Principal Planner

Gwinnett County Government; Lawrenceville (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Gwinnett County Government is seeking a lead urban planner to administer current planning activities and serve as the technical lead for zoning and development review.

The role requires developing expertise in Gwinnett County’s Unified Development Ordinance, evaluating proposals, and ensuring policy compliance. It also includes mentoring staff and guiding complex projects through approval processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, urban design/architecture, public administration, or related fields.
• Minimum four years of full-time experience in urban planning and/or related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for zoning and land development activities, ensuring projects align with the Unified Development Ordinance.
• Provide technical support to Division leadership to manage Planning Commission/Board processes.
• Independently analyze and manage complex rezonings, special use permits, and change in conditions applications with clear recommendations.
• Review land disturbance permits, plats, plans, and related documents for compliance with zoning codes and ordinances.
• Assist or lead special projects such as UDO amendments and SOP/training materials development.
• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced team members on code interpretation and plan review.
• Assist with inquiries, providing timely information to customers by phone, email, and in person.

Skills

Zoning administration

Code interpretation

Development review

Mentoring

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning

Master’s degree in urban planning (preferred)

Job description

Job Description

Under the direction of the Zoning and Development Division leadership, this position serves as a lead individual contributor responsible for administering current planning activities within Gwinnett County. This position functions as the technical lead for the Zoning and Development section, providing advanced professional expertise in zoning administration, code interpretation, and development review.

Job Description

Under the direction of the Zoning and Development Division leadership, this position serves as a lead individual contributor responsible for administering current planning activities within Gwinnett County. This position functions as the technical lead for the Zoning and Development section, providing advanced professional expertise in zoning administration, code interpretation, and development review.

The selected candidate is expected to develop and maintain subject matter expertise in Gwinnett County’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and application of recommendations from the Unified Plan. This individual is expected to evaluate development proposals, prepare recommendations, and ensure consistency with applicable County policy and regulations. This role is expected to perform highly technical planning work independently with minimal supervision and to provide guidance, mentoring, and quality control support to Planner I and Planner II.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties

• Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for zoning and land development activities, to ensure successful execution of projects and initiatives that align with Gwinnett County’s vision and goals and comply with the Unified Development Ordinance.
• Provide technical support to Division leadership to manage the Planning Commission/Board of Commissioners and the Zoning Board of Appeals processes.
• Independently analyze and manage complex rezonings, special use permits, and change in conditions applications and develop clear, well-supported recommendations consistent with County policy and regulations.
• Review land disturbance permits, special administrative permits, plats, plans, applications, and related documents for compliance with zoning code and other applicable ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations.
• Assist or lead special projects such as UDO amendments, technology enhancements, and developing or updating of standard operating procedures and/or training materials.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced team members on topics of code interpretation, report writing, plan review and other daily operations; including providing quality control for plan review comments and reports drafted by less experienced team members.
• Assist with planning and zoning inquiries, ensuring accurate information is provided within a timely manner to customers by phone, email, and in-person.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, urban design/architecture, public administration, or fields related to community and economic development.
• Minimum four years of full-time experience in urban planning and/or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above, will also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in urban planning, urban design/architecture, public administration, or fields related to community and economic development.
• Minimum six years of full-time experience in urban planning or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communications and project management skills.
• AICP Certification or desire to acquire within 12 months.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above, will also be considered.

Licensing Requirements

• Valid Driver's License from state of residency

Knowledge (position Requirements At Entry)

• Extensive knowledge of planning principles, best practices, and trends related to zoning, land use, housing and transportation.
• Profound Understanding of the rezoning/special use permit/change in conditions process as well as the variance process.

About Us

Welcome to Gwinnett County Government

Gwinnett County Government is an award-winning employer that believes in investing in its employees by providing corporate level benefits, a wellness program, professional development opportunities, career advancement, and more

Careers with impact

Gwinnett County sets the standard as a dynamic, vibrant community where all people can enjoy economic opportunities, safe neighborhoods, plentiful greenspace, and recreational facilities. We are committed to hiring those who share our dedication to making life better for our residents and business owners. The culture of superior service that our employees have created reflects that standard and helps staff, residents, and stakeholders remain vibrantly connected.

Exceptional benefits

Working for Gwinnett County comes with exceptional benefits, including health coverage, a robust wellness program (Spouses can participate, too!), onsite employee wellness center, longevity pay, tuition reimbursement, and more. The value of Gwinnett County benefits can be up to 49 percent of an individual’s total compensation.

World-class community

More than a million residents make up Gwinnett’s diverse community. The County is located just 45 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta. Georgia Highway 316 reduces travel time to the University of Georgia to 25 minutes.

Gwinnett County is an award-winning employer!

• Atlanta’s Healthiest Employer by Atlanta Business Chronicle
• Green Communities Platinum Certification for Gwinnett County from the Atlanta Regional Commission
• Top 100 Healthiest Workplaces in America by Springbuk and PR NewsWire and more!

Vision

Gwinnett is the preferred community where everyone thrives!

Mission

Gwinnett proudly supports our vibrantly connected community by delivering superior services.

Values

Integrity: We believe in being honest, building trust, and having strong moral principles.

Accountability: We believe in stewardship, transparency, and sustainability.

Equity: We believe in fairness and respect for all.

Inclusivity: We believe in engaging, embracing, and unifying our communities.

Innovation: We believe in continual adaptation of technology, process, and experience.

Hiring Process

Gwinnett County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Hiring Process
• FAQs

Gwinnett County is committed to creating a diverse workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information (including sex), race, color, national origin (including ancestry), gender (identity and expression), sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status (including pregnancy), disability, military or veteran status, religion, political affiliation, immigration status, homeless status, or any other category protected by law.

Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities may be requested. If you need an accommodation during the application, interview, or testing process, contact Human Resources at 770.822.7915 or [e-mail]. This email is only for accommodation requests; for questions related to job postings, use [e-mail].