NOTE: THIS RECRUITMENT IS ONLY OPEN TO INTERNAL WAKE COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER YOUR UNIQUE ID FROM YOUR EMPLOYEE ID BADGE ON YOUR APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION.

What You'll Be Doing

The Planning Division is recruiting for a Planner III who will perform complex and advanced level professional planning work involving Wake County’s current planning program. This position will manage and perform the implementation, application and enforcement of the County’s Unified Development Ordinance and other applicable state and local laws to ensure compliance within the jurisdiction of Wake County, the largest county in the state. The primary focus will be enforcement, reports, research, analysis and interpretation of the County’s zoning and subdivision regulations while working closely with the development community on development applications. This position requires significant project management responsibilities while administering the Comprehensive Plan and the Unified Development Ordinance.

Essential Functions:

• Performs and conducts complex professional studies, research, analysis, report writing on planning, subdivision and zoning issues and interpreting and enforcing zoning and subdivision laws
• Prepares reports/recommendations and conducts presentations to the Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, Board of Adjustment
• Serves as lead staff for a specific program or function by providing guidance and oversight on complex planning issues and cases
• Research, collects and analyzes technical data for use in complex planning initiatives and projects
• Develop planning policies that address issues associated with Wake County's land development and comprehensive planning agenda

About Our Team

The Wake County Planning Division exists to ensure that growth and development are managed responsibly by preserving the outstanding quality of life that all Wake County residents expect. As the population and economy continue to grow in Wake County, the need for this approach increases. The Division is the County’s leading resource for administering the County’s land use regulations pertaining to zoning and subdivisions. This work is guided by the County’s Unified Development Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Division works closely with various workgroups to advance development applications in Wake County’s jurisdiction. Those groups include building permitting, stormwater, onsite well and septic and fire services. The division is also instrumental in convening stakeholders that have common interests in advance planning projects. The stakeholders may include regional planning agencies related to transportation or other planning efforts. The Planning team recognizes that community engagement and stakeholder feedback are a critical step in any planning process. As such, team members are skilled at outreach and engagement practices.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Master's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture or related field
• Two years of professional experience in planning
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Master’s degree in planning, Landscape Architecture or related field
• Five years of experience in planning and development
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted
• Certified Planner - AICP

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• In depth Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, local and national planning principles, and the democratic political process
• Knowledge of principles, tools, and methods involved in detail review of technical plans and drawings
• Strong active listening skills, gives full attention to what other people are saying, takes time to understand the points being made, ask questions when appropriate and let others fully state their ideas
• Excellent written communication and verbal communication skills
• Excellent service orientation, actively looking for ways to help people

About This Position

Location: WCOB Raleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:15pm, hybrid work allowed

Hiring Range: 67728 - 115142

Market Range: 67,727.00 - 115,141.00

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 7/20/2025

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

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• Wake County Government

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