Job Information
City of Durham Planning Specialist in Durham, North Carolina
Planning Specialist
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Planning Specialist
Salary
$49,026.00 - $76,066.00 Annually
Location
Durham, NC
Job Type
Full time with benefits
Job Number
24-04976
Department
Planning
Opening Date
07/02/2024
Closing Date
7/16/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham
Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.
Hiring Range: $49,026 - $ 56,764.00
Work Day/Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
The City-County Planning Department (http://durhamnc.gov/338/City-County-Planning) helps plan and direct Durham’s vision for growth that supports a high quality of life, a robust economy and a sustainable, inclusive, equitable and accessible Durham for generations to come. We work collaboratively with other agencies and the community in a fast-paced, innovative environment looking for solutions to today’s land-use and community planning challenges. If you’re talented, creative and focused on customer service, join our team!
The Planning Department is committed to improving racial equity, including hiring staff that reflect our community’s demographics and those with strong ties to Durham. Working in the field of planning, we recognize the historic inequities that have been designed into the fabric of our cities and are committed to doing our part in changing that. Creating a more equitable community and recognizing the strength in diversity is a core part of our work in the Planning Department. We believe our work is best fulfilled when our workplace reflects a diversity of perspectives and lived experiences. We believe that creating an environment for diversity to thrive requires an enduring and evolving commitment to inclusion in our department’s culture, values, and behaviors. We encourage people with lived experiences and diverse perspectives and identities to apply including people of color, people who have experienced or are experiencing housing insecurity, people with low-wealth, people with disabilities, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
The Planning Specialist is a regular, non-exempt, full-time position housed within Durham's City-County Planning Department in support of the Development Services Center (DSC) at City Hall. This position serves as a primary Planning team member responsible for review of various types of zoning permits and maintaining in-person coverage of the DSC counter for the Planning Department. This position will require extensive interaction with customers, handling inquiries regarding ordinance regulations (Durham’s Unified Development Ordinance), applications, and general planning inquiries. Work may also include acting as back-up for other development approvals issued by the team; generating periodic reports; and related special projects. A hybrid work schedule may be available in accordance with City policy; however, the expectation is primarily to be in-person due to the responsibilities of this position.
Work is performed via computer and cloud services. Successful candidates must have prior experience with web-based applications and virtual communication platforms such as Zoom, Teams, Sharepoint, and Outlook, and must be willing and able to perform daily work within departmental databases and software applications.
Prior urban planning, customer service, building inspection, and/or local government work is desirable, as well as experience reading tax maps and property records. Training and mentoring will be provided with respect to the application of zoning and development regulations.
The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude towards customers, be able to provide clear, timely, and thorough responses to inquiries, and have some familiarity with zoning and site planning principals and construction. This person will effectively manage tasks, adhere to deadlines, foster productive working relationships, solve problems proactively, and provide exceptional customer service.
Duties/Responsibilities
Customer service is a primary responsibility. Interacts and coordinates with developers, citizens, engineers, architects, attorneys, and City departments, and/or external agencies to provide or receive information, respond to inquiries, and provide technical assistance.
Prepares, maintains, submits, and/or reviews reports and publications; collects and maintains related information; reviews planning and development applications; updates and maintains databases; and reviews work for accuracy and completeness.
Assists with projects by training staff on development tracking processes; assists with preparing development project documentation.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
Associate’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, construction or related field OR equivalent experience.
Two years of customer service experience.
Additional Preferred Skills
Fluency in speaking Spanish.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, building trades, or related field.
One year of full-time work experience in urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, building trades, or related field.
One year of full-time local government work experience.
Interest obtaining AICP certification.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and web-based GIS mapping and analysis software.
Ability to interpret plat maps, plot plans, land surveys, or similar maps and drawings.
Benefits – General Full-Time Employees
11-12 paid holidays per year
12 standard work days of vacation per year
12 standard work days of sick leave per year, which accumulates indefinitely; sick leave may be used toward early retirement
2 weeks paid military leave per year
Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance plans
State and City retirement plans
Short and long term disability plans
Paid temporary disability leave for specified conditions
City contribution of 10.15% into the N.C. State Retirement System
Paid funeral leave
Employee Assistance Program - personal and family counseling
Paid life insurance equal to annual salary
48 hours for volunteer work each year*
4 hours parental leave each year
Workman's Compensation Insurance
457 Deferred Compensation Plans
Benefits - Part-Time (1,000 hours or more per year)
401(k) retirement plan (5.0% of salary)
State retirement plan
Benefits Part-Time (Average 30 hours per week over 12 month period)
401(k) retirement plan (5.0% of salary)
State retirement plan effective first day of the month following date of hire
Health insurance effective first day of the month following date of hire
Dental and life insurance, after one year of service
Pro-rated vacation, pro-rated sick, pro-rated floating holiday, parttime holiday pay (based on scheduled hours for that day) after one year of service
01
Where did you first hear about this opportunity?
City of Durham Website
Walk in
Job fair
Employee referral
Professional organization Please list the organization in "other" box below
Internet posting Please list the specific web site in the "other" box below
Craig's List
Facebook
LinkedIn
GlassDoor
governmentjobs.com
Monster.com
Indeed.com
Employment Security Commission
Magazine/Newspaper
Other
02
If you listed "other" above please give specific web site, organization, or publication.
03
Please select your highest level of COMPLETED education.
Less than a High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
Associates Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
PhD or Juris Doctorate
04
How many years of related customer service experience do you have?
No related experience
Less than 1 year of related experience
1 year but less than 2 years related experience
2 years but less than 6 years related experience
6 or more years related experience
05
Do you have experience reviewing permits and applications?
Yes
No
06
Are you proficient in the Spanish language (speak, read, and write)?
Yes
No
07
This position does not work remotely. Are you willing and able to have in-person interaction with the general public?
Yes
No
Required Question