PLANNER II / SENIOR PLANNER

Town of Cary; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 73,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Cary seeks a Planner II or Senior Planner to handle complex planning and development projects within the Planning and Community Development Department. The role emphasizes development plan review, zoning, urban design, and collaboration with internal teams and the public.

Ideal candidates have knowledge of land use principles and are capable of facilitating issue resolution across departments. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits accompany the role.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor's degree in city/urban planning or closely related field with professional planning experience.
• Preferred: 2-4 years in public or private land planning; experience with development plan review.
• AICP/CZO or related certifications are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Review development plans and plats for compliance with Cary policies, Land Development Ordinance and Community Appearance Manual.
• Perform preliminary development plan reviews for rezonings including complex infill and redevelopment.
• Prepare staff reports and present to boards and commissions.
• Develops and enforces zoning and development standards; reviews permits and responds to inquiries.
• Assist in long-range planning; develops elements of the comprehensive plan; support Council initiatives.
• Manage planning projects and coordinate with internal departments and external applicants.

Skills

land use planning

zoning practices

urban design

communication skills

conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's in city/urban planning

Master’s in planning/architecture/urban design

AICP/CZO certification

Tools

GIS

plan review software

Job description

Cary is seeking a passionate planning professional to join the Planning and Community Development Department as a Planner II or Senior Planner. This role performs advanced professional work with a focus on complex planning and development related projects. Candidates should have experience with development plan review, land development ordinance amendments, reviewing infill and redevelopment sites, a mindset to help facilitate high-quality projects, and demonstrated ability to facilitate issue resolution through internal and external collaboration.

This position requires excellent written and verbal skills to communicate with various audiences including boards, commissions, development professionals, and the members of the community. Successful candidates will collaborate in a fast-paced, evolving environment and must be able to adapt to change through continuous learning while empowering others through shared knowledge. Demonstrated knowledge of land use principles, zoning practices, urban design, mixed‑use concepts, architecture, and engineering are desired.

Approximately 75–80% of this position’s duties and responsibilities involve reviewing development plans and plats for compliance with applicable ordinances, regulations, and adopted plans.

Work is performed under the general supervision of senior staff and requires independent judgment and discretion in the performance of duties. Specific duties and requirements are determined by the area of assignment.

Cary places a special emphasis on taking care of their employees and citizens. We offer best benefits, which support our diverse workforce, providing employees with choices. A competitive salary is offered depending on qualifications and experience. Our highly comprehensive total compensation package is unprecedented, allowing Cary to value and support our employees’ whole selves, and sets us apart as an employer of choice.

At Cary, we strive to live inspired and work together to impact lives through exceptional service. With significant transformational development underway, this is an exciting moment to join our team. As a Planner II or Senior Planner, you will play a key role in shaping the future of Cary and supporting our growing and vibrant community!

Anticipated hiring range: $72,592.00 - $108,284.80

Cary is seeking a development plan reviewer for this position to work on a variety of projects and reviews which may include the following:

• Review development plans and plats for various land uses and levels of complexity. Reviews require the application of Cary’s policies, Land Development Ordinance and Community Appearance Manual. Plan review responsibilities involve collaboration and effective communication with other departments within Cary as well as the development community.
• Performs Preliminary Development Plan review for rezoning cases when applicable including greenfield as well as complex infill and redevelopment projects.
• Case management responsibilities also require collaborative staff report preparation, and preparing and presenting to various audiences including members of the public, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Support for other boards may include working with the Historic Preservation Commission.
• Develops, interprets, amends, and enforces ordinances regarding zoning and development standards;
• Reviews permits including signs, zoning verification letters, and building permits;
• Responds to inquiries from citizens, businesses, landowners, developers and elected and appointed officials regarding matters such as status of current projects, interpretations of the Land Use Plan, zoning matters, current and proposed ordinances, area plans and studies and on issues related to development;
• Assists in the development and implementation of Council initiatives and goals related to long‑range planning; prepares, plans, develops and implements elements of the comprehensive plan; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

General knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of land use planning, planning research, zoning, and annexations; knowledge of municipal planning, landscape architecture principles and practice, and urban design; knowledge of municipal development ordinances and its applications; bicycle and pedestrian planning; knowledge of principles and practice of community facilitation and conflict resolution; ability to read and interpret ordinances, statutes, plans, maps, etc.; ability to plan, organize, supervise and carry out complex research projects effectively and simultaneously; ability to present the results of research effectively in oral, written, and graphic form; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal officials, representatives of other agencies, and members of the general public and development community.

Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in city and regional planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related field and considerable experience in professional planning and development. Candidates may also have a background and/or related degree in the areas of site design, land development or construction management with a desire to learn planning.

Preferred candidates will have the following:

• 2-4 years of experience in public or private sector land planning or development
• Master’s degree in city and regional planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture, urban design, public administration, or engineering
• 2-4 years of experience with land use principles, zoning practices, urban design, mixed‑use and redevelopment projects
• 2-4 years of experience with development plan review.
• 2-4 years of experience navigating plan review software platforms and GIS
• 2-4 years of experience writing staff reports and making presentations
• 2-4 years of experience managing planning projects and multiple development plan reviews, coordinating with internal departments and external applicants, and working collaboratively to resolve technical issues while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certified Zoning Official (CZO) or other related professional certifications

In addition to the experience-based preferred qualifications listed above, candidates who demonstrate the following competencies will be especially well suited for the role:

• Excellent communication skills
• Desire to build collaborative groups within the organization
• Ability to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment
• Ability to work on a variety of tasks while being extremely organized and detail-oriented

Physical Requirements

The work in this class is generally inside and sedentary. An employee must be able to talk, hear, and see. Visual acuity is necessary in order to read and write handwritten and typewritten materials, review and draw plans, and view a computer. Walking and driving may be required in order to observe work in progress.

Special Requirements

• Requires a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, SBI finger‑printing, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment.
• This position may occasionally require participation in meetings and events outside of normal business hours, which may include evenings and weekends.