Senior Planner

City of Durham; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 73,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Durham Planning & Development Department seeks a professional urban planner to implement the Comprehensive Plan through small area plans and long-range projects.

You will perform advanced analyses, present findings, coordinate with regional and federal/state agencies, and manage project timelines. Excellent written and oral communication and GIS proficiency are required; AICP certification and a related master’s are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Five years of professional urban planning experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• AICP certification.
• Master’s degree in planning, engineering, or related field preferred.
• Proficiency in GIS software and data visualization.

Responsibilities

• Manage large land-use and master planning processes with schedules and budgets.
• Conduct advanced analyses; develop recommendations on planning issues.
• Prepare reports, plans, permits, maps, and presentations; present findings.
• Coordinate with regional planning organizations and federal/state agencies.
• Attend community forums/hearings; provide technical assistance; engage the public.
• Oversee development review operations and ensure compliance with ordinances.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Public engagement

Presentations

GIS proficiency

Research & analysis

Interagency coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning/engineering

Five years urban planning experience

Master’s degree preferred

AICP certification

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a realdifferencein the community you serve.

Hiring Range: $72,731.00-$87,277.20

Work Day/Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm

A flexible work environment, top-notch management, highly qualified, competent staff and opportunities for career advancement and professional success make the Planning & Development Department a great place to work. We help plan and direct Durham’s growth to support a high quality of life, a robust economy, and a sustainable, equitable, and accessible Durham for generations to come. We work collaboratively with other agencies and the community in a fast- paced, innovative environment looking for solutions to today’s land-use, community planning, and infrastructure challenges. If you’re talented, creative and focused on serving the community, join our team!

This position is devoted to professional urban planning services for Durham and/or regional organizations. This position is focused on the implementation of Durham’s Comprehensive Plan through the creation of small area plans and/or other long range planning projects; this position shall be expected to perform advanced professional analyses and provide recommendations; prepare and present graphic and narrative reports; ensure effective and efficient project management; coordinate with regional planning organizations and federal/state agencies; give presentations to a diverse range of audiences; and other duties as assigned.

• Manages large land-use and master planning processes as assigned; and ensures adherence to project schedules and budgets.
• Conducts advanced professional analyses; develops and makes recommendations on planning and development issues, including regulatory and policy-related recommendations; conducts research studies; coordinates development review operations; may oversee property inspections and identification of ordinance violations.
• Prepares, maintains, reviews, and/or approves graphic, narrative, and other reports, development proposals, plans/plats, permits, maps, articles, applications, and other documents; approves and issues certifications and notices; prepares and conducts complex presentations to diverse audiences; maintains records, websites, and databases; researches, reviews and analyzes data; develops and makes recommendations; and ensures compliance with applicable ordinances, codes, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinates with customers, regional planning organizations, federal or state agencies, and other City/County departments; attends community forums and hearings; participates in or leads meetings; plans and implements public engagement and outreach events; provides technical assistance; addresses escalated issues and responds to inquiries; and serves as a representative of the City/County and the planning function.

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, or a directly related field OR equivalent experience.
• Five years of professional urban planning experience.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Master’s degree in planning, engineering, or a directly related field is preferred.
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and/or other data visualization techniques.