Community Development Planner

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Wilson is a city of around 50,000 people located in the heart of eastern North Carolina. We are about an hour from the Research Triangle and the buzz of the Raleigh area, and you can also quickly reach the North Carolina beaches.

The City of Wilson is known for innovation and outstanding service. We have top-rated, nationally accredited police, fire and recreation departments. Our parks and sports facilities are among the best in the nation, and our Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is a unique and beautiful attraction that hosts concerts, farmers markets and the N.C. Whirligig Festival among other events. We are in the process of building a downtown field to host a Milwaukee Brewers’ minor league team starting in 2026.

Wilson has the strongest manufacturing base in our part of the state, including tire manufacturing, pharmaceutical and other industries. The Greenlight citywide broadband services help technology-based companies flourish.

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that brings additional value to your total compensation. To learn more about our benefits package, click on the ‘Benefits’ tab above.

The hiring range for this position is $57,753.17 (minimum salary) to $79,534.89 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications.

• Assists with the implementation of various community development programs;
• Acts as coordinator between City and contractors, consultants, and clients
• Assists the Planning and Community Development Manager in the implementation of aspects of the Community Development Program
• Performs application intake for multiple housing rehabilitation programs by interfacing with clients and assuring applications are correct and meet minimum requirements
• Maintains confidentiality of personal financial information of clients as required by law
• Coordinates with other community agencies for resources to assist clients
• Researches available grants; recommends potential grant programs; assists in completing grant applications
• Assists in the preparation of Housing, Revitalization and Neighborhood Plans; and performs work to implement the same
• May assist in the preparation of bid packages for bid openings; ensures advertising requirements are met for bid openings and public hearings
• Plans and conducts various community development and planning related workshops
• Attends neighborhood meetings and community events to explain program offerings and to solicit interest in various grant programs offered through the City
• Assists in budget activities
• Performs other related duties as assigned

• None

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field
• Sufficient experience to understand the major duties of the position usually associated with having held a similar position for two or more years
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated

• Knowledge of HUD and State Department of Commerce guidelines and policies
• Knowledge of the functions and goals of the Community Development, Downtown Development and Planning Programs
• Knowledge of local and state housing codes as well as land development codes
• Knowledge of land use and planning principles and practices
• Knowledge of community resources for homeowners
• Skill in the use of computers and other office equipment
• Skill in the acquisition and administration of grants
• Skill in oral and written communication
• Skill in providing effective customer service

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending or crouching. The employee occasionally lifts light objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must distinguish between shades of color. The work is typically performed in an office or at a renovation site. The employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, irritating chemicals, and cold or inclement weather.

The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves.