Senior Planner

Harrisburg, Town of (NC); Harrisburg (NC); On-site; USD 49,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Town of Harrisburg, NC is seeking a Senior Planner to lead complex planning projects, review site plans, and coordinate between applicants and Town staff. The role requires substantial knowledge of urban planning and the ability to guide current and long-range efforts.

The candidate should have a master’s degree in planning (or related field), with 5+ years of experience and professional certifications preferred. A driver’s license and strong presentation skills are expected.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of planning principles and practices
• Ability to review and verify subdivision and zoning applications
• Strong communication with public, developers, and officials

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced professional planning work on current and long-range projects
• Review site plans through development phases and liaise with Town and applicants
• Explain planning processes to the public and other parties
• Prepare staff reports and present to boards; assist with special projects

Skills

Urban planning

Project leadership

Effective communication

Public presentations

Education

Master’s degree in planning

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field

AICP certification

Job description

WHO WE ARE:

The Town of Harrisburg, NC, is one of the fastest-growing communities in North Carolina and is seen as one of the top ten affluent zip codes in the surrounding region. While growth has been exponential over the past decade, the Town has maintained its tight-knit, community-based mindset and strategically fostered a work culture where customer service excellence is our top priority.

WHAT WE NEED:

The Town of Harrisburg is currently seeking a Senior Planner to join our Planning Department. This position performs advanced and complex professional planning work in current and long-range planning projects; reviews site plans throughout each phase of development and serves as liaison between the Town and applicants. Communicates planning processes and requirements to applicants, the public, and other interested parties and explains how those processes affect development within the Town. Work is performed under the supervision of the Assistant Planning Director.

DESIRABLE CANDIDATE:

An employee in this class performs advanced professional planning work of considerable complexity, exercising independent judgment, for current and long-range planning efforts. Work includes reviewing comprehensive plan amendments, text amendments, rezonings, subdivision, and development plans for compliance with Town regulations; conducting field reviews of complex and conditional projects and verifying compliance with applicable conditions of approval; preparing staff reports and making presentations to various boards; and assisting with special projects. Work requires thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, urban design, and development and the ability to assist in the review and verification of all applications including subdivision and zoning, and skill in effectively communicating ordinance requirements to the public, developers, builders, real estate brokers, property owners, etc. This class is distinguished from the Planner by responsibility for the more complex, sensitive, and conditional cases; project leadership on assigned current and long-range planning efforts; and guidance and training of Planner and Planning Technician. Work is performed under the supervision of the Assistant Planning Director and is evaluated through conferences, review of completed work, achievement of assigned objectives, and the accuracy and effectiveness of work results.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in urban planning, architecture, or a related field; preferably a master’s degree in planning or a closely related field. Requires at least five years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, preferably in local government. Candidates with a master’s degree in planning or a closely related field may qualify with at least three years of progressively responsible professional planning experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

North Carolina Certified Zoning Official (CZO) certification preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred at the time of appointment. An employee who is not AICP-certified at appointment must pass the AICP exam within 18 months of employment and must obtain AICP certification within 12 months after meeting the American Planning Association’s experience requirement.

Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.

WHAT WE OFFER:

The Town of Harrisburg offers a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative work environment dedicated to shaping the community’s future.

The hiring range is $35.23/hr. – $43.82/hr. and starting pay rate will be dependent on qualifications and prior experience. Will also be eligible for a $2,500 sign-on bonus upon hire.

Please submit your resume, employment application, references, and salary requirements at https://www.harrisburgnc.gov/jobs.aspx. Open until filled.