Planning Services Manager

Salary: $86,662.86 - $138,660.58 Annually
Location : 200 N. Center Street Goldsboro
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number:
Department: Development Services
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 10/05/2026
Closing Date: 10/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE

Hiring range is negotiable between $86,662 - $112,661
The purpose of this position is to manage, organize, and direct the Planning Services Division, which operates as a division of the Development Services Department. Reporting directly to the Development Services Director, this position oversees a comprehensive scope of division functions, including Current & Long-Range Planning, Zoning, Environmental Code Enforcement, Historic Preservation, Metropolitan Planning Organization(MPO)/Transportation, and the Brownfields Program. This job works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies, and reports major activities to the Development Services Director and executive-level administrators through conferences and reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns, and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors the status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Develops a broad-based vision with strategic goals for the division; creates, develops, and administers policies and procedures to meet goals; prepares and reviews comprehensive planning elements relating to a broad spectrum of social, economic, physical, and community facility concerns including land use, infrastructure, zoning, historic preservation, and environmental impact.Develops and implements long-range planning initiatives.
• Recommends and oversees amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance.
• Provides board and committee oversight, serving as the technical advisor, primary liaison, and/or supervisor of staff who liaison for the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Technical Review Committee (TRC), Transportation Advisory Committee, and the Technical Coordinating Committee (MPO).
• Serves as a technical advisor to the Development Services Director, City Manager, and City Council regarding planning, permitting, zoning, and land use matters; frequently prepares reports, makes presentations, and researches projects.
• Assists professional staff with the review of complex plans and projects to ensure compliance with regulations; monitors ordinances to ensure needed revisions are completed in a timely manner. Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals, significant rezoning applications, and environmental studies.
• Oversees the work of subordinates related to final plats, special use permits, sign permits, annexations, zoning compliance letters, and modifications to previously approved site plans.
• Supports staff responsible for coordinating and performing work activities involved with the metropolitan planning organization (MPO); develops current and long-range transportation plans, including the annual work program; prepares, submits, and monitors the fiscal year planning work program budget for the MPO study area.
• Directs and administers the City's Brownfields Program and Environmental Code Enforcement efforts, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines. Assists in management of the City's flood insurance program.
• Responds to complaints and inquiries about planning, zoning, environmental code, historic preservation, and permitting issues; investigates and follows up as needed and troubleshoots issues to facilitate discussion and resolution.
• Participates in meetings and public hearings to explain recommendations on planning proposals; answers citizen and developer questions regarding planning and related issues and conducts public participation activities.
• Coordinates planning activities with affected federal, state, municipal, regional, and private agencies; develops and writes grants as applicable; serves on a variety of area committees and task forces to represent the City and have input into issues.
• Develops and administers the division budget; reviews and approves purchases.
• Provides research and input into the development of ordinances, policies, and procedures for the City and the division; advises the Development Services Director and City Manager's Office on related issues. Evaluates operations and activities of assigned responsibilities, recommending improvements and modifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITITES

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of current and long-range planning, land use, zoning, community development, transportation planning, historic preservation, environmental planning, and related development services.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures governing planning, zoning, development, environmental protection, floodplain management, transportation, historic preservation, and land use.
• Knowledge of comprehensive planning, Unified Development Ordinances, development regulations, site plan and subdivision review, rezoning, annexation, special use permits, and other development processes.
• Knowledge of Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) programs, transportation planning requirements, Brownfields programs, environmental code enforcement, flood insurance programs, and applicable grant and funding requirements.
• Knowledge of public sector administration, including strategic planning, program development, budget preparation and administration, purchasing, grant management, personnel management, and performance management.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the activities of a comprehensive Planning Services Division; establish priorities; allocate resources; assign and monitor work; and ensure effective and timely delivery of services.
• Ability to analyze complex planning, zoning, development, transportation, environmental, and land use issues; conduct research; interpret technical information and regulations; and develop sound recommendations.
• Ability to provide professional and technical advice and communicate complex information effectively to the Development Services Director, City Manager, City Council, boards, commissions, staff, developers, governmental agencies, and the public.
• Ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary projects, facilitate public meetings and hearings, resolve conflicts and complaints, and establish effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making; prepare clear written reports and presentations; manage multiple priorities and sensitive issues; evaluate programs and operations; and recommend improvements consistent with City policies and organizational goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in City and Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Urban Design, Construction Management or related discipline.
• Five to Seven years of public sector planning or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
• Possession of American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is highly preferred, or the ability to obtain within 2 years.
• Certified Floodplain Manager is highly preferred, or the ability to obtain within 2 years.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None.

STANDARD CLAUSES
May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

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 injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained
Benefits Summary

The following is a summary of the City of Goldsboro benefits:

Vacation Leave: Employees earn vacation leave as follows:

Years of Service Days per Year
0 - 4 years 12
5 - 9 years 15
10 - 14 years 18
15 - 19 years 21
20 + years 23

A maximum of 30 vacation days may be carried over from one calendar year to the next. Any excess of 30 vacation days on December 31 of each year may be transferred to employees sick leave balance, provided that they have taken five (5) days of vacation in the calendar year.
Holidays: City paid holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2 days) and Christmas (3 days).

When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the previous Friday shall be observed. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed. In order to receive a paid holiday, an employee must be on paid status before and after the holiday.

Sick Leave: Sick leave is accrued at one day per month or 12 days per year.

Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program is available to all full-time employees and covered dependents on the employee's health insurance plan. Part-time employees who work 30 hours or more per week on a continuous year-round basis are also eligible for EAP services. Employees and dependents each receive three free visits per year. Services include, but are not limited to, financial counseling, depression, mental illness, and end of life/terminal illness.

Medical and Dental Insurance: The City of Goldsboro is fully-insured, and provides medical, dental, and vision insurance through the State Health Plan (SHP), MetLife, and Community Eye Care respectively. Medical, dental, and vision coverage is available to all full-time employees. Part-time employees who are scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week on a continuous year-round basis may, if they so desire, purchase available group health through the City for themselves and qualified dependents. The coverage for medical is the first day of the month following the date of employment and dental is effective on the first day of employment, vision insurance is effective the first day of the month following the effective date of employment. Medical insurance is provided to full-time employees at a minimal cost and pro-rated for part-time employees. The types of coverage available are individual (Employees only), Employee/Child, Employee/Spouse, and family. Dental and vision insurance is available at cost to the employee and/or his/her dependents. Premiums are paid through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis.

Life Insurance: All regular employees are provided a basic term life insurance coverage policy in the amount of $20,000.00 at no cost.

Wellness Assistance Benefit
The City of Goldsboro offers a wellness assistance benefit of $25/month to employees. This can be used to offset the cost of dental insurance or gym membership. Employees must meet eligibility requirements for the State Health Plan and show proof of membership (if gym membership is selected).

Flexible Spending Account
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) provide you with an important tax advantage that can help you pay for health care and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis. By estimating your family's health care and dependent care costs for the next year, you can lower your taxable income and save money. The City of Goldsboro offers a FSA through Health Equity. The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is available to all full-time employees who are scheduled to work 40 hours per week. The FSA is effective the first day of the month following the date of employment. These are some of the expenses FSAs can be used for: medical and dental services, chiropractic services, orthodontia, and the child or adult dependent care.

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