Senior Planner – Growth & Policy Lead

Town of Clayton; Clayton (NC); On-site; USD 72,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement pension plan

401(k) membership

Paid vacation

Job summary

The Town of Clayton is seeking a Senior Planner to manage current and long‑range planning efforts in the Planning Department. The role involves enforcing the Unified Development Ordinance, reviewing site plans, and presenting findings to the Planning Board and Town Council.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s in urban planning or related field, with a master preferred, and several years of local government planning experience. AICP and CZO certifications are expected within two years.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, geography, or related field is required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum six years of local government or private planning experience with a bachelor’s degree, or four years with a master’s degree.
• AICP certification required within two years of employment.
• North Carolina CZO certification required within two years of employment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as project manager for planning applications including Conditional and Conventional Rezoning, Special Use Permits, Site Plans, Variances, Annexations, Major Subdivisions, and Final Plats.
• Provide high‑quality reviews ensuring compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance and adopted plans.
• Lead pre‑application discussions and coordinate with Town departments and external agencies.
• Prepare staff reports, agenda packets, and public notices within deadlines.
• Deliver professional presentations to Planning Board, Town Council, and Board of Adjustment.

Skills

NC statutes

Planning best practices

Municipal government operations

Site plans review

Regulatory interpretation

Education

Bachelor in urban planning/geography

Master preferred

AICP certification within 2 years

CZO certification within 2 years

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Mapping tools / GIS

Job description

The Town of Clayton is seeking a Senior Planner to manage current and long‑range planning efforts in the Planning Department. The role involves enforcing the Unified Development Ordinance, reviewing site plans, and presenting findings to the Planning Board and Town Council.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s in urban planning or related field, with a master preferred, and several years of local government planning experience. AICP and CZO certifications are expected within two years.