Planner

About the Role

The Town of Harrisburg, NC, is seeking a Planner to join our Planning Department. This position performs journey-level professional planning work in current and long-range planning projects, including reviewing comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, subdivision, and development plans for compliance with town regulations; conducting site inspections for zoning, landscape, and architectural requirements; preparing staff reports and making presentations to various boards; and assisting with special projects.

Work requires considerable knowledge of the Town’s development and zoning ordinances and skill in communicating ordinance requirements to the public, developers, builders, real estate brokers, property owners, and other stakeholders. The work is supervised by the Assistant Planning Director and evaluated through conferences, accuracy, and effectiveness of work results, and feedback from officials and the public.

Responsibilities

• Review comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, subdivision, and development plans for compliance with town regulations.
• Conduct site inspections for zoning, landscape, and architectural requirements.
• Prepare staff reports and make presentations to various boards.
• Assist with special planning projects.
• Communicate ordinance requirements to the public, developers, builders, real estate brokers, and property owners.
• Research parcels, interpret development trends, and prepare maps and technical materials.
• Facilitate productive discussions to resolve planning issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, geography, public administration, landscape architecture, architecture, or a closely related field.
• One to three years of experience in local government planning, development review, or zoning administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of zoning, subdivision, and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requirements.
• Proficiency in GIS and data analysis tools.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.

Qualifications

• Certified Zoning Official certification, or ability to obtain it within 24 months, is preferred.
• Strong foundation in urban planning principles and regulatory processes.
• Effective communication skills for preparing professional reports, presentations, and explaining complex ordinance requirements.
• Sound professional judgment and a customer-service mindset.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal departments, external agencies, elected officials, and community stakeholders.

Benefits

The Town of Harrisburg offers a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative work environment dedicated to shaping the community’s future.

Pay

Hiring range: $25.98/hr. – $32.31/hr. Starting pay rate will be dependent on qualifications and prior experience. Eligible for a $2,500 sign-on bonus upon hire.

Open until filled.