Planner II / Senior Planner / Principal Planner

Town of Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Chapel Hill is seeking an Urban Planner to contribute to long-range planning focused on historic preservation. Responsibilities include project management, development plan review, and facilitating community engagement. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and a background in planning, making a significant impact in a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Ability to telework

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field required, with experience for each level based on position.
• Experience in historic preservation is preferred but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Manage various planning projects with moderate supervision.
• Conduct development plan reviews using town regulations and design standards.
• Engage community stakeholders for input and provide planning information.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Data Analysis

Community Engagement

Education

Master’s degree in planning or related field

Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience

Job description

The Town of Chapel Hill is seeking a collaborative urban planner and land use professional to serve in the Planning Department. This position supports long-range planning activities with a focus on historic preservation. The work of this position is accomplished through project management, Advisory Board support, evaluating development applications, and writing reports. The ideal candidates will be motivated self-starters with the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders and work in a collaborative team environment. This position is eligible for flexible work arrangements, including telework.

About Town of Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a progressively minded university town of approximately 60,000 residents. We are the home of national champions, academic scholars, community activists, musical trend-setters, authentic local businesses, and much more. The town is situated in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, one of three corners in the famed Research Triangle, and a few short hours from the eastern coastline. We thrive on teamwork, collaboration, engagement, and open dialogue. We are working toward building an inclusive, equitable, and resilient community for all who live, work, and play here.

Note: This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position.

Project Management: Manages implementation of various planning related projects according to departmental work plan, with moderate to light supervision.

Staff Support: Provides primary or backup staff support to Town Advisory Boards, committees, and the Town Council.

Development Plan Review: Conducts development plan review using Town of Chapel Hill governing documents and development standards, including Historic District design standards. Works with staff from other departments and organizations as part of Technical Review Team.

Data Research and Analysis:Gathers planning-related data and prepares analysis for staff review as directed by supervisor.

Report Preparation and Presentation: Evaluates data and prepares plans and reports for distribution and presentation to the Council, Advisory Boards, Town departments, State Historic Preservation Office, and the general public.

Customer Service and Community Engagement: Provides planning information as needed to community stakeholders, development applicants, and others. Engages community stakeholders and the general public in planning initiatives to share information and solicit input.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of planning, zoning, historic preservation, land use and/or inspection
• Town's land use related regulations and design standards
• Federal, state, and local laws, including those that address sites with historic designations

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, customers, stakeholders, and supervisors
• Read and interpret ordinances, statutes, plans, maps, and blueprints
• Read and understand development and planning related documents, technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents
• Develop presentations and present information in a public setting
• Plan, organize, manage, and carry out multiple projects effectively and simultaneously
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Meet deadlines
• Follow policies and procedures of the Town and the Planning Department
  Model behaviors that are consistent with our value of RESPECT
• Promote a culture of workplace safety

Supervision Exercised

None

Physical Demands

The work may require periodic lifting, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling, as well as occasional walking in or around construction sites.

Work Environment
The work is typically performed in an office environment, but will also require some offsite meetings and site visits.

A candidate for this position may be at a level of qualifications such that the initial offer is for a Planner II, Senior Planner, or Principal Planner position. Preference is given to candidates with historic preservation work experience or education. However, candidates willing to pursue historic preservation skill-building will also be considered.

Planner II: Minimum qualifications include a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field and two years of professional work experience, or equivalent.

Senior Planner:Minimum qualifications include a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field and four years of professional work experience, or equivalent.

Principal Planner:Minimum qualifications include a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field and seven years of increasingly responsible work experience, or equivalent.

For any of the positions above, the Town will consider any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job. This could include, but is not limited to, attainment of a bachelor’s degree with additional relevant work experience.

FLSA: Exempt- Flexible work arrangements and work from home are at the discretion of the department.

A valid NC driver's license is preferred for this position due to meetings, outreach, and event participation. However, ability to transport oneself efficiently locally and regionally without a driver’s license is acceptable.