JOB DESCRIPTION

Senior Planner

Department: Planning and Zoning

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Planning and Zoning Director

Job Summary

The Senior Planner performs advanced professional planning work involving land use, zoning, development review, long-range planning, and special projects. This position serves as a technical expert within the Planning and Zoning Department and may act as a project manager for complex applications, code amendments, and comprehensive planning efforts. The Senior Planner regularly interacts with developers, consultants, elected and appointed officials, and the public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review and manage complex planning applications including rezones, conditional uses, subdivisions, site plans, variances, and planned developments.
• Serve as project manager for development proposals, coordinating with applicants, engineers, architects, and internal departments.
• Prepare staff reports, findings, conditions of approval, and presentations for Planning Commission and governing body meetings.
• Interpret and apply zoning ordinances, land use codes, comprehensive plans, and related regulations.
• Provide professional recommendations on land use compatibility, infrastructure capacity, and long-range planning impacts.
• Assist in the development and amendment of zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and comprehensive plan updates.
• Conduct research and analysis related to growth trends, housing, transportation, and land use policy.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding zoning, permitted uses, development standards, and planning processes.
• Participate in County Commission meetings as well as County Planning Commission meetings
• Supervise staff including other planners and office manager
• Coordinate with outside agencies including state, regional, and federal entities as needed.
• Support department goals related to customer service, transparency, and regulatory compliance.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise office manager as well as other planner(s)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, Regional Planning, Public Administration, Geography, or a related field.
• Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible professional planning experience.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in planning or a related field.
• Experience working in a local government planning and zoning environment.
• Supervisory or lead worker experience.

BENEFITS

Morgan County pays 90% of premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision. Morgan County offers a traditional health plan as well as a high deductible health plan. If you choose the high deductible health plan Morgan County will deposit up to $3000 in an HSA. Morgan County also offers Paid Time Off (PTO) as well as other supplemental insurance such as accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness.