Senior Planner

Senior Planner (Zoning Administration)

Join our team as a Senior Planner in the Planning and Development Department's Zoning Administration team. This position involves advanced professional planning work, serving as a key contact to assist with the continuous improvement of the Unified Development Ordinance as well as a staff resource for the Board of Adjustment. You’ll apply your expertise in drafting regulatory language for Text Changes, presenting case material (variances and special use permits) before the Board of Adjustment, and providing consulting and/or advanced technical information to City Council, Boards, Commissions and/or internal and external stakeholders and groups.

If you’re looking for a role where you can make an impact and work with a collaborative, dynamic team, this opportunity is for you!

You’re a motivated planning professional with at least five years of experience in the field. You excel in customer service and are detail-oriented, organized, and analytical. You thrive in environments where you can use your knowledge to educate and support others, and you’re ready to take on leadership responsibilities. Your strong interpersonal and communication skills enable you to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

The Planning and Development Department of the City of Raleigh supports responsible and sustainable growth. Our Zoning Administration team ensures that development within the city adheres to policies and regulations that promote a vibrant and thriving community. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute to shaping the future of Raleigh.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Present case material before the Board of Adjustment and act as staff liaison to assist applicants through the variance and special use permit processes
• Assist in crafting development regulations and policy language for the continuous improvement of the Unified Development Ordinance
• Present material before the Text Change Committee and other Boards and Committees as needed
• Conduct research and analysis to support planning initiatives and prepare materials such as reports, maps, and presentations
• Lead and manage special projects, ensuring adherence to standards and effective communication with stakeholders
• Manage and improve internal processes/workflows within Zoning Administration
• Ability to drive city motor pool to attend off‑site meetings and posting zoning signage

Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field; 3 to 5 years' professional planning experience in an area relevant to the department to which assigned

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted.

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire
• American Institute of Certified Planners Certification

• Proficiency in planning administration and project management
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities
• Expertise in interpreting laws, codes, and regulations relevant to planning
• Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal, for preparing reports and engaging with stakeholders
• Exceptional customer service and the ability to foster meaningful citizen engagement
• Proficiency with modern office technology and specialized software applications
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations including development ordinances
• Best practices in community engagement and survey design
• General engineering, landscape architecture, and land development principles and practices
• Principles and practices of planning administration
• Principles and…