Job Opportunity: Part-Time Planner – Town of Clyde, North Carolina

The Town of Clyde is seeking a skilled individual for the position of Part-Time Planner, working 2 days per week. Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Clyde is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 1,390 residents. The successful candidate will play a role in shaping the town by developing, interpreting, and administering land use and development codes, regulations, standards, programs, and plans. This position is supervised by the Town Administrator, with performance evaluated through regular conferences and feedback sessions.

Salary: The hiring salary for this position will be determined based on the candidate’s education, experience, and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Assistance and Public Interaction: Engage with property owners, contractors, developers, engineers, architects, and the general public to provide expert guidance on compliance with town standards, plans, specifications, and codes. Clearly explain relevant regulations, procedures, and potential alternatives to ensure understanding and adherence.
• Plan Review and Approvals: Evaluate minor design and construction changes, approving them when appropriate or issuing certificates of appropriateness. Refer significant modifications to the relevant board or committee for further review and decision-making.
• Support for Boards and Committees: Act as a primary staff resource for volunteer Planning Boards and various committees. Prepare detailed documentation, reports, and presentations for meetings with the Planning and Zoning Board, Board of Zoning Adjustments, Historic Commission, Mayor, and Town Board of Aldermen.
• Regulatory Compliance and Permitting: Address public inquiries related to the Town’s development regulations. Review and process planning and development permit applications, including those for stormwater management, ensuring conformity with applicable development regulations and comprehensive plans.
• GIS and Data Analysis: Create and analyze maps, GIS data, and other graphical materials to support town planning initiatives and provide accessible information to the public.
• Research and Documentation: Conduct research using records, maps, and other resources to assist financial institutions, attorneys, and community members. Compile statistical and narrative data for presentations to boards and committees, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
• Field Assessments: Visit subdivisions and tracts of land under consideration for zoning permits, rezoning, variances, or special use permits. Assess the applicability of zoning and development ordinances and prepare well-informed recommendations for boards and committees.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Education and Experience: A Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Engineering, Business, Public Administration, or a related field is required, along with at least two years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the duties of the position will also be considered.
• Certifications: Must possess or be able to obtain Certified Zoning Official (CZO) certification within two years of employment. American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) certification is preferred but not required.
• Licensing and Background Checks: A valid North Carolina Driver’s License with a clean driving record is mandatory. Candidates must also pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening as well as a criminal background check.
• Skills and Attributes: The ideal candidate must be responsible, self-motivated, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are essential.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a completed application and resume. Applications can be accessed online at the Town of Clyde Job Opportunities page. Submissions should be directed to Joy Garland, Town Administrator, at PO Box 386, Clyde, NC 28721, or via email at joy.garland@townofclyde.com.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The Town of Clyde is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination in employment, programs, and services on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, or gender.