Planner VI Team Lead – Spartanburg County

Dec 9, 2021 | Job Postings, News

Planner VI Team Lead
Spartanburg County
Salary: $52,723 – $81782
Closing Date: Until Filled

Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Current Planning Manager, performs a variety of complex work in serving as the supervisor of a functional area of the County’s Current Planning Program-Subdivisions (which includes all review of the subdivision of property), Zoning Review (which includes site plan review, Variances, and Zoning Verification), or Development Support (which includes specialized reviews (landscaping, signs and architectural design), inspections, enforcement, and the customer service counter). Planner VI-Team Lead positions will require the supervision of subordinate staff and responsibility for a Current Planning Program. Current Planning Team Leads will require the same level of technical expertise as a Planner IV, but will exercise staff and program supervision.

The primary duty of each Current Planning Team Lead is to serve as the supervisor for their functional area. The Planner IV – Subdivisions Team Lead will lead the team responsible for simple and complex divisions of property within the County’s jurisdiction. The Planner IV – Zoning Review Team Lead is responsible for zoning/land development cases, complex zoning projects with administrative modifications and noise issues, zoning verification, variances to the Board of Zoning Appeals, etc. The Planner IV – Development Support Team Lead is responsible for landscaping, architectural design, signs, inspections, complaints, managing the customer service counter, etc. Planner IVs in the Current Planning Division will report to a Planner VI Team Lead and will be crossed trained and must be flexible and work collaboratively as a larger team in order to provide exceptional development services.

Essential Functions:

  • Must be effective in project management, able to successfully prioritize work assignments, wisely use time and resources, exhibit independent and creative problem-solving skills, and adapt well to changing circumstances surrounding development and zoning issues. Must work with all Current Planning Division employees as a cooperative and cohesive team. Required to work beyond the normal office schedule to complete duties and special assignments deadlines, as necessary. Attendance at a variety of evening meetings is required.
  • As a Case Review Manager, reviews site plans, landscape plans, and/or subdivision plats for compliance with local ordinances and state regulations. Informs applicants of revisions needed in order to meet County requirements. Distributes plats/plans to other agencies for review, revisions, and approval. Receives and documents responses. Evaluates land use proposals, development designs (zoning, architectural, landscape, signage, including review in conformance of applicable application of development regulations regarding lighting and noise), subdivision plans (including minor subdivisions), counter plats, etc., for compliance with County, state and federal laws, regulations, codes and ordinances; evaluates the impact of development proposals in conformance with applicable county ordinances. In the event of code cases, ensures that proper enforcement steps are taken and follows the case through to a solution.
  • As a supervisor, administers an assigned functional area of the subdivision and/or zoning regulations and related tasks. Supervises/reviews/guides the work of subordinate staff in the areas of major/minor subdivisions; major/minor development permits; zoning permits; relief from ordinance requirements in the way of Administrative Modifications, Variances, and Appeals; zoning verification and determination letters; customer service; inspections; and zoning code enforcement. Participates in and oversees the performance of functional area tasks such as:
    • Subdivision Review and Approval Process – taking subdivisions through the review and approval process, including ensuring compliance with administrative policies and procedures; reviewing all plats for compliance with ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures; coordinating an necessary approvals from agencies outside of the Planning and Development Department (water, sewer, roads, storm water, access, addressing, street naming, etc.; writing staff reports, preparing variances; preparing materials for Planning Commission (and Board of Zoning Appeals, as necessary) packets and presentations; and using project tracking software proficiently for monitoring the status of all projects. Prepares a variety of correspondence related to said tasks, including Land Use/Zoning compliance, expiration notifications, letters of credit/surety, etc.
    • Zoning/Land Development Review and Approval Process – examining applications for compliance with established plans and ordinances (Unified Land Management, Performance Zoning, and Subdivision Ordinances, including policies and procedures), and applicable local, state, or federal regulation; processing development plans, plats, landscape plans, architectural elevations, signage plans, lighting plans, etc.; soliciting additional approvals from appropriate staff; monitoring progress through the approval process; following up with compliance inspections and enforcing compliance with regulations, as needed.
    • Variance and Appeal Applications – BZNPC agendas, preparation of staff reports, run legal advertisements and post property on time, and makes certain that projects are properly vetted before the case is placed on an agenda and the legal advertisement is sent to the newspaper and posted on the website. Ensures that staff meets deadlines for Staff Reports, preparing and posting ads, preparing agendas, reviewing/editing minutes, zoning correspondence letters and special projects. Oversees the work of subordinates performing the same tasks and ensures the correctness/ appropriateness of their work in reviewing and approving projects, inspecting them upon completion, responding to complaints and zoning violations. Makes sure that all code cases are handled properly and in a timely and courteous manner. Ensure the County’s policies and standards are met in the review of minor, Exempt, and counter plat review.
    • Complaints, Inquiries, and Enforcement- Responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and firm manner. Investigates complaints and mediates resolutions in a timely and tactful manner. Ensures appropriate warning notices, citations and notices of violation are issued, as necessary; issues corrective notices, orders to comply, and related documentation for code violations; maintains accurate documentation and case files on all investigations, inspections, enforcement actions, and other job-related activities including accurate and detailed information regarding code enforcement activity to substantiate violations; takes and maintains photographs; works with legal staff and Environmental Enforcement; prepares for and attends court.
    • Other Assignments – reviews and issues zoning verification, zoning compliance, zoning determination letters; reviews correspondence by subordinate staff for accuracy and completeness.
  • Visits projects in the field, as necessary, in order to make fully informed decisions on projects, as well as complaints. Performs research and conducts field investigations to resolve matters of non-compliance.
  • Leads pre-application and Collaborative Development Review meetings and follows up with appropriate correspondence. Additionally, this includes participating in the thorough review of sketch plans for pre-submittal meetings, and providing planning and zoning comments, including subdivision review. Takes the lead in the meeting (whether in person or via zoom meeting format), incorporating and issuing current planning staff and outside agency comments for preapplication conference meetings to applicant and design team.
  • Participates in the evaluation and amendment of the County’s Subdivision, Performance Zoning Ordinance, and Unified Land Management Ordinance, as well as associated policies and procedures. Monitors the effectiveness of same Researches alternatives to resolve issues arising with the County’s zoning and subdivision ordinances. Proposes well thought out solutions/amendments to ordinances and procedures as needed.
  • Maintains, or causes to be maintained, departmental digital original of subdivision regulations and zoning ordinances upon amendment by County Council; Policies and Procedures documents upon approval by the Planning Commission; and Current Planning Division Operational Procedures and Administrative Interpretations for ordinances and regulations.
  • Develops materials for website that will assist staff with ordinance administration and provide education for the public; keeps materials on website current.
  • Assists with training of Current Planning staff members. Ensures that all subordinate staff have the appropriate level of training to properly perform their duties.
  • Ensures that the Long Range Planning’s GIS staff receives all needed development data for inclusion in databases.
  • Researches planning and use-related issues, gathers and analyzes data, compiles information, and prepares reports, including maps and graphics. Presents such work to Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, review teams, County Council, County Administration, Long Range Planning Team, and the general public.
  • Special projects may be assigned by the County Administrator from time to time, such as cleaning up gateways into the City, any number of research projects, etc. Works with Planning Team and other departments to resolve issues or provide information in a timely manner.
  • Participates in the drafting of ordinance amendments as needed.
  • Constantly reviews/updates/improves efficiency and effectiveness of division policies, procedures and service delivery methods regarding project reviews and approvals; variance application and appeal process, pre­ application meetings, completeness review, submittal checklists, various required correspondences, forms and information on web is ongoing.
  • Responds to Customers/Customer Service Staff when they need assistance.
  • Supports other divisions of the department and overall efforts of the Planning and Development Department work program as instructed.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Maintains positive, customer-focused relationships and a teamwork environment with co-workers, supervisors, other County departments and outside agencies, the general public, and all other internal and external customers. Personally demonstrates appropriate interpersonal and customer service skills, including using good judgment. Avoids engaging in any action that is detrimental to Spartanburg County’s business and not in compliance with established policy and procedures.
  • Maintains a respectful, collaborative work environment in harmony with co-workers and management, with the ability to provide strong leadership and technical ability to support and enhance the work of the Current Planning Division.
  • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including supervisors, co-workers, other County departments, and outside agencies.
  • Shows courtesy, tact and sensitivity to individual differences when dealing with people who are hostile, difficult and/or distressed.
  • Demonstrates honesty, integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to work with others in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Knowledge in the practices and principals of Urban Planning, as well as current trends, regulations, standards and laws related to zoning and land development is required.
  • Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods used within the department as they relate to land development and zoning, including landscaping, signage, and architectural design standards. Ability to coordinate activities and maintain department standards as prescribed. Knowledge of code enforcement principles, practices and methods as applicable to local government; working knowledge of applicable laws, standards and regulations relating to various land use, nuisance and public safety codes. Knowledge of land use and zoning case law, ordinances and regulatory standards applicable to zoning enforcement.
  • Ability to read and interpret subdivision plats and site plans. Ability to interpret and apply zoning code. Ability to understand and utilize zoning maps, land use maps, plat maps and other documents related to real property. Read GIS maps and property profiles. Read and interpret legal documents and descriptions.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, as well as strong writing skills.
  • Possesses a demonstrated ability to present information clearly, effectively and in a timely manner in written, map and graphic formats.
  • Takes initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of constant supervision, but asks questions as needed.
  • Demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; and performs related duties as required.
  • Ability to organize work, establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
  • Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, urban studies, or a closely-related field (course work should include urban and regional planning, community development, urban design, real estate, land use and zoning law) from an accredited college or university; Considerable (4+ years) relevant professional experience in urban planning focused on review and approval of subdivisions/ land development/zoning regulations;
1-2 years supervisory experience;
Working experience with GIS;
Must maintain continuing professional development requirements for Local Planning or Zoning Officials per SC Code 6-29-1310 or be exempt from the requirement;
Computer skills including current Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Access, Word and Power Point);
Experience with ArcMap and strong working knowledge of databases;
Work is performed onsite. The incumbent must be present at work to perform the essential functions of this job;
Recognized standing and participation in professional planning organizations;
Must possess and maintain a drive s license that is valid in the State of South Carolina.

Any equivalent combination of relevant professional experience, education, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning and certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners are highly preferred. Supervisory experience is highly desirable. Experience with EnerGov preferred. Experience with website content management helpful.

The following items are an integral part of the requirements for successful employment in the Planning and Development Department:

 Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work: Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

 Attendance: Attends and remains at work regular1y and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to your supervisor and the Planning and Development Director with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified (i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc.). Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with County Council, County Administrator, Directors, and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Essential Safety Functions: It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injuries or illnesses.