Planning & Inspections Director

Camden County; North Carolina; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Camden County is seeking an executive-level Planning Director to lead the Planning and Community Development Department, directing short- and long-range planning, zoning, and development review. This role serves as the chief planning official, coordinating with the Planning Board, Board of Commissioners, and other advisory groups to advance growth management and quality‑of‑life initiatives.

The position requires a master’s degree in a related field, professional certification, and at least five

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban or Regional Planning or related field required; Master's preferred.
• AICP and NC CZO certification required or must be obtained within 1 year of employment.
• CFM certification preferred or must be obtained within 1 year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes planning needs, growth trends, and service requirements; develops strategic responses and measures.
• Formulates recommendations on long-range plans and growth management strategies.
• Oversees data analysis of population, land use, housing, and economic development trends.
• Develops and updates land use plans, policies, and regulatory standards with senior staff and boards.
• Oversees updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance for policy consistency.
• Represents the County on regional boards and intergovernmental committees.
• Ensures compliance with county, state, and federal requirements in zoning and development review.

Skills

Leadership

Planning theory

GIS proficiency

Policy development

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's in Urban/Regional Planning

Master's in Planning or Public Administration

AICP Certification

NC CZO Certification

Tools

CAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Performs complex executive-level professional work planning, directing, organizing, and administering short- and long-range planning, zoning, development review, building code coordination, and community development programs for the County. Serves as the County's chief planning official and department head responsible for overall leadership, strategic direction, policy development, and operational management of the Planning and Community Development Department.

Work includes coordinating and supervising zoning administration, Unified Development Ordinance enforcement, subdivision and site plan review, environmental and stormwater compliance, development services, and code enforcement functions; serving as principal staff liaison to the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Technical Review Committee, and Board of Commissioners; maintaining official records; preparing technical and administrative reports; and performing related executive and administrative duties as assigned.

Work involves setting departmental policies, goals, performance standards, and strategic priorities under the direction of the County Manager and in coordination with elected and appointed officials. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel within the department, either directly or through supervisory staff. Position operates with substantial independence and discretion in accomplishing adopted policy objectives.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Analyzes County planning needs, infrastructure demands, growth trends, and service requirements; develops strategic responses and implementation measures.
• Formulates recommendations regarding current and long-range plans, growth management strategies, and quality-of-life improvements for County residents.
• Supervises the collection and analysis of statistical and narrative data related to population growth, land use, housing, infrastructure capacity, and economic development trends.
• Develops and implements land use plans, policies, standards, and regulatory updates in collaboration with the County Manager, Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, and other advisory boards.
• Implements and oversees updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and other adopted policy documents to ensure consistency with County strategic objectives and state law.
• Researches, drafts, and administers local land use policies, ordinances, and regulatory amendments to further County growth management objectives and ensure defensible regulatory standards.
• Directs preparation of charts, maps, GIS products, graphs, and technical presentations; reviews and approves departmental reports and public presentations prior to submission to boards or elected officials.
• Conducts and oversees Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and related public meetings and hearings, including substantial evening and occasional weekend meetings.
• Develops and implements public engagement strategies to inform and educate stakeholders regarding planning and development issues.
• Supervises and participates in the administration and enforcement of zoning, subdivision, floodplain, stormwater, and related land use regulations, ensuring compliance with County, state, and federal requirements.
• Coordinates technical review of site development plans, subdivision plats, rezoning petitions, and special use permits; provides formal recommendations to review agencies and governing boards.
• Interprets development regulations and resolves conflicts through administrative decisions or formal quasi-judicial procedures, ensuring consistent and legally sound application of County codes.
• Evaluates planning-related state and federal legislation and determines applicability to County operations and development regulations.
• Prepares, administers, and monitors the departmental operating and capital budget; ensures fiscal accountability and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Oversees recruitment, selection, supervision, evaluation, discipline, and professional development of departmental staff and contract personnel.
• Assigns, directs, inspects, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; develops performance standards and implements corrective or progressive discipline as necessary.
• Prepares requests for proposals (RFPs), negotiates contracts, and oversees consultants providing planning, engineering, or technical services.
• Ensures that the County Manager, Planning Board, and Board of Commissioners are fully informed regarding departmental performance, emerging growth trends, regulatory issues, and matters of significant policy impact.
• Represents the County on regional boards, intergovernmental committees, and professional associations related to planning and development.
• Performs related work as required and maintains expert-level knowledge in the interpretation and application of the Unified Development Ordinance.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of advanced principles and practices of county and regional planning, growth management, and community development; knowledge of economics, public finance, land development processes, and real estate principles; thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations governing land use and development; general knowledge of civil engineering, traffic engineering, and landscape design principles as they relate to development review.
• Considerable knowledge of personnel management, including supervision, training, performance evaluation, and organizational leadership.
• Strong working knowledge of GIS applications, computer-aided drafting (CAD), Microsoft Office Suite, database systems, and related planning technologies.
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex technical and statistical information and prepare clear, defensible written and oral reports.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, negotiation, and public relations skills; ability to manage sensitive or politically complex issues with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, staff, consultants, developers, state and federal agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment within established policy guidelines.
• Maintains current professional knowledge through continuing education, professional memberships, and participation in planning conferences and training.

Education And Experience

Bachelor's degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, or related field required; Master's degree in Planning, Public Administration, or closely related field strongly preferred.

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience is required, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management capacity.

AICP & NC CZO certification is required or must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.

CFM certification is preferred or must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 20 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking, and hearing, and occasionally requires standing and walking; must have visual acuity to view computer screens, review detailed plans and maps, prepare reports, and determine the accuracy and thoroughness of work; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions during site visits; work is generally performed in a moderately noisy office environment.

Special Requirements

Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.

Ability to attend evening and occasional weekend meetings as required.