Planner II

Hall County Government; Gainesville (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Hall County Government in Gainesville, GA seeks a Planner II to perform advanced planning work, review land disturbance and building plans for zoning compliance, and support long-range planning. The role involves site inspections, public interactions, and coordinating with stakeholders to guide development through permitting processes.

The candidate will draft reports, manage records, and assist the Planning Commission while maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance with regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field with relevant experience.
• Master’s degree preferred; combination of education and experience considered.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Valid Class I Driver's license and satisfactory MVR.

Responsibilities

• Review land disturbance permits, commercial and residential plans for zoning compliance.
• Conduct site visits and inspections to verify plan accuracy.
• Process rezoning, variances and special use permits; draft staff reports.
• Research zoning codes and land use policies; prepare annexation and technical memoranda.
• Provide front-counter and phone support with public inquiries on permitting procedures.
• Prepare meeting agendas, staff reports, and presentations for Planning Commission.
• Maintain accurate development records and support long-range planning updates.

Skills

Land use planning

Zoning knowledge

GIS

Public engagement

Site inspections

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Planner II

Full Time Employee Gainesville, GA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 2937

Salary Range: $60,251.74 To $75,965.94 Annually

JOB SUMMARY

Under direction of Planning leadership, this position performs advanced professional planning work. The Planner II reviews land disturbance permit (LDP) plans, commercial building plans, and residential building plans for compliance with local zoning codes, development standards, and subdivision regulations. The role also includes supporting the long-range planning department where needed, site inspections and regular interaction with the public, development professionals, and other departments and staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts detailed reviews of residential building permit applications, commercial development plans, and land disturbance permit (LDP) applications to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, design standards, environmental constraints, and applicable ordinances.

Performs site visits and field inspections as part of the development review process to assess on-the-ground conditions and verify plan accuracy.

Reviews and processes applications for rezoning, variance, conditional use, and special use permits, as well as drafts staff reports, legal ads, and public hearing materials.

Research and interprets zoning codes, subdivision regulations, and land use policies in response to internal reviews and public inquiries.

Drafts annexation reports, zoning verification letters, and technical memoranda for internal and external stakeholders.

Provides daily front counter and phone support to assist the public with zoning questions, development feasibility, and permitting procedures.

Meets with property owners, developers, engineers, and other stakeholders to explain applicable development regulations and guide them through the review and permitting process.

Provides staff support to the Planning Commission, preparing meeting agendas, staff reports, presentations, and responding to commissioner inquiries.

Maintains accurate records of development activity and ensures timely processing of all applications and reviews.

Provide support to the Long-Range Planning Division as needed. Support responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: conducting research for zoning ordinance updates, drafting zoning ordinance amendments, attending daytime or evening meetings when requested, performing research to support comprehensive plan revisions, and identifying opportunities for improvement within the zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in planning, Landscape Architecture, Engineering or related field with three-year relevant experience.

Master’s degree preferred.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the jobs such as those listed above.

Licenses and Certifications:

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, or ability to obtain the certification within 1 year

Valid Class I Driver's license and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban and regional planning.

Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain an assortment of records, reports, and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.

Ability to effectively communicate and interact with supervisors, other employees, government officials, and the public.

Ability to assemble information, research and analyze related topics, draw conclusions, and create written reports and documents that communicate in a concise, clear, and effective manner.

Ability to use independent judgment in routine situations.

Ability to plan, organize, and/or prioritize daily or long-range assignments and work activities.

Ability to prepare and deliver public presentations and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with the public.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

ADA MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Physical Ability:

Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing);operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.

Essential Functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lbs.

Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs. Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours.

Sensory Requirements:

Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.

Environmental Factors:

Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.