Planner II POS # 119000025

Posting number: 202603014

Department: Planning & Inspections

Division: Planning

Job classification: PLANNER II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Planning and Development

Summary

Are you passionate about shaping communities and helping guide responsible growth? Cumberland County is seeking a Planner II to join our Planning & Inspections team. In this role, you'll apply professional planning principles to review development proposals, interpret zoning and subdivision regulations, and help residents, developers, and business owners navigate the land development process.  As a Planner II, you'll analyze complex planning issues, prepare recommendations for County boards and officials, process rezoning applications, and serve as a trusted resource for the public and community stakeholders. You'll also have the opportunity to mentor and provide guidance to junior planners while contributing to projects that support the County's continued growth and long-term vision.

If you enjoy problem-solving, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact on your community, we encourage you to apply.

Examples of duties

• Provide exceptional customer service by assisting residents, developers, businesses, and other stakeholders with zoning, land development, and planning inquiries through phone, email, and in-person interactions.
• Review zoning, rezoning, subdivision, and land development applications for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with local ordinances, adopted plans, and applicable state regulations.
• Guide applicants through the development review process by explaining requirements, procedures, timelines, and available options for land use and zoning requests.
• Research property histories, zoning regulations, and land use policies to prepare detailed analyses, recommendations, and documentation for planning cases.
• Coordinate with internal departments, municipalities, government agencies, and utility providers to gather technical comments and ensure comprehensive review of development proposals.
• Prepare staff reports, recommendations, public hearing materials, and board packets for presentation to planning boards, committees, and elected officials.
• Present zoning, rezoning, variance, special use permit, and other planning cases at public meetings and provide professional recommendations based on planning principles and applicable regulations.
• Maintain accurate records, case files, and tracking databases while ensuring all statutory notice requirements and project deadlines are met.
• Conduct field inspections and site visits to evaluate development proposals, investigate zoning concerns, and assist with land use compliance and code enforcement efforts.
• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced planning staff while supporting special planning projects, research initiatives, and community planning activities as assigned.

QualificationsGraduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in urban or regional planning, geography, public administration, engineering, community development, or a related field and two (2) years of experience in urban, city, regional, or community planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Management Preference:Some experience in an urban or regional planning office preferred.AICP certification is preferred. Supplemental information

• Knowledge of the County’s zoning, land use, and other ordinances and codes, especially in their assigned program area
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of community and economic development and public sector planning and/or landscape design
• Knowledge of governmental laws, programs, and services pertinent to the community and economic development and planning processes
• Knowledge of the environmental and socioeconomic implications of the planning process
• Knowledge of GIS systems including application of software, hardware and peripherals to planning needs
• Skilled in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations
• Skilled in conflict resolution, meeting facilitation, and public presentations,
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, State, regional, County officials, and the general public
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies
• Ability to express ideas effectively

Conditions of Employment:

A formal transcript will be required. College transcripts may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Human Resources, 117 Dick St. Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.