Planner III

Job Description

Under the direction of the Planning Division leadership, the Planner III serves as a lead individual contributor responsible for administering current planning activities within Gwinnett County. This position functions as the technical lead for the Current Planning section, providing advanced professional expertise in zoning administration, code interpretation, and development review.

The Planner III is expected to develop and maintain subject matter expertise in Gwinnett County’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and application of recommendations from the Unified Plan. This individual is expected to evaluate development proposals, prepare recommendations, and ensure consistency with applicable County policy and regulations. The role performs highly technical planning work independently with minimal supervision and provides guidance, mentoring, and quality control support to Planner I and Planner II.

• Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for current planning activities, ensuring successful execution of projects and initiatives that align with the county’s vision and comply with the Unified Development Ordinance.
• Provide technical support to Division leadership to manage the Planning Commission/Board of Commissioners and the Zoning Board of Appeals processes.
• Independently analyze and manage complex rezonings, special use permits, and change‑in‑conditions applications, developing clear, well‑supported recommendations consistent with county policy and regulations.
• Review land disturbance permits, special administrative permits, plats, plans, applications, and related documents for compliance with zoning code and other applicable ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations.
• Assist or lead special projects such as UDO amendments, technology enhancements, and development or updating of standard operating procedures or training materials.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced team members on code interpretation, report writing, plan review, and other daily operations, including quality control for plan review comments and reports drafted by less experienced members.
• Assist with planning and zoning inquiries, ensuring accurate information is provided within a timely manner to customers by phone, email, and in‑person.

• Planning Commission
• Zoning Board of Appeals

The grade for this position is C43(1). Salary will be dependent on education and experience.

Effective 4/11/2023, this position is eligible for the Employee Referral Program.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, urban design/architecture, public administration, or related fields, AND
• Minimum four years of full‑time experience in urban planning and/or a related field; OR a combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.
• Valid driver’s license from the state of residency.
• Extensive knowledge of planning principles, best practices, and trends related to zoning, land use, housing, and transportation.
• Profound understanding of the rezoning/special‑use‑permit/change‑in‑conditions process as well as the variance process.

• Master’s degree in urban planning, urban design/architecture, public administration, or related fields.
• Minimum six years of full‑time experience in urban planning or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication and project management skills.
• Professional AICP certification or desire to acquire within 12 months.

Gwinnett County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information regarding our hiring process, please refer to the links below.

• Hiring Process
• FAQs

Gwinnett County is committed to creating a diverse workforce and prohibits discrimination on the basis of genetic information (including sex), race, color, national origin (including ancestry), gender (identity and expression), sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status (including pregnancy), disability, military or veteran status, religion, political affiliation, immigration status, homeless status, or any other category protected by law.