COUNTY PLANNING DIRECTOR

County Planning Director

Department: Planning
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

General Statement of Duties

This position is responsible for administering and directing the activities of the County Planning Department while serving as a technical advisor to the Board of Commissioners and Planning Board.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties

• Serve as staff support to the Planning Board, preparing agendas, reports, and minutes.
• Research and prepare long-range planning documents, analyzing trends and land use data.
• Coordinate with consultants in land use plan development, including data collection and public meetings.
• Present planning reports and updates at Board of Commissioners meetings.
• Enforce county manufactured home park and abandoned structure ordinances, conduct annual inspections, and respond to complaints.
• Review site plans and subdivision plats to ensure compliance with county ordinances.
• Respond to public and professional inquiries (e.g., attorneys, surveyors) regarding land use rules and regulations.
• Supervise county planning and code enforcement staff.
• Prepare letters, maps, and informational materials for the public.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of local and regional planning principles related to natural resources, population, and economic development.
• Understanding of county, state, and federal planning laws.
• Proficiency in computer applications for reports and presentations.
• Strong collaborative conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to write technical planning reports and papers.
• Ability to plan and manage a comprehensive planning program.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex planning policies to officials and the public.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with officials, contractors, developers, and property owners.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to reach, stand, walk, pull, lift, grasp, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform sedentary work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.
• Must have visual acuity to analyze data, read extensively, and conduct visual inspections.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Some experience in professional city or county planning.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina driver’s license required.

Application Process

Apply Online:

Columbus County Employment Application

Or Submit Application to:

Columbus County Human Resources
125 W Webster Street
Whiteville, NC 28472

Columbus County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.