Planner I or Planner II (depending on qualifications)

City of Greensboro, NC; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

City of Greensboro, NC is seeking a Planner I or Planner II to help shape Greensboro's future by guiding neighborhood, business, and development decisions, balancing community needs with zoning requirements.

You will review development proposals, present to boards, and engage with residents and developers, working Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with occasional evening meetings.

This role offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth in public planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field.
• One (1) to three (3) years of related professional experience.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
• Completion of the NC School of Government Introduction to Zoning, or ability to obtain CZO or AICP certification within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Review residential and non-residential development proposals for compliance with the City's Land Development Ordinance.
• Evaluate zoning requirements and communicate requirements, options, and potential alternatives to applicants.
• Balance development practices, accepted planning principles, and legislative intent when evaluating proposals.
• Guide developers, landowners, residents, professionals, and other interested parties through required approval processes.
• Explain planning and zoning processes and opportunities for community participation.
• Prepare staff reports, presentations, and other materials for City Council-appointed Boards and Commissions.
• Present planning recommendations and information during public meetings and hearings.
• Ensure applicable local and State requirements are met for public hearings.
• Collaborate with Planning staff and other City departments on development reviews and public hearing matters.
• Participate in technical plan reviews and approvals.
• Serve on a rotating basis as the Planner of the Day, providing the public with information about zoning and development matters.
• Provide departmental approvals for applicable permits and communicate information about pending decisions.
• Work with senior leadership on ordinance and policy improvements.
• Help identify opportunities to modernize development processes, improve efficiency, and expand staff capacity.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities.
• Share knowledge and contribute to the ongoing development of Planning Department staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Land use planning theory

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or related field

NC School of Government Introduction to Zoning

Certified Zoning Official (CZO) or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) within 6 months

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Planner I / Planner II

Planning Department
Requisition #05514 | Position #8203
External Recruitment | Full-Time

Help Shape the Future of Greensboro

Every new neighborhood, business, development, and community space helps shape Greensboro's future. As a Planner I or Planner II, you'll help guide that growth—balancing community needs, development opportunities, sound planning principles, and the City's vision for a thriving, equitable, and sustainable community.

This is an opportunity for a planning professional who enjoys solving complex problems, working directly with the public, and turning planning principles into meaningful outcomes.

Salary & Classification

Hiring Salary Range: $54,102 – $76,882

The final salary and classification will be based on qualifications and experience:

• Job Type: Regular Full-Time

Benefits That Support You

The City of Greensboro offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, career development, and work-life balance.

Employees have access to health and wellness benefits, retirement options, paid leave, professional development, and other programs that support a rewarding career in public service.

See the City of Greensboro Benefits Book for complete details.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday
• 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Some evening meetings approximately once or twice per month

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• Shape Greensboro's future: Your work directly influences how the community grows and develops.
• Work with people: Serve as a trusted resource for residents, developers, landowners, businesses, and other community stakeholders.
• Solve meaningful problems: Help applicants identify solutions that meet zoning requirements while supporting responsible development.
• Make government easier to navigate: Guide customers through planning and development processes.
• Present and collaborate: Work with Boards and Commissions, City departments, developers, and community members.
• Grow professionally: Expand your expertise in zoning, land use, public engagement, and municipal planning.
• Help advance Greensboro's priorities around economic development, attainable housing, infrastructure, equity, and sustainable neighborhoods.

About the Role

The Planner I/II serves as a key connection between the City's planning regulations and the people who are shaping Greensboro's built environment.

You'll review residential and non-residential development proposals, interpret zoning requirements, help applicants navigate approval processes, and present information to public Boards and Commissions.

The role combines technical planning, customer service, public engagement, collaboration, and policy work—giving you the opportunity to see the impact of your work from initial application through public decision-making.

What You'll Do

• Review residential and non-residential development proposals for compliance with the City's Land Development Ordinance.
• Evaluate zoning requirements and communicate requirements, options, and potential alternatives to applicants.
• Balance development practices, accepted planning principles, and legislative intent when evaluating proposals.
• Guide developers, landowners, residents, professionals, and other interested parties through required approval processes.
• Explain planning and zoning processes and opportunities for community participation.
• Prepare staff reports, presentations, and other materials for City Council-appointed Boards and Commissions.
• Present planning recommendations and information during public meetings and hearings.
• Ensure applicable local and State requirements are met for public hearings.
• Collaborate with Planning staff and other City departments on development reviews and public hearing matters.
• Participate in technical plan reviews and approvals.
• Serve on a rotating basis as the Planner of the Day, providing the public with information about zoning and development matters.
• Provide departmental approvals for applicable permits and communicate information about pending decisions.
• Work with senior leadership on ordinance and policy improvements.
• Help identify opportunities to modernize development processes, improve efficiency, and expand staff capacity.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities.
• Share knowledge and contribute to the ongoing development of Planning Department staff.

This work supports Greensboro's commitment to being purpose-driven, people-centered, data-informed, innovative, prosperous, resilient, and equitable.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates must possess:

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field.
• One (1) to three (3) years of related professional experience.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
• Experience understanding and applying land use planning theory and practice.
• Completion of the NC School of Government Introduction to Zoning course, or the ability to obtain either Certified Zoning Official (CZO) orAmerican Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification within six months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with the following are encouraged to apply:

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field with 4–6 years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree in a related field with 1–3 years of relevant experience.
• CZO or AICP certification.
• Experience staffing public Boards and Commissions.
• Experience working in municipal planning, zoning, development review, or a related environment.
• Experience communicating complex planning or regulatory information to diverse audiences.

• Strong public presentation skills.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, aerial photographs, topographic maps, and other maps and plans associated with development proposals.