Pembroke, NC – Lumber River Council of Governments – Regional Planner

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Performs a variety of mid-level professional planning and technical assistance activities in service to local government jurisdictions, agencies, and groups.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
An employee in this class works as a staff resource for special or individual project areas or as a part of a large project for local government entities. Employee may supervise or coordinate the work of other professionals or interns on a project or permanent basis as authorized by the Regional Planning Director. Employee assesses needs and resources of local governments and recommends approaches and methods to address needs. Employee meets with local, state, and federal officials and private citizens and is expected to perform as an authority on local government planning and related subject areas. Projects and programs typically involve a variety of direct services to address the challenges presented and often require innovative solutions. The position is characterized by the variety of types of assignments, independence of action, and responsibility for a program or project area. Work is supervised by the Regional Planning Director and completed products are periodically reviewed for adherence to goals and objectives and to program policies and methodology. Employee performs specialized work of a relatively complex nature and works largely independently.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Analyzes regional local government units’ programs, services, problems, needs, and requests for assistance; recommends project priorities.
• Provides technical assistance in specialty area of work to regional local government units including grant and loan applications for Federal and State funds when available such as planning and zoning, water and wastewater planning, American Rescue Plan, and disaster and recovery/resilience planning.
• Prepares zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and other regulatory policies governing the use and development of land.
• Collects and analyzes data and develops both written and oral reports.
• Attends meetings of local boards and commissions, as assigned. Assists in making presentations and in responding to questions.
• Supervises and conducts studies in specialty areas. Represents LRCOG in meetings and conferences with local, state, and federal government officials and with private citizens.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of technical planning methodology and the principles and practices of public administration, especially as it relates to municipal and county government.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government programs, services, and regulations.
• Knowledge of the process of preparation of planning data for oral and written presentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and local officials and the general public.
• Ability to conduct assessments of various local governmental services and needs, analyze and collate data, and develop summations and reports.
• Some knowledge of water and sewer utilities.
• Some knowledge of the concept and application of utility asset management.
• Working knowledge of GIS software and applications, along with the ability to read and interpret various forms of maps, showing data such as infrastructure, population, and zoning and land use plans.
• Demonstrates resourcefulness, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
• Ability to supervise the work of one or more employees (may be required).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Position should possess the ability to perform climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motion.
• Position should possess the ability to perform light work exceeding up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and or 10 pounds of force frequently.
• Position should possess the close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, view a computer terminal and extensive reading.
• Position may be subject to environmental conditions that occur both inside and outside.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Bachelor’s Degree in assigned area or an equivalent combination of experience and education is desired. Prefer at least two years of experience in planning or related field. A valid driver’s license and availability of vehicle is also a requirement.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Cover letter, employment application (www.lrcog.org), and resume should be submitted to: Regional Planner, Lumber River Council of Governments, 30 CJ Walker Road, Pembroke, NC 28372 or bls@lrcog.org. Open until filled.

For more information, contact:

Brittney Stephens
bls@lrcog.org
910-775-9768