Planning Specialist

Position Description

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

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Additional Preferred Skills