field of planning.
• Knowledge of governmental laws, programs, and services pertinent to the planning process.
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which include Microsoft Office, and GIS
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, partner agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to work effectively independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection.
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public.
• Ability to plan and organize work for efficient processing, set and follow effective work priorities, and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with routine supervision and guidance.

Desirable Education and Experience:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in urban and regional planning, geography, architecture, historic preservation, engineering, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Certified Zoning Official certification required or must be obtained within one year of employment.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, and hearing.
  • Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
  • Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, do extensive reading, operate a computer terminal, use measurement devices, and do visual inspections in the field.