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Planning Director

Burke County, North Carolina
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Planning Director 

Department: Community Development

Hiring Range: $96,301.00 - $117.968.00

Closing Date: March 6th, 2026, at 5 PM To be considered application, resume, and cover letter must be submitted by this date.

 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

This managerial position plans, directs, and the Burke County Community Development Department, which consists of Planning, Zoning, Code Enforcement and Building Inspections.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Organizes and oversees Community Development Department assigned personnel decisions such as hiring, promotions, demotions, performance management, disciplinary actions, and terminations.  
  • Conducts Community Development Department personnel performance evaluations that are timely and constructive for assigned personnel

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To successfully perform this position, an individual must be able to perform the following:

  • Directs, leads, and provides strategic oversight to the Community Development department regarding planning, zoning, building inspections, and code enforcement.
  • Effectively communicates (verbally and in writing) and coordinates with the Burke County General Services Department for planning and capital projects' management including, but not limited to, contracts, site developments, and RFQs
  • Coordinates with the Burke County Parks and Recreation Department regarding park development and facility needs
  • Participates, attends, and presents at the regional planning efforts' meeting and functions 
  • Plans, prepares, and coordinates special projects for Burke County as needed including, but not limited to, the digital access plans, agreements, and funding sources.
  • Develops, reports, and presents information to the Burke County Board of Commissioners, Burke County Planning Board, Burke Development Inc. (BDI,) Board of Directors, or other local groups as necessarily related to the functions and activities of the Community Development department.
  • Monitors state and federal legislation and leads the response to regulatory changes at the County level. 
  • Presents planning and zoning items at public meetings, and conducts public hearings in accordance with general statue; provides clear, professional guidance to elected officials, appointed boards, developers, and the public.
  • Engages in difficult negotiations requiring a well-developed sense of timing and strategy with private developers, community members, and other municipal/government agencies. 
  • Develops, prepares and oversees the departmental budget, including the forecasting of future operational needs, monitoring of expenses, and ensuring department compliance within the annual operating budget. 
  • Directs, leads and oversees the work to complete sections of the Fonta Flora State Trail and Overmountain Victory Trail in collaboration with public trail partners. Includes the managing of grant funding, general funds, and matching dollars through financial oversight. 
  • Works with County Finance team to manage contracts, grant funds, and purchase orders related to department services and projects. 
  • Interacts with and assists the general public via telephone, email, or in person to provide support, information, and assistance with programs coordinated or prepared by this position
  • Serves as County liaison to WPCOG Technical Coordinating Committee and Greenway Transit Board. 
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned

 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business Administration, Planning, Management Administration, Construction Management, or another related field.
  • At least six (6) years of extensive experience, preferably in a County or Municipal government Planning role, developing the necessary knowledge and skill of this position.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (UPON HIRE, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED):

  • Valid North Carolina Driver's License

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES:

  • Standard vision requirements, with or without corrective lenses
  • Occasionally lifts up to ten (10) pounds
  • Occasionally spends time standing, walking, using hands or finders to handle, feel, type, or text, and reaching with hands and arms
  • Routinely spends time sitting and speaking or hearing
  • Frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions
  • Occasional exposure to some disagreeable elements (i.e., dust, heat, fumes, cold, or noise)
  • Subjected to considerable mental effort and potential stressful situations during day to day operations

 

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • Proficient in spoken and written English
  • Ability to express and exchange ideas through verbal communication
  • Ability to instructions or information through verbal communication
  • Ability to prepare and analyze written or computer data
  • Ability to engage in visual inspections involving small parts
  • Ability to use measuring devices
  • Ability to observe general surroundings and activities
  • Ability to observe general surroundings and activities
  • Excellent ability to adapt policies, procedures, and methods to resolve unusual and complex situations
  • Ability to operate and use systems, technologies, and machines required to perform duties of this position
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organization and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
  • Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong supervisory and leadership skills
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
  • Ability to oversee and establish policies and goals

 

Application Process:    Burke County paper applications can be obtained at the Human Resources office, located at 200 Avery Ave. Morganton, NC, Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm; online applications are available at: www.burkenc.org. Completed applications should provide a complete work history, including a detailed and thorough list of job duties. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

 

Burke County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.