Job Summary

Employees in this classification play a critical role in managing and executing complex planning initiatives, development applications, and land use projects across the County. The Senior Planner serves as a technical expert and team leader, guiding staff, coordinating with internal departments, developers, and external agencies, and ensuring planning efforts align with County goals and regulatory requirements. The Deputy Director, Planning and Development assigns work in terms of general instructions. Completed work is reviewed for accuracy and the nature and propriety the final results.

Essential Functions: Essential Functions: These are intended only as Illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position

Administers complex planning studies and development applications.

Reviews applicant proposals; reviews and processes land development regulation amendments, re-zonings, site plans and plats.

May conduct long-range planning assignments.

Provides work direction to less experienced planning staff.

Provides customer assistance; responds to phone and e-mail contacts; prepares staff report packets.

provides planning assistance to member communities regarding various land use projects.

Processes developer and citizen requests through the approval process.

Performs field inspections to gather data as part of the development review process; verifies that development projects comply with approved plans.

Provides comprehensive analyses using GIS and demographic data; analysis of demographic and census data.

Preparing general and sub-area plans; recommendations of land-use and specific site plan proposals, review, and inspection approval on major residential, commercial, and industrial development projects.

Leads a team for process improvement projects and change management.

Proofs own work and work of others; mentors staff and manages tasks.

Writing, defending, and managing applications for grants to fund infrastructure and non-infrastructure grant projects; knowledge of transportation planning and the ability to work with

Organizes findings and prepares written reports, ordinances, memoranda, policy documents, plans, and studies.

Facilitate or support public workshops and events, facilitate small groups, and analyze public input.

Perform some office administration, marketing, and other functions as assigned to keep the office running smoothly.

Attend evening meetings and participate in community engagement activities.

Performs special projects as assigned.

Additional Duties: Employees in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of urban and regional planning, land use regulations, zoning, site planning, transportation planning, and community development.

Ability to review complex development proposals and plans for conformance with ordinances and comprehensive plans.

Proficiency in GIS and data analysis tools, including demographic and census data interpretation, planning-related data analysis.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare clear reports and present complex ideas effectively; analytical skills.

Proven leadership abilities, with experience mentoring staff and managing interdisciplinary teams; ability to lead and mentor junior staff and coordinate team efforts.

Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and internal county departments, as necessary to ensure projects stay on schedule

Ability to stay up to date on current planning trends by attending regional planning meetings, conferences and seminars.

Demonstrates initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to ongoing learning; willingness to take initiative and learn new planning techniques and processes.

Ability to organize, prioritize, manage multiple tasks and projects, work independently, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Experience working with government agencies and navigating approval processes.

Experience working with elected officials, citizen groups, developers, regulatory agencies and other external agencies on planning-related issues in the region.

Availability to attend evening meetings and participate in community engagement activities as required.

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in an office with occasional trips to work sites.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in City, Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or a closely related field.
2. Six (6) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, preferably in a government or public-sector setting; with two (2) years serving in a lead or supervisory role.
3. OR have a combination of education, training and work experience that is equivalent to #1 and #2 above that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
4. Valid Stat of Georgia driver’s license.

Preferences

1. Master's degree from an accredited college or university in City, Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or a closely related field.
2. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.