Planning Director

The Planning Department engages in various types of planning:

• Daily Planning – permitting and plan review
• Transportation Planning – a member of the Transportation Advisory Committee for the Greater Hickory Metropolitan Planning Organization.
• Natural Resources & Environmental Planning – floodplain and watershed review, with coordinated effort for erosion control with Catawba County
• Zoning Compliance – enforcement of planning ordinances

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Planning Director provides professional planning work including conducting plan reviews for development overseeing water quality, land use, open space, and application of ordinances, laws, and policies. The ability to complete zoning studies and analyze data to formulate recommendations, evaluate programs, and prepare and present reports to boards and committees; and provide technical assistance to other City Departments. Work requires thorough knowledge of the planning field and independent judgment and initiative in the performance of duties. The applicant should have general knowledge of water, sewer, and stormwater utilities and be able to review professional drawings.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

The hiring range for this position is $66,809-$83,510, depending on qualifications and experience. New hires are eligible for up to a 5% (2.5% at 6 and 12 months) increase with the successful completion of probationary period.

• The City of Claremont is a member of the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System. This entitles vested employees with at least five years of employment to a defined benefit at the time of retirement. Members contribute 6% of gross compensation each month. This is a before-tax deduction. The City of Claremont contributes an actuarially determined percentage of the gross payroll of members each month.
• The City of Claremont contributes the equivalent of 5% of each employee’s salary to the employer sponsored 401k plan, with no match required.
• The City of Claremont pays 100% of an employee's health. The current plan is a high deductible health plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Contributions to the HSA are made pre-tax through payroll deduction. A PPO option, as well as dependent coverage is available at cost to the employee.
• The City of Claremont pays 100% of the following premiums:
  • Life Insurance - $25,000
  • Dental Insurance
• The City of Claremont provides for the following payroll deduction and retirement options:
  • NC 401(k) Plan
  • Local Government & State Employees' Credit Union payroll deductions
• The City of Claremont Provides for the following paid leave options:
  • 11 Paid Holidays Per Year
  • Annual Leave earned on a sliding scale bases on years of service
  • 12 Sick Leave Days Per Year
  • Longevity Pay

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, engineering, public administration, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is a plus.
• Some experience in municipal, county, or regional planning is highly preferred.
• Ability to communicate with the public, professional staff, and elected/appointed officials in oral/written forms.
• General knowledge of water, sewer and stormwater utilities, and GIS experience is
• Certification as a Zoning Official (CZO) strongly desired.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The position is open until filled; first review of applications on March 1st  2023.

Background check and drug screening required. Please submit a cover letter, resume, references, and City of Claremont application to Wendy Helms at City of Claremont, P.O. Box 446, Claremont, NC 28610. Emailing application materials is acceptable, [email protected] For an application, visit www.cityofclaremont.org and click on the “I want to” tab. Final candidates will be subject to an interview process. The City of Claremont is an Equal Opportunity Employer.