Duties and Responsibilities

• Considerable tact and courtesy must be exercised in the public contact functions.
• Establishes and manages various procedures for zoning permits, coordination of permit review and approval process; plans, organizes and coordinates development review processes, technical review processes and related current planning processes.
• Carries out first phase of permitting activities in conjunction with Carteret County Planning and Development (zoning, grading, floodplain, CAMA).
• Plans and organizes project activities; establishes goals and objectives; recommends and administers policies and procedures, develops and recommends budget for equipment, materials and supplies, and monitors expenditures.
• Provides guidance to Town Manager, Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and various other appointed committees; and interfaces with the public on controversial issues.
• Staffs the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment; prepares Staff reports and assures appropriate follow-up from meetings.
• Serves as technical support to the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, other appointed committees, other Town departments, and civic groups on planning, zoning, and related matters.
• Coordinates, administers, and presents ordinance variance hearings to the Board of Adjustment.
• Represents the town in intergovernmental activities such as working with infrastructure, transportation, coastal issues, and land use issues with other governmental officials.
• Researches, writes and recommends ordinances related to zoning, subdivision regulations, appearance, park and open space development, noise, transportation, streetscape, economic development, and other growth and development issues; writes or coordinates preparation of land use plan, land development ordinance and/or comprehensive plan; designs and facilitates public input meetings.
• Interprets and enforces zoning, subdivision, and related ordinances, inspects sites for conformance; enforces ordinances related to signs, overgrown lots, nuisance vehicles, appearance standards, etc.
• Confers with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies and the general public in obtaining information and coordinating planning matters; coordinates activities with County and surrounding jurisdictions; participates in plan review process.
• Work involves extensive public contact explaining potential and allowable land uses, and requires coordination with other departments, boards, commissions, and the public.
• Work directly with Town legal counsel pertaining to ordinance language changes, variance hearings, and other quasi-judicial matters.
• Conducts special studies; research complex planning problems; prepares a variety of comprehensive reports.
• Responds to and resolves difficult citizens' inquiries and complaints regarding planning matters.
• Establishes, maintains, and operates GIS system to obtain information, prepare visual layouts, and maintain and update maps.
• Operates as the Local Permitting Officer for issuance of CAMA Minor permits.
• Operates as Community Rating System Coordinator for floodplain development.
• Performs related duties as required.

Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, land use, and zoning related to long range planning, current planning, and the comprehensive planning process.
• Considerable knowledge of the applications of information technology to the work including GIS; planning; map preparation; document production; database and statistical analysis.
• Facilitates and coordinates Planning Board and Board of Adjustment meetings, developing appropriate minutes, and maintaining accurate records.
• Working knowledge of the Town's budgeting and purchasing policies and procedures.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution and meeting facilitation.
• Ability to organize work; set and follow effective priorities; and coordinate work with others to obtain desired outcomes.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms; to make public presentations; to interpret local development regulations to officials and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information, and to prepare technical reports.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate the feasibility of planning alternatives in relation to trends; costs and social pressures and needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, developers, property owners, other town staff, officials, and the general public.

Education and Experience

Knowledge and skill in process design and facilitation to obtain citizen and developer input and develop consensus among conflicted parties is required. Work is performed under general supervision of the Town Manager and is evaluated through conferences, reports, and progress on planning issues and projects. CAMA and Floodplain knowledge is a must for this role, as well as an outgoing personality. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, landscape architecture, environmental planning or a related field, masters degree preferred, and at least 5 years of planning and code enforcement experience, with at least three years of experience in a municipal or county planning department with some supervisory experience preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with the "Coastal Area Management Act" (CAMA) and Floodplain Management required.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift, carry and move 20 pounds.
• Must be able to access and navigate town facilities.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, examine and work with maps, charts, and detailed materials, operate a computer, and do extensive reading, operate a motor vehicle, use measurement devices, perform visual and physical inspection of details of construction onsite as needed and perform other property inspection tasks.
• Employees are subject to working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Preferred certification or ability to obtain from the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Compensation & Benefits

• Full benefits package, including employer paid health, dental, and vision insurance
• Local Government Employee Retirement (LGERS)
• Company-funded HSA and access to Civic Federal Credit Union
• Company-funded 401k at 5% with no match required!
• Membership to the Emerald Isle Community Center, work just yards away from the Atlantic Ocean, and other awesome Town perks!
• Excellent work environment with diverse work and a great team
• The salary range for this role is $68,683 - $101,651 based on qualifications, with up to a 5% increase upon completion of a probationary period.

Apply Today!

• Applicants are required to provide a complete electronic application, cover letter, and resume. Apply here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/emeraldisle2/emeraldisleemploymentapplication
• Any questions or inquiries can be made to Human Resource Specialist / Town Clerk, Jennifer Welborn at jwelborn@emeraldisle-nc.org.
• The position will remain open until filled. Do not hesitate and apply today!