Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

Salary: $53,813.00 - $85,700.00 Annually

Location: Mooresville, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 202300455

Department: PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Opening Date: 03/06/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

FLSA: Exempt

About the Town of Mooresville

As one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing communities, the Town of Mooresville combines innovation, teamwork, and community pride to deliver exceptional public service. Mooresville is a thriving, connected community dedicated to providing outstanding services that foster inclusivity and vibrancy for all. Guided by our PAC-IQ values (People, Agility, Communication, Innovation, and Quality), we empower employees to collaborate, think ahead, and make a meaningful impact every day.

Work alongside a team committed to innovation and collaboration, creating positive change for the community!

Why Join the Town of Mooresville

We value our employees and invest in their success with a comprehensive total rewards package. Our benefits are among the most competitive in the region and include:

• 5% Town contribution to your 401(k), no employee match required
• Choice of three medical plans, including an HSA plan with Town contributions
• Town-paid life insurance at 1.5× annual salary
• Fully paid short- and long-term disability coverage (up to $8,000 per month)
• Wellness Incentive Program, with A discount of $240 annually on medical premium for participation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering 24/7 mental health and work-life support
• Volunteer Time-Off: 16 hours per calendar year to volunteer at any approved agency or organization
• Vacation Leave: Starting 2026, new hires receive 14 vacation days upfront!
• Holidays: Employees accrue 13-14 paid holidays per year
• Floating Holiday and Wellness Day: New hires receive one Floating Holiday and one Wellness Day up front each year
• Bereavement Leave: Up to five days per occurrence for deaths within the employee’s immediate family
• On-site clinic for eligible employees and dependents coming in 2026!
• Additional perks include down payment assistance, pet insurance, gym reimbursement, and more!

About the Role

The Planner I or II performs professional planning work supporting a variety of land use, development review, and community planning activities for the Town. This role assists in implementing the Town’s zoning regulations, comprehensive planning efforts, and land development policies while helping guide responsible growth and development throughout the community.

Working as part of the Planning Department, the Planner I or II conducts research, reviews development proposals, prepares staff reports and planning documents, and provides technical assistance to property owners, developers, Town staff, and the public. The position may assist with or lead projects related to zoning administration, subdivision and site plan review, long-range planning initiatives, GIS mapping and analysis, and community development programs.

The Planner I or II collaborates with multiple departments and may serve as staff liaison to boards, committees, or community groups. Responsibilities may include preparing presentations, facilitating meetings, and ensuring development proposals comply with adopted ordinances, plans, and policies.

Depending on experience level, the Planner I/II may work under closer supervision on entry-level assignments or exercise greater independent judgment in coordinating planning projects, analyzing development proposals, and supporting strategic planning initiatives that shape the Town’s future growth and development.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct planning research and analysis related to land use, zoning, development trends, transportation, and community development initiatives.
• Review subdivision plats, site plans, rezoning requests, and other development proposals for compliance with the Town’s zoning ordinance, land development regulations, and adopted plans.
• Assist with or coordinate planning projects including comprehensive planning efforts, small area plans, transportation planning initiatives, and other long-range planning activities.
• Prepare staff reports, maps, presentations, and planning documents for internal review, boards, commissions, and the Board of Commissioners.
• Provide technical assistance and information to property owners, developers, consultants, Town departments, and the public regarding zoning regulations, development procedures, and planning policies.
• Track development applications and maintain records using the Town’s automated tracking systems and planning databases.
• Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create maps, perform spatial analysis, and support planning projects and presentations.
• Facilitate meetings and coordinate with stakeholders including elected officials, appointed boards, developers, community organizations, and the public to ensure understanding and compliance with planning policies and regulations.
• Assist with drafting ordinance amendments, policy updates, and planning documents to support the Town’s land use and development goals.
• Conduct research on best practices, planning trends, and policies implemented by other jurisdictions to support departmental initiatives.
• Support implementation of community development, housing, transportation, and other planning programs as assigned.
• Maintain accurate records, data, and reports related to planning activities and departmental operations.
• Participate in cross-departmental coordination on development projects, infrastructure planning, and Town initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

Planner I ($53,813.00 - $76,500.00)

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning or a related field.
• Two (2) years of planning or development experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is preferred.
• Special Requirements
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.

Planner II ($60,281.00 - $85,700.00)

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or a related field.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of professional experience in planning, site design, and/or development review; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Applicable professional certifications preferred

Special Requirements

• Ability to obtain American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or a similar professional certification within one (1) year of hire.