Senior Planner

Compensation Range
$31.64 - $42.95
Please note: This job opening may close earlier than the stated date, due to high candidate volume. If interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Who We Are:
At the City of High Point, we celebrate the creator in everyone. Building on our rich cultural history steeped in industrialism and innovation, our employees seek not only to transform themselves, but the world around us. We are collaborators, we are makers, we are visionaries.
We invite you to explore the many opportunities to serve our community, by sharing your talents, skills, and expertise. You'll join a diverse team of over 1300 individuals dedicated not just to making a career, but a difference; because what we create in High Point, changes the world!
Our Core Values:
Stewardship: We manage the city’s resources responsibly and make decisions that sustain High Point’s future. In other words, we take care of what we have today to build what we’ll need tomorrow
Welcoming: We create a friendly, open environment where residents, partners, and visitors feel valued and embraced. We want everyone who connects with High Point to feel welcomed, like they belong here.
Integrity: We act with honesty, transparency, and ethical responsibility in everything we do. That means doing what’s right – even when no one’s watching. This is how we earn our community’s trust.
Productivity: We stay focused on results, fostering creativity, innovation, and outside-the-box thinking. We don’t just get things done – we find smarter, better ways to do them.
What We Offer:
The City of High Point offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. We also offer generous benefit package for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:
A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
401K and 457B Retirement Plans
PTO earned within first year
13 Paid Holidays per year
Tuition Reimbursement Plan
Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective day one
What You'll Do:
Performs responsible professional and technical work in the development services division of the Planning and Development Department, primarily coordinating the review of development applications. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Development Administrator.
Essential Tasks & Responsibilities:
Please Note: To be considered, please submit a COVER LETTER in addition to your resume.
Essential Tasks
Receives, processes and reviews a variety of land development applications for compliance with development regulations, including subdivision plans, group development plans, site plans, zoning compliance, sign permits, etc.;
Acts as case manager and coordinates land development reviews with the Technical Review Committee, and provides guidance to committee members on the review and approval of development projects;
Reviews applicable permit records for compliance with development regulations, including commercial construction, signage, and zoning;
Explains development regulations and procedures to developers, architects, engineers, and applicants and guides them through the development review process;
Provides information to the public regarding development regulations and explains the development review process;
Provides information and guidance to City and department personnel;
Conducts field surveys, collects data and information, analyzes and summarizes existing conditions, derives conclusions, makes recommendations, and prepares written technical reports;
Serve as a mentor in the training of Planners to conduct project reviews and board support;
Assists with address assignment.
May be required to drive to various locations to accomplish assignments;
Assists division head and City staff as needed;
Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies;
Assists in the review and processing of guidance, board action and land development records.
Additional Tasks:
In addition to the essential tasks, a component of the position’s job responsibilities will include the following:
Acts as case manager and coordinates applications for the Historic Preservation Commission, and provides guidance to the board;
Receives, processes and evaluates applications for Certificates of Appropriateness;
Coordinates historic preservation efforts with county and state historic preservation agencies;
Attends meetings and makes oral presentations;
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in planning, geography, public administration or closely related field with two (2) years of relevant planning experience; OR
Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, public administration or closely related field with four (4) years of relevant planning experience.
Valid driver's license in North Carolina or another state.
Preferred Qualifications
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification
NC Certified Zoning Official (CZO) certification
Knowledge
Well-developed knowledge of urban planning principles, practices and techniques;
In-depth knowledge of zoning and land development practices;
In-depth knowledge of historic preservation guidelines/regulations and best practices;
Knowledge of state and local laws and regulations applicable to work responsibilities;
Knowledge of principles, methodology and practices of research, data collection and analysis; and
Knowledge of computer hardware and software applications applicable to work responsibilities, including the use of geographic information applications in planning.
Skills
Demonstrated ability to complete site plan and project review(s) including the review and interpretation of applicable City of High Point development regulations on a project by project basis;
Proficient computer skills to use software applications to process board and land development submissions and conduct electronic plan reviews;
Excellent communication skills to communicate in various forms and convey complex information clearly and effectively to different audiences;
Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to resolve land development process conflicts;
Effective facilitation skills to lead productive group discussions;
Excellent interpersonal skills to create and maintain productive working relationships with associates, city officials, customers and the public;
Ability to read and interpret land development plans and architectural designs to obtain required information;
Ability to comprehend and correctly apply development regulations and find practical solutions;
Ability to prepare and present technical reports in oral and written form; and
Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and manage them effectively to meet established deadlines.
Physical Requirements
Hearing/Speaking - Expressing and receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to converse with associates, city officials, customers and the public.
Visual Abilities – The ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position:
Acuity, far – Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Must be able to see from a distance when addressing an audience, performing a site visit to record land features or operating a motor vehicle.
Acuity, mid – Clarity of vision from 20 inches to 20 feet. Must be able to make visual presentations in an assembly room.
Acuity, near – Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to see computer monitor and read plans, ordinances, reports and documents close at hand.
Depth perception – Three-dimensional vision and the ability to judge distance and space relationships.
Field of Vision – The area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are focused on one point. Must be able to see a wide span of area when conducting a site visit and addressing an audience.
Accommodation – Must be able to adjust the eye lens to glance quickly.
Physical Strength – The degree of physical demands typically associated with this position include:
Light Work
Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and
A negligible amount of force constantly to handle or move materials related to the position
Type of Physical Demands
Reaching - Extending the hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
Handling - Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s).
Fingering - Picking, pinching or otherwise working with fingers primarily rather than the entire hand or