Planner II

Performs reasonably complex professional work in the Planning Department reviewing site plans throughout each phase of development; assists the project manager and is a liaison between the Town and the developer and others involved including the public as needed. Ensures that the public as well as other entities have an understanding of the planning processes as they affect the development of the Town.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Principal Planner.

The following duties are those considered most essential to the position. This does not preclude the delegation of other duties considered as necessary by management to successfully complete an assignment or project.

• Takes a lead role in reviewing site plans and the general and conditional district rezonings; major, minor and exempt subdivision plans and plats for compliance with land use plans, ordinances, regulations and standards.
• Educates all stakeholders involved in the planning and review process.
• Assists in managing planning efforts for developers and consulting firms for approval of major residential and commercial developments; conducts field research through site visitation.
• Interprets code and ordinance language for developers and the general public.
• Assists in negotiations to achieve desired standards, including the creation of the site plan and landscaping designs through plan review working with senior level staff.
• Assists in coordinating planning activities with affected federal, state, Town, regional and private agencies; assists in coordinating with other governmental jurisdictions on transportation, open space, zoning enforcement, stormwater regulations and related issues.
• Helps manage approval processes with various review agencies.
• Assists in the creation and updates of zoning and subdivision checklists for code compliance and manages various rezoning projects.
• Manages Board of Adjustments variances.
• Serves as staff to the Town Board, Planning Board, and Board of Adjustments as needed; prepares and presents reports; maintains various files, documents, reports and records.
• Takes complaints and forwards them to appropriate personnel; provides conflict resolution, enforces ordinances with tact and firmness.
• Helps train/advise Planner I role.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of the Town's zoning, land use, and other ordinances, plans and codes; knowledge of principles and practices of community and economic development and public sector planning, governmental laws, programs, and services pertinent to the community, economic development and planning processes, and environmental and socioeconomic implications of the planning process; skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations;

skill in conflict resolution, meeting facilitation, and public presentations; ability to enforce codes with firmness and tact; ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies; ability to express ideas effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, state, regional, and Town officials, and the general public.

Bachelor's degree with coursework in planning, or related field, and at least three years of experience in public sector planning. Or a combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills to complete the essential functions and job responsibilities of this position. Master’s degree in Planning or related field may be substituted for some experience.

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. This position’s physical requirements involve sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: mental acuity, speaking, talking, and/or visual acuity.

Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a loud noise location.

The Town of Huntersville is committed to providing equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), gender, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Huntersville will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources staff.