PLANNER

Job Title

This job listing closes on July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada).

Job Description

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for managing a variety of planning assignments, including interpreting the Land Development Code.

REPORTS TO: The Planning Administrator assigns work in terms of very general instructions.

Job Requirements

• Assists citizens and developers with daily planning and zoning matters; answers basic and technical questions related to zoning regulations, planning, city ordinances, and the Land Development Code.
• Reviews development plans, including general plans, subdivisions, planned building groups, preliminary plants, final plants, and construction plans; reports results to the Development Review Committee; works with developers to achieve compliance.
• Verifies zoning classifications of parcels and other attributes associated with thoroughfares, housing, land use, and flood zones.
• Serves as staff liaison to the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment; reviews analysis, and reports results of zoning applications, including map amendments and text amendments; drafts report and makes presentations.
• Performs various field surveys and data collection tasks.
• Conducts corridor studies and drafts land development plans.
• Performs and drafts feasibility studies for potential annexations, including existing and projected cost/revenue studies.
• Serves as staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission as assigned; performs design reviews of Certificate of Appropriateness applications; reviews all building permit applications in local historic districts for compliance with local, state, and federal historic preservation guidelines; develops and implements preservation policies and guidelines.
• Serves as staff liaison to the Board of Adjustment; advises customers on the role of the board; reviews applications to ensure accuracy and completeness; prepares staff reports; research rezoning and text amendment requests; research municipal code and drafts text amendments as appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Two (2) years' experience in a related field.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements

• Knowledge of planning theory and practice.
• Knowledge of the principles of land surveying.
• Knowledge of the Land Development Code.
• Knowledge of historic preservation guidelines.
• Knowledge of geographic information system software.
• Skill in analyzing problems and identifying solutions.
• Skill in preparing clear and accurate reports.
• Skill in establishing cooperative and productive working relationships.
• Skill in evaluating and establishing written policies and procedures.
• Skill in setting priorities for competing projects.
• Skill in performing mathematical calculations.
• Skill in operating computers and other standard office equipment.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Planning Administrator assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include the Rocky Mount City Code; the Land Development Code; and North Carolina General Statutes. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied professional planning duties. Strict regulations contribute to the complexity of the position.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to perform planning duties in the enforcement of the land development code. Success in this position ensures that the code in enforced in a fair and consistent manner.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with other City personnel, realtors, surveyors, appraisers, architects, lawyers, developers, contractors, and members of the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and justify or settle matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office or outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.

Full time jobs are provided Benefits. Benefit information can be found on the City's website.