Senior Planner

The City of Spartanburg is hiring a Senior Planner to support urban planning initiatives, focusing on the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and development of a new Zoning Code. Responsibilities include managing complex development projects, providing expertise on planning, and facilitating communication throughout the planning process. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and at least five years of experience. This is a full-time position based in Spartanburg, SC.
The City of Spartanburg seeks an urban planning professional to fill the role of Senior Planner with a current planning focus. This position offers the opportunity to work within a dynamic team environment focused on supporting the strategic vision outlined in the recently adopted comprehensive plan and producing innovative planning outcomes. The Senior Planner will play a central role in the City’s plan for a new and innovative Zoning Code that will align the context sensitive zoning that currently exists for the downtown core. If you are a collaborative thinker passionate about contributing to planning, zoning, and community-based initiatives that will shape the future of Spartanburg, this position is ideal for you.

General Statement of Job
The Senior Planner performs planning, analytical, and team leadership tasks related to the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, administration of the Zoning Ordinance, the Downtown Development Code, and special projects. Manages highly complex development projects including master plans, green infrastructure, mixed-use, commercial, and residential. Reviews plans and provides feedback and expertise on planning; assists applicants, owners, and others through permitting and applications; disseminates information and communicates extensively through the process of planning and development. Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the job description.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Demonstrated experience with planning principles and practices, and their applicability.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of advanced and nontraditional development codes, ordinances, and zoning enforcement practices.
• Integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge to balance the transformative growth in the urban core and designated growth areas.
• Ability to develop and facilitate effective working relationships inside the organization and externally.
• Ability to objectively analyze data and to identify and interpret applicable ordinances and other land use directives.
Acceptable Experience and Training
• Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design.
• Five (5) years of considerable planning, architecture, or related experience; or
• Any combination of experience and training, which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid S.C. driver’s license.
Preferred Skills
• Strong graphic skills (computer and/or hand)
• A member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
• CNU Certification or LEED Certification

Salary depends on experience.