JOB DESCRIPTION

Cary is seeking a development plan reviewer for this position to work on a variety of projects and reviews which may include the following:

• Review development plans and plats for various land uses and levels of complexity.  Reviews require the application of Cary’s policies, Land Development Ordinance and Community Appearance Manual. Plan review responsibilities involve collaboration and effective communication with other departments within Cary as well as the development community.
• Performs Preliminary Development Plan review for rezoning cases when applicable including greenfield as well as complex infill and redevelopment projects. 
• Case management responsibilities also require collaborative staff report preparation, and preparing and presenting to various audiences including members of the public, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Support for other boards may include working with the Historic Preservation Commission.
• Develops, interprets, amends, and enforces ordinances regarding zoning and development standards;
• Reviews permits including signs, zoning verification letters, and building permits;
• Responds to inquiries from citizens, businesses, landowners, developers and elected and appointed officials regarding matters such as status of current projects, interpretations of the Land Use Plan, zoning matters, current and proposed ordinances, area plans and studies and on issues related to development;
• Assists in the development and implementation of Council initiatives and goals related to long-range planning; prepares, plans, develops and implements elements of the comprehensive plan; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of land use planning, planning research, zoning, and annexations;  knowledge of municipal planning, landscape architecture principles and practice, and urban design;  knowledge of municipal development ordinances and its applications; bicycle and pedestrian planning;   knowledge of principles and practice of community facilitation and conflict resolution; ability to read and interpret ordinances, statutes, plans, maps, etc.; ability to plan, organize, supervise and carry out complex research projects effectively and simultaneously; ability to present the results of research effectively in oral, written, and graphic form; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal officials, representatives of other agencies, and members of the general public and development community.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in city and regional planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related field and considerable experience in professional planning and development. Candidates may also have a background and/or related degree in the areas of site design, land development or construction management with a desire to learn planning.

Preferred candidates will have the following:

• 2-4 years of experience in public or private sector land planning or development
• Master’s degree in city and regional planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture, urban design, public administration, or engineering
• 2-4 years of experience with land use principles, zoning practices, urban design, mixed-use and redevelopment projects 
• 2-4 years of experience with development plan review.
• 2-4 years of experience navigating plan review software platforms and GIS 
• 2-4 years of experience writing staff reports and making presentations 
• 2-4 years of experience completing complex projects in a dynamic, collaborative environment
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certified Zoning Official (CZO) or other related professional certifications

In addition to the experience-based preferred qualifications listed above, candidates who demonstrate the following competencies will be especially well suited for the role:

• Excellent communication skills
• Desire to build collaborative groups within the organization 
• Ability to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment 
• Ability to work on a variety of tasks while being extremely organized and detail-oriented 

Physical Requirements

The work in this class is generally inside and sedentary. An employee must be able to talk, hear, and see. Visual acuity is necessary in order to read and write handwritten and typewritten materials, review and draw plans, and view a computer. Walking and driving may be required in order to observe work in progress.

Special Requirements

• Requires a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

• Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, SBI finger-printing, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment.

• This position may occasionally require participation in meetings and events outside of normal business hours, which may include evenings and weekends.