Planner, Government, Government Administration

Grand Traverse County is a team of passionate and incredible people who are committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to our up-north community. We strive to be a leader in innovative, effective, collaborative, and sustainable county government. We offer stable work environments and competitive salaries to both full- time and part-time employees. Understanding the many challenges facing today’s professionals and families, we offer a competitive compensation package including an impressive list of benefits and time off.

Job Description:

The County Planner reports directly to the Community Development Coordinator and supports a wide range of planning and development activities that contribute to the County's long-term vision and growth. This position serves as a professional planning resource by supporting planning-related boards and commissions, conducting research and analysis, assisting with long-range planning initiatives, and providing guidance to residents, contractors, developers, and the public regarding land use, zoning, and development matters.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to the following)
Planning & Project Support Conduct research, data collection, analysis, and interpretation to support planning initiatives, policy development, and decision-making.

Prepare reports, staff recommendations, presentations, maps, and supporting materials for boards, commissions, leadership, and stakeholders.

Contribute to the development, implementation, and periodic update of master plans, subarea plans, and other long-range planning efforts.

Support grant-related planning initiatives, funding applications, and project implementation activities.

Conduct demographic, economic, housing, transportation, and land use analyses to support planning initiatives.

Assist with strategic planning, community development, economic development, and capital improvement planning efforts.

Maintain planning records, databases, and project documentation.

Collaboration & Community Engagement Attend and participate in public meetings, hearings, workshops, open houses, and community engagement activities.

Coordinate with local municipalities, regional agencies, governmental entities, consultants, and community stakeholders.

Support community outreach and public engagement initiatives.

Maintain and update planning-related websites, public information resources, and educational materials.

Organize and facilitate training opportunities for County staff, local officials, boards, commissions, and public stakeholders.

Present planning information and recommendations to elected officials, appointed boards, stakeholders, and the public.

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.

Development Review & Regulatory Administration:

Review site plans, development proposals, land divisions, and land use applications for compliance with applicable zoning ordinances, regulations, and development standards.

Interpret and apply local zoning ordinances, planning policies, development regulations, and applicable state laws.

Provide guidance and technical assistance to applicants, property owners, contractors, developers, and the public regarding land use, zoning, permitting, and development processes.

Assist in the review and administration of special land uses, rezonings, variances, site plan reviews, planned unit developments, and related land use processes.

Conduct site inspections and assist with zoning administration and code enforcement activities as needed.

Assist local municipalities with land division reviews and related planning services as assigned.

Prepare staff reports, findings of fact, and recommendations for planning commissions, zoning…