Planner II

Salary: $57,257.00 - $76,223.00 Annually Location: Cumming, GA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 03612 Department: Planning & Development - Policy Opening Date: 06/16/2026 Closing Date: 6/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Position Overview The position utilizes discretionary authority to review development applications for compliance with county codes and ordinances, and to prepare and revise comprehensive plan and related long-range planning documents. Employees are expected to function independently in the review of permit applications and other matters under the division’s jurisdiction. Work is distinguished from Planner I by the level of independence and direct supervision received. Responsibilities Contribute to the maintenance and update of the county's comprehensive planning documents in conformance with minimum planning standards of the state of Georgia. Perform research, data collection and analysis pertaining to long range planning, including comprehensive plan, greenspace plan, short-term work program, sub-area plans, historic preservation, capital improvement programming, environmental protection, and economic development. Utilize discretionary authority to interpret and apply county codes, comprehensive plan, ordinances, and regulations concerning zoning, land use, and site development; research code-related issues; initiate actions to correct deviations. Provide information and technical assistance to citizens, property owners, land developers, contractors, architects, staff members, county officials, and other individuals or agencies regarding planning and zoning issues, land use issues, codes/ordinances, land development review procedures, site plan reviews, permits, fees, or other issues. Determine whether proposed development complies with county codes/ordinances; recommend approval or denial of rezoning, home occupation, conditional use permit and sketch plat applications; prepare staff technical reviews, analyses, recommendations and comments for submission to Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners, applicants, or other personnel; approve major and minor subdivision plats for recording as a legal document. Conduct or attend board meetings, planning commission meetings, appeals board meetings, and public meetings related to current and long-range planning issues; prepare visual graphics materials for presentations. Inspect properties as needed, perform visual inspections, and take photographs for staff reports. Assist in developing, editing, or updating division policies, procedures, the Unified Development Code, or other documents; assist in writing ordinances. Prepare or complete various forms, reports, correspondence, checklists, permits, street address reports, grant applications, diagrams/layouts, flow charts, presentation materials, or other documents. Receive, review, and process various forms, reports, correspondence, permits, staff technical reviews, architectural drawings, site plans, elevations, plats, legal descriptions, surveys, photographs, trade journals, technical reports, census data, land‑use maps, zoning maps, topographical maps, and other documents. Conduct research of GIS mapping system, computer databases, internet sites, hard‑copy materials, or other sources as needed. Operate a computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data; verify data accuracy, utilize word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, GIS, email, internet, or other computer programs. Operate a variety of equipment and tools associated with work activities, including a motor vehicle, digital camera, calculator, general office equipment, engineering scale, measuring devices, drafting instruments. Receive, record, and issue payments for permit application fees or other departmental fees/services. Coordinate work activities with other divisions, departments, outside agencies, or others as needed. Communicate with supervisors, employees, other departments, county officials, local/state/federal agencies, applicants, property owners, architects, developers, surveyors, attorneys, consultants, utility companies, the public, outside agencies, and others to coordinate work, review status, exchange information, or resolve problems. Maintain a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards; review new codes and changes; maintain awareness of new methods, materials, trends, and advances; attend seminars, workshops, training sessions as appropriate. Additional Functions Perform general clerical or customer service tasks, including assisting people at the counter, answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing mail. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning or closely related field; supplemented by three (3) years of previous experience and/or training involving urban planning, local/regional land use, zoning, land development plan review, site plan review, and personal computer operations; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. MUST possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license. A Master's degree in Urban Planning or equivalent and/or AICP certification is encouraged. Internal Promotion Track As of the date of application, must fully meet the minimum qualifications or have at least two (2) years of experience as a Planner I and documented approval from the department director that they have demonstrated the ability to perform the essential functions of the job. Benefits Personal Leave Accrual: 0‑4 years – 20 days per year; 5‑14 years – 25 days per year; 15+ years – 30 days per year. Observed Holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving (2), Christmas (2). Medical Insurance: Choice of two medical plans offered by Aetna or Kaiser Permanente. Dental Insurance: Two plans from Delta Dental – Base $1,000 Plan or Buy‑Up $1,500 Plan. Vision Insurance: Administered by Aetna with copays for exams and lenses. Basic Life & AD&D Insurance: Term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment protection. Short‑Term Disability: 60% of weekly earnings up to $1,000/week, 14‑day waiting period, 24‑week benefit period. Long‑Term Disability: 60% of monthly earnings up to $5,000/month, 26‑week waiting period, 24‑month benefit period. Retirement Plan (401(k)): Fully vested at 5 years; 20% graduated vesting annually; contributions begin immediately. County matches contributions: 100% match on first 5% of pay for first 6 months; 100% match on first 5% plus 100% match up to 5% for years 1‑5; 50% match up to 5% for years 5‑10; 50% match on next 5% for over 10 years. #J-18808-Ljbffr