Planning & Land Use Coordinator

New Hanover County; Wilmington (NC); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k contributions

NC Retirement system

Flex time and telework

Paid sick and personal leave

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Education leave

Health, dental, vision insurance

Wellness center on site

Professional development

Job summary

New Hanover County is seeking a Planning Coordinator to provide technical and planning support for orderly growth and development in the county. The role includes maintaining planning data, supporting development reviews, creating GIS maps, and analyzing information to help staff make informed decisions for residents and property owners.

This position blends planning, GIS, data analysis, problem-solving, and customer service to support the County’s long-term growth strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Computer Science, GIS, or related field.
• One year of experience in planning review, GIS mapping, zoning administration, building code compliance, or surveying.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain planning case records, databases, address information, and other departmental data.
• Support development review with staff reports, application review, and related planning processes.
• Create and maintain GIS data, maps, models, and other planning-related applications.
• Perform spatial and other data analysis to support planning and development activities.
• Prepare reports, presentations, maps, and other materials for staff, stakeholders, and the public.
• Provide technical assistance and responsive customer service to County staff and the public.
• Assist with special use permits, rezoning requests, development activity applications, and other planning-related matters.
• Research information and use problem-solving skills to resolve planning, data, and technical issues.
• Support department data applications and website updates.
• Coordinate GIS data across planning activities and other County functions.

Skills

Planning

GIS

Data analysis

Customer service

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning

Job description

Help shape the future of New Hanover County! As a Planning Coordinator, you’ll provide technical and planning support that helps guide responsible growth and development throughout the community. From maintaining planning data and supporting development review to creating GIS maps and analyzing information, your work will help planning staff make informed decisions and provide effective service to residents, property owners, and the development community.

This is an opportunity to combine planning, GIS, data analysis, problem-solving, and customer service in a role that directly supports the County’s long-term vision for growth and development.

Essential Duties

• Maintain planning case records, databases, address information, and other departmental data.
• Support development review activities by assisting with staff reports, application review, and related planning processes.
• Create and maintain GIS data, maps, models, and other planning-related applications.
• Perform spatial and other data analysis to support planning and development activities.
• Prepare reports, presentations, maps, and other materials for staff, stakeholders, and the public.
• Provide technical assistance and responsive customer service to County staff and members of the public.
• Assist with special use permits, rezoning requests, development activity applications, and other planning-related matters.
• Research information and use problem-solving skills to help resolve planning, data, and technical issues.
• Support department data applications and website updates.
• Coordinate GIS data and information across planning activities and other County functions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

New Hanover County's Planning and Land Use Department is a team of dedicated professionals responsible for research, planning, and zoning activities that support orderly growth and development throughout the County.

The department uses the County's comprehensive plan as a guide while working with the development community, residents, and other stakeholders to address the challenges that come with growth and establish a framework for the next 20 to 30 years of development in the unincorporated areas of New Hanover County.

Why New Hanover County?

A Career with Impact

New Hanover County is committed to hiring talented professionals who are passionate about public service and making a difference in the community. Our employees work in an innovative, collaborative, and employee-focused environment where professional expertise and new ideas are valued.

Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, integrity, stewardship, and accountability guide the way we serve our community and work with our customers.

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.

Living in New Hanover County, NC:

New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.

Hours

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
Must be available to report for emergency work assignment during emergency situations.

Salary Information

The target hiring range for this position is $51,111.00 - $69,000.00. The full salary range for an incumbent hired into this position is $51,111.00 to $86,889.00. Starting salary will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, and budget. Candidates with exceptional qualifications and experience may be considered for a starting salary above the target hiring range, but not to exceed the maximum of the salary range.

New Hanover County offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Computer Science, GIS, or related field, and one (1) year of experience in planning review, GIS mapping, zoning administration, building code compliance, or surveying; or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Valid North Carolina Driver License required by first date of employment with good driving record.

This posting is continuous with a priority date of Monday, September 28th.

In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.