Job Description

Posting number: Senior Planner August 2026

Department: PLANNING

Job classification: Senior Planner

Posting type: Open

Categories: Planning and Development

Performs difficult technical and administrative work in the administration of the Onslow County Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Onslow County Comprehensive Plan, and related codes or work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the supervision of the Planning Administrator.

Our core values—Resilience, Excellence, Accountability, Customer Service, and Honesty—are the foundation of our work and the standard by which we operate. As a member of our team, you are expected to demonstrate these values in every aspect of your role. This means delivering high-quality work, taking responsibility for your actions, providing exceptional service, and maintaining integrity in all interactions. Your commitment to these principles is essential to fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring the success of our organization and the community we serve.

Examples of duties

• Supervision
  • Facilitates a safe work environment where employees are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.

• Supervises, evaluates, and trains the Planners under the direction and supervision of the Planning Administrator.
• Assists in reviews and attends meetings with the Planners to ensure quality control and excellent customer service.
• Coordinates the training of the Planners under the supervision of the Planning Administrator from the direction given by the Director.
• Provides quality control and supervision of the Planner’s evaluation and review of site plans, subdivision plans, and issuance of zoning permits or subdivision approvals.
• Long Range Planning and Ordinance Amendments
  • Conducts detailed analysis and develops reports to include recommendations on complex or technical land use topics to include the use of ESRI products.
  • Conducts detailed analysis and develops memorandums to include recommendations on the Onslow County’s Comprehensive Plan implementation and updates, Zoning Ordinance, and Subdivision Ordinance.
  • Coordinates with the Senior Zoning and Environmental Officer on updating the Onslow County Solid Waste Ordinance and Minimum Housing Ordinance.
• Application Review
  • Reviews zoning permit applications and all site plan types for accuracy and compliance with the Onslow County Zoning Ordinance, adopted plans and ordinances, and any applicable State or Federal regulation.
  • Reviews subdivision or development proposals or plans for accuracy and compliance with the Onslow County Subdivision Ordinance, adopted plans and ordinances, and any applicable State or Federal regulation.
  • Reviews project or application proposals for consistency with the Onslow County Comprehensive Plan.
  • Facilitates the Technical Review Committee monthly meeting, distributes meeting materials, and coordinates TRC member attendance.
• Public Engagement
  • Responds to citizen, contractors, builders, and/or developer questions regarding the Onslow County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance.
  • Assists the Planning Administrator in the preparation of meeting materials, public notifications, staff reports, presentations, and board materials for the Onslow County Planning Board.
  • Facilitates public outreach and engagement to citizens and groups through providing public education, workshops, and presentations in coordination with the Land Use Administrator and/or Director.
  • Develops strong and positive rapport with community partners and Technical Review Committee partners in coordination with Department Leadership.
• Additional Functions
  • Performs assigned functions as a Disaster Ready Team (DRT) member, if assigned or volunteered.
  • Performs related tasks as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications

Thorough knowledge of the following:

• Onslow County Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and the Onslow County Comprehensive Plan;
• Methods and procedures used in planning, coastal planning, and urban development;
• North Carolina General Statute as it relates to land use and development regulations;
• Public engagement and public relations best management practices and strategies.

Thorough ability in the following:

• To operate standard office equipment including a personal computer and applicable office productivity software;
• To analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports;
• To interpret various rules and regulations;
• To read and interpret plans;
• To maintain effective working relationships with employees, property owners, citizens, contractors, and other departments or agencies;
• To prepare and present oral or written reports;
• To facilitate meetings;

Physical Requirements:
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, frequently requires reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires standing, walking, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; no special vocal communication skills are required; no special hearing perception is required; this work does not require any specialized sensory utilization; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a very quiet location (e.g. park trail, storage or file room).

Supplemental information

Bachelor’s degree with coursework in Planning, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, or related field and at least two years of experience, or equivalent combination of experience and education.

1 to 2 years of supervisory experience is preferred

Special Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license.

• Certified Zoning Official (CZO) and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.

Salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.

If applicable, your final transcript showing the date your degree was awarded and/or any required certificates or licenses listed in the application must be uploaded with your application, even if you are a current employee or we have received it with a previous application.