Sr. Planner (Planner II)

Planner II

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Description

Performs a variety of technical functions within the Planning Section in administering the regulations for subdivision, plat, and site plans based on the Unified Development Ordinance. Work also involves the preparation, update, and implementation of various elements of the County Comprehensive Plan, any other County Plans, and Town Plans.

An employee in this class is responsible for interpreting and carrying out policies and procedures related to the County's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The position is characterized by major public contact functions and acts as a liaison between the Planning and Zoning Section, County departments, and the general public. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Planning and Development Director, Deputy Director, or the Planning Section Manager. The Planner II performs general oversight of the work of a Planner I; however, the Planner II does not have supervisory authority over personnel. The position involves the preparation, presentation, and implementation of certain components of County Plans and Town Plans through rezoning and/or other special projects. Make presentations to the public and various boards on the Comprehensive Plan, County Plans and Town plans, major public policy initiatives or other specific work products as assigned. Overall, this position is responsible for performing multiple tasks with high attention to detail.

Examples of Duties

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinates the review of subdivision plats, rezoning, and other development applications as assigned.
• Reviews plats and site plans for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with the UDO and answers questions from the general public concerning these items.
• Interprets zoning and land use laws, rules, and policies based on the UDO and state statutes.
• Prepares ordinance revisions and amendments.
• Advises property owners, developers, engineers, and surveyors on procedures, principles, solutions, and alternatives for development, based on the provisions of the UDO.
• Consults with other departments and agencies, as necessary, and follow approval procedures for release of plats and site plans.
• Receives, reviews, and files financial guarantees for plats and site plans.
• Research plat and site histories by examining GIS aerial photos, case files, and soil surveys, as well as watershed regulations, erosion control guidelines, road standards and other related regulations.
• Applies County development regulations to subdivision plat and site plan reviews and assesses how municipal development regulations may impact them.
• Maintains plat and site plan records and enters them into the digital land development permit management system.
• Provides trend analysis for population count and socio-economic conditions for County Plans and Town Plans.
• Provides trend analysis of land uses and environmental features for County Plans and Town Plans.
• Forecasts and develops future land uses with consideration for natural resources for County Plans and Town Plans.
• Prepares County Plans, Town Plans or similar plans, and presents in a public forum.
• Serves as primary contact on County Plans or Town Plans and meets with citizens and property owners to discuss plan elements. Prepares Technical Review Committee (TRC) agenda cases and presents any Planning-related comments to the TRC.
• Prepare letters and memos to applicants to convey comments on plats, site plans, and other plan cases.
• Signs and approves final plats for recordation and serves as a certified Map Review Officer.
• Composes letters to applicants regarding TRC review comments and Planning Board decisions for subdivisions, site plans, rezoning, and other development plan applications.
• Prepares cases for Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and /or Historic Preservation Commission agenda items and assists in review and preparation of the agenda and meeting information packet.
• Attends evening Board meetings and presents staff reports, as necessary.
• Reviews rezoning applications and discusses review procedures with applicants.
• Maintains rezoning file folders and all related documents.

Recruitment Standards

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of County planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas, planning research, and zoning and subdivision activities.
• Keen attention to detail in the preparation of documents and carrying out work processes.
• Considerable knowledge of the County Charter and the various ordinances, codes and regulations pertaining to planning, zoning, and subdivision activities.
• Considerable knowledge of research methodology and of standard statistical procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, manage, and carry out complex research projects effectively.
• Excellent record-keeping and document-organization skills.
• Ability to present the results of research effectively in oral, written, and graphic form.
• Considerable knowledge of the techniques required in the preparation of maps, charts, sketches and complex graphics.
• Ability to coordinate the work of a small group of professional, technical, and clerical personnel engaged in routine County planning, zoning and subdivision review work and specific assignments/tasks.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, and municipal officials through excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Considerable working knowledge of personal computers and software suits as well as demonstrated ability to use them effectively in daily work.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Planning, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field and two years professional experience, preferably working with legal descriptions, deeds, plats, surveys, easements, site plans, landscape plans, and County Plans or Town Plans

OR

BA in Planning Engineering, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field and four years of professional experience, preferably working with legal descriptions, deeds, plats, surveys, easements, site plans, landscape plans, and County Plans or Town Plans.

Special Requirements:

Successful prior completion of courses/training related to development ordinances, property mapping, land subdivision and/or land use zoning. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred, or ability to obtain within one year.

Transcript Required

Copy of transcripts must be submitted with online application. Official college transcripts required at time of hire. Please send transcripts to: Guilford County/HR c/o Albert Parks III, 201 South Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401 or attach a copy to your online application.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

Physical activities may include but are not limited to climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and respective motions. The types of activities are associated with driving to a construction site and performing visual and physical inspection of the work in progress.

May Require Driving

This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.

If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.

Special Note:

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its job functions and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with a physical abilities checklist which provides further details about that specific position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.