JOB DESCRIPTION

The City of Dahlonega is seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as its Planning and Zoning Director. This is a rare opportunity to drive operational excellence and innovation in a historic city, ensuring the continued well-being and sustainable growth of the Dahlonega community.

WELCOME TO DAHLONEGA

Dahlonega offers a strategic “gateway” location that balances the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains with the economic and logistical advantages of the accessible major metropolitan hubs of Atlanta and Chattanooga. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega is often recognized as one of the most desirable places to live and work in the Southeast. That quality of life is woven into the historic architecture of Dahlonega’s vibrant Public Square, the scenic vistas of award-winning vineyards, and the welcoming spirit of a community that prides itself on safety, security, and a deep sense of belonging.  

The community is a regional hub for the arts, anchored by the Historic Holly Theater and a thriving network of local galleries and music venues. Residents enjoy a year-round calendar of events, from the sounds of traditional mountain music to the Appalachian charm of the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival and the festive glow of the “Hallmark-style” Old Fashioned Christmas. Dahlonega offers a breathtaking landscape of mountain vistas and rushing water in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Residents enjoy immediate access to world-class hiking on the Appalachian Trail and at Amicalola Falls State Park, home to the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall. The Chestatee and Etowah Rivers provide ideal settings for kayaking, tubing, and trout fishing, while the Jake and Bull Mountain trail systems offer premier terrain for mountain biking and horseback riding.

Dahlonega families are served by the Lumpkin County School System, boasting a 97.8% graduation rate and SAT/ACT scores that frequently outpace state and national averages. Complementing our K-12 system is the University of North Georgia, a federally designated Senior Military College. The City and the Lumpkin County Development Authority are committed to smart growth, ensuring that housing remains accessible and that the cost of living stays reasonable. With a pro-business climate, exceptional infrastructure, and a focus on workforce development, Dahlonega provides the perfect environment to build a career of service to community.

CITY GOVERNMENT

The City of Dahlonega operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council appoints a professional City Manager who serves as the chief administrative officer.

THE DEPARTMENT AND POSITION

The Planning and Zoning Director is responsible for administrative and technical work related to city planning, zoning, land development activities, comprehensive planning, land use, and permitting. Responsibilities also include working with the City’s Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission, and preparing recommendations on matters that require Planning Commission, Historic Preservation, and City Council action. The Planning and Zoning Director is also tasked with special projects and assisting with the city’s long-range planning and development goals. The Planning and Zoning Director reports to the City Manager and supervises one full-time professional position and a part-time administrative role.

BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and a level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a bachelor’s or higher degree in city, urban or regional planning, public administration, economic development, or related field.
• Five years prior planning and zoning experience is required.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license or the ability to obtain one by date of employment.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or the ability to obtain AICP certification is preferred.

For full details, review the position brochure at: Mercer Group Associates Current Searches. A complete job description is available upon request.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSThe expected starting salary range for this position is $90,000 - $112,000 depending on experience and qualifications.

TO APPLY

Please email the following items to  Jeff Hale, Senior Associate, Mercer Group Associates, at jeffhale@localgovhrs.com by 6:00 PM EDT, Thursday, August 13, 2026:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of five job related references with email and phone contact information
• Adobe (.pdf ) format is preferred.

The City of Dahlonega is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

For questions, please contact Jeff Hale, Mercer Group Associates, jeffhale@localgovhrs.com, (706) 371-6126 or Alan Reddish, Mercer Group Associates, (706) 614-4961.           

BENEFITS

The city prioritizes employee well-being through high-quality insurance plans and active wellness initiatives:

Medical Insurance • FSA • Voluntary Dental & Vision Insurance • Employer Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability • Defined Benefit Plan (Pension) • 457 Deferred Compensation • Life Insurance & AD&D • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Wellness Program • Tuition Reimbursement