Principal Planner: Urban Design
Greenville County
Salary: $53,873.93
Closing Date: September 10, 2021
General Job Description:
Under direction from the Long-Range Planning Manager, this position manages planning projects, including community, area, and corridor plans; and develops landscape, streetscape, and urban design proposals for the unincorporated areas of Greenville County.
This position may also assist Zoning Administration with the review of site plans, concept plans, and final development plans for Planned Developments and other review district applications for compliance with County regulations and established principles of urban design.
As a Principal Planner, the employee is expected to conduct themselves in a manner that engenders trust from their manager, the department, and elected/appointed officials. Principal Planners are also expected to understand the consequences of actions within the department, on other departments and agencies, in the greater community, and bring forward solutions to a wide variety of planning-related issues. The employee will occasionally lead staff work projects and may assist with the administration and supervision of other employees and interns.
Essential Functions (These tasks are illustrative only; to carry out the day-to-day functions of the job, other duties may be assigned and/or performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
- Provides a high level of customer service at all times; projects and maintains a positive image on behalf of Greenville County when dealing with a wide range of customers, from elected officials to the public. Exercises sound service techniques such as listening, asking pertinent questions, communicating effectively and problem solving. Must be able to anticipate positive and negative outcomes of personal and departmental actions and address solutions.
- Leads and designs a variety of related meetings, including the type, amount, and style of information presented, to reach the intended audience appropriately and professionally. Shall have the confidence of managers to handle these types of meetings without supervision, if necessary.
- Knowledgably represents the department to the public, County and municipal officials, commissions and boards, planning stakeholders, staff members and County personnel, and other agencies in a variety of settings, sometimes controversial, in community planning related areas as required.
- May coordinate activities and work assignments of staff employees and interns; provide instruction and positive example in related areas; review work for accuracy and completeness; ensure that standards and regulations are met.
- Provides instruction and assistance to staff members, other departments/agencies, and elected/appointed officials as needed in related matters.
- Works and acts as an exemplary team player in all interactions with other county agencies and divisions. Pro-actively brings agencies and divisions together to meet identified goals, objectives, and implementation strategies.
- Works to ensure that safe work methods are followed to prevent injuries.
- Provides responsible staff assistance to the Director of Planning; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
- Be a Subject Matter Expert in the County Zoning Ordinance, Land Development Regulations, Planning Enabling Act and Comprehensive Plan and their application as they relate to the execution of duties as well as in the development of policies, procedures, ordinances and planning initiatives.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
- Night meetings are likely.
- Identify and respond to community, Planning Commission, Administration and County Council issues, concerns and needs.
- Develop and administer division goals, objectives and procedures in concert with Comprehensive Plan and Departmental goals and objectives.
- Analyze planning initiatives, requirements and policies and make recommendations for needed revisions to the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Regulations and Zoning Ordinance.
- Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals and objectives.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Principles and practices of urban design, landscape architecture and/or architecture related to community design and development.
- Theories, concepts and principles of urban planning.
- Familiarity and experience using Adobe Creative Cloud products, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, specifically.
- Some familiarity and experience with ArcGIS 10.x, or ArcGIS Online.
- Meets deadlines consistently and has superior time management skills; serves as a positive example to others in the department; helps others meet deadlines on occasion.
- Ability to see the large picture and anticipate outcomes, both positive and negative. Proactively works to avoid negative outcomes, whether through direct actions or suggested and implemented changes to policy and/or regulations.
- Knowledge of zoning laws, planning concepts, and local governmental planning initiatives.
- Knowledge of development in the County, surrounding cities, and sub-areas and their influences on one another.
- Principles and practices of meeting facilitation.
- Principles of team development and participation; provides a positive example of collaboration and cooperation.
- In-depth knowledge of pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
- Attention to detail.
- Prepare conceptual, schematic, and preliminary urban designs.
- Facilitate public meetings and design charrettes, and make compelling public presentations on a wide variety of planning topics, sometimes in contentious situations.
- Interpret and explain County policies and procedures in a manner appropriate to the audience.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both in writing and orally, as well as visually. Develop clear presentations for a variety of audiences that can explain planning and design concepts.
- Operate automated office machines.
Minimum Requirements:
A Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, or Urban Design, and 3-5 years’ experience in urban, regional or community planning and design work; or a Bachelor’s degree in planning, design or a related field, and any equivalent combination of training and experience.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation is preferred.
Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) highly desired
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and listen. Employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with arms and hands; use hands or fingers to operate, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computer and office equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to focus.
Interested applicants should visit https://www.greenvillecounty.org/HumanResources/Jobs.aspx to apply and for more information about the County of Greenville.
Greenville County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, disability or age. We assure you, the applicant, that your opportunity for employment depends solely on your qualifications.
