Project Planner

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Leads area planning projects from initiation through adoption, including project management, public engagement, data collection and analysis, existing conditions assessments, development of land use recommendations, and writing final planning documents. Facilitates community meetings and presents recommendations to appointed and elected officials.
• Conducts planning research, policy analysis, demographic and land use studies, and prepares technical reports supporting planning initiatives, development policy, possible ordinance amendments, and decision-making by appointed and elected officials.
• Develops and coordinates ordinance amendments by researching planning issues and best practices, similar ordinances in peer cities, drafting ordinance language, engaging stakeholders, facilitating public meetings, and presenting recommendations to appointed and elected officials.
• Reviews zoning petitions and development proposals for consistency with adopted plans and prepares staff analyses and recommendations.
• Represents the department at public meetings, stakeholder meetings, interdepartmental committees, and meetings with elected and appointed officials. Builds collaborative relationships with citizens, neighborhood organizations, developers, business representatives, and partner agencies to facilitate planning initiatives and communicate departmental recommendations. 
• Provides regular project status updates to supervisors, identifies emerging issues, and recommends solutions to maintain project schedules and objectives.
• Manages multiple concurrent planning projects by establishing schedules, coordinating interdisciplinary teams, monitoring milestones, engaging stakeholders, managing consultant work when assigned, and ensuring timely completion of departmental work program objectives.
• Coordinates selected Historic Resources Commission initiatives, including Historic Marker and Heritage Neighborhood programs, public outreach, research, event coordination, committee support, and related special projects.
• Coordinates planning review for transportation projects by representing the department at Transportation Coordinating Committee (TCC) meetings, preparing Transportation Input Forms (TIFs), evaluating transportation proposals for consistency with adopted plans and policies, and coordinating comments with City and County departments.
• Leads complex planning projects and manages consultant-assisted projects from project initiation through completion by establishing project scopes and schedules, coordinating consultant wok, researching existing conditions and trends, engaging stakeholders, developing recommendations, and preparing final reports and presentations. 
• Work schedule may include evenings and occasional weekends to support public meetings, community outreach events, appointed board meetings, special events, and other departmental activities.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned to support departmental goals and objectives.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of land use planning, zoning, and development regulations.
• Knowledge of City and County policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of public engagement, stakeholder outreach, and meeting facilitation techniques.
• Knowledge of planning research methods, data collection, demographic analysis, and policy evaluation.
• Knowledge of transportation planning principles and the relationship between transportation and land use planning.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations affecting planning and development.
• Skill in managing multiple complex projects simultaneously while meeting established deadlines.
• Skill in researching planning issues and developing practical, well-supported recommendations.
• Skill in organizing and facilitating public meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Skill in preparing technical reports, planning documents, staff reports, and presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical information in a clear and understandable manner to elected officials, appointed boards, stakeholders, and the public.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS, and other planning-related software.
• Ability to interpret and apply comprehensive plans, area plans, development regulations, and adopted planning policies.
• Ability to draft and evaluate land use ordinance amendments and planning policy recommendations.
• Ability to analyze technical, statistical, demographic, and land use information and draw sound conclusions.
• Ability to coordinate interdisciplinary projects involving multiple departments, agencies, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage planning projects with limited supervision and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to prioritize competing assignments and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, appointed and elected officials, developers, consultants, neighborhood organizations, and members of the public.
• Ability to respond professionally and effectively to inquiries, concerns, and complaints.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Special Requirements

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or other specialized certification (Recommended)
• Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.