Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that is representative of our diverse community. Applicants with equivalent experience and/or education should apply.

Our hiring managers begin reviewing applications after the Job Posting End Date (see below) and will begin contacting applicants soon after that date. Thank you for your patience as we give each application the time and attention that it deserves.

Job Title: Planner II - Development Services

Department: Planning

Hiring Range: $56,599.83 - $69,570.65

Posted Internally and Externally

Job Posting End Date: October 23, 2022

The Planning and Development Department is seeking two professional planners in our Development Services Division. The individuals in these two positions will provide direct assistance to our development and resident community and primarily be responsible for development review, site plan/subdivision review, customer service, and attend public hearings and meetings.

Purpose of the position:

The primary purpose of this position is to perform advanced level technical and professional work in the performance of planning assignments in program planning and research or program administration.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two (2) years of experience in planning or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Training and Experience: Knowledge of NCGS zoning and land use enabling legislation preferred.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: AICP preferred

Essential Functions of the position:

• Participate in long-range planning activities including development of budgets for capital projects, facilities planning and allocation, design concepts for new facilities and renovations, locates space for lease and negotiates lease contracts,
• Review zoning permits for residential and commercial developments; maintain data to track permits and cases.
• Complete plat reviews and approvals inclusive of applicable requirements.
• Prepare grant applications and contracts; coordinate contracting agencies; prepare paperwork on existing state and federal grants; compile information for and assist in the preparation of grant proposals upon request.
• Coordinate all components of the Buncombe Specialized Transportation System; update and amend the Transportation Development Plan; coordinate Request for Proposal and bid process for system operation; promote and publicize the transportation system.
• Participate in construction management, which includes working with architects or in-house staff to complete design for renovation of existing or leased space, and supervising activities of contractors engaged in asbestos removal, construction, and similar activities.
• Conduct public meetings and prepares public presentations; answer inquiries regarding planning functions; assist in the implementation of general planning projects.
• Maintain records and prepare periodic and special reports; prepare charts, maps, graphs, and other illustrative material for presentation to elected officials, appointed boards, community groups, and concerned citizens.
• Create zoning complaint cases and provides follow up.
• Assist with drafting the annual Sustainability Plan update.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of rural and urban planning.
• Knowledge of governmental programs, laws, grants, and services pertinent to the planning process.
• Knowledge of the environmental and socioeconomic implications of the planning process.
• Knowledge of management techniques as applied to local government administration.
• Knowledge of research techniques and reporting methods.
• Knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the field of planning specialization.
• Skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations.
• Ability to organize and conduct complex planning and research studies and to formulate substantive recommendations based on such studies.
• Ability to express ideas effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Skill in conflict resolution and tact.
• Ability to work with the public and articulate planning issues and requirements to a wide variety of audiences.

In order to uphold internal pay parity and equity, salaries are non-negotiable for new and current Buncombe County employees. All new employees are paid according to their years of relevant education and experience above minimum requirements for the position and employees have the opportunity to obtain pay increases via cost of living increases and promotions.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. In addition, Buncombe County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.

Applicants for employment are invited to participate in the affirmative action program by reporting their status as a protected veteran or other minority. In extending this invitation, we advise you that: (a) workers (applicants) are under no obligation to respond but may do so in the future if they choose; (b) responses will remain confidential within the human resource department; and (c) responses will be used only for the necessary information to include in our affirmative action program. We are a company that values diversity. We actively encourage women, minorities, veterans and disabled employees to apply. Refusal to provide this information will have no bearing on your application and will not subject you to any adverse treatment.