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Planner I 

Date Posted: 07/08/2025
Department: Planning
Compensation: $44,820 
Hours: Full Time
Deadline: Open until filled

Job Overview 

This position involves moderately professional-level work focused on comprehensive planning
tasks, particularly the administration and enforcement of county land use ordinances. The
Planner I will play a critical role in supporting community development efforts, ensuring
compliance with local regulations, and enhancing public engagement through planning and code
enforcement activities. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Deputy County
Manager for Community Development.

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​Duties & Responsibilities

  • Provide assistance to citizens with planning and code enforcement inquiries.​

  • Review and issue land use and development permits.

  • Administer and manage floodplain permitting.

  • Review and process subdivision plats in compliance with local ordinances.

  • Attend Planning Board and Board of Adjustment meetings.

  • Serve as Secretary to the Historic Preservation Commission.

  • Attend Foothills Rural Planning Organization (RPO) meetings.

  • Conduct site visits, which may involve steep and uneven terrain.

  • Collaborate with other county departments on planning-related initiatives.

  • Support trail development and related outdoor recreation projects.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy County Manager for Community Development.

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Qualifications 

  • Thorough knowledge of rural planning principles and practices.

  • General understanding of North Carolina land use laws.

  • Proficient in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and relevant planning software.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to maintain regular attendance, including availability for occasional evenings and weekends.

  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.​​ 

 

Education & Experience â€‹

  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Geography, Urban or Regional Planning, or
    a related field required.

  • Previous local government experience is preferred.

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Benefits 

  • Benefited after 30 days

  • Medical, dental, and life insurance

  • Sick, vacation, and holiday pay

  • Membership in the Local Government Retirement System

  • Supplemental retirement 401k/457

How to Apply

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENING AND BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED

 

APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN CREDIT ONLY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. No additional information will be solicited by McDowell County; therefore, persons who submit incomplete applications may not receive full credit for their education, training and experience.

 

McDowell County is an equal opportunity employer.  It is the policy of the County to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, political affiliation or national origin. The County will interactively work with disabled applicants and employees to identify reasonable accommodations that will allow the individual to perform essential job functions. 

 

McDowell County participates in E-Verify.

 

Applications are available:

 www.mcdowellhrportal.org- under “Job Opportunities”

 

  • McDowell County Administration Building:         

                25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752

                                                                   

Applications can be submitted:

               25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752

  • Mail:

                McDowell County Human Resources

              25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752

  • Email: 

                employment@mcdowellgov.com

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