Senior Planner

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.