ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Develop and implement environmental policies, strategies, and plans aligned with the County's Comprehensive Plan and environmental goals
• Evaluate land development proposals and rezoning applications for environmental impacts
• Prepare reports, maps, and presentations on planning related topics
• Collaborate with local, regional, and state agencies on environmental and land-use initiatives
• Engage with community members, stakeholders, and public officials on planning projects
• Represent the county at meetings and conferences
• Coordinate public outreach programs to raise awareness about environmental sustainability, including the county's recycling and composting programs
• Monitors multiple collection sites for efficiency and safety of operation
• Conduct waste management assessments with local businesses to decrease the amount of disposable waste generated
• Support grant writing efforts for environmental and resiliency funding opportunities
• Monitor environmental indicators and maintain GIS databases related to environmental resources
• Prepares and presents presentations to various boards and committees
• Prepares forms, correspondences, reports, brochures, and other written materials
• Assists in the analysis of County issues, needs, programs, services, and requests for assistance, as well as in the recommendation of project priorities, upon request
• Performs related tasks as required in the Planning Department

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Strong understanding of natural and cultural resources, environmental laws, land use planning, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., NEPA, Clean Water Act, NCDEQ rules). Familiarity with GIS mapping tools and environmental data analysis. Effective communication and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. Knowledge of urban and rural planning, climate adaptation, resiliency planning, hazard mitigation, and green infrastructure is a plus.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A bachelor's degree in environmental planning, urban & regional planning, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field; a graduate degree in planning is preferred; entry-level position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, and grasping; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, use of measuring devices, operation of motor vehicles, determining accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license or the ability to receive one within 6 months. Ability to work some evenings and other times as necessary and requested and/or approved by the Planning Director or their designee.