Planning & Zoning Deputy Director

Under the leadership and direction of the Planning and Zoning Director, this position typically performs supervisory, managerial, and training support over Planning and Zoning personnel; oversees the administration, delegation, and coordination of technical work; develops and implements strategies to maximize departmental efficiency and improve process; conducts a variety of professional and technical duties related to current land use development, zoning compliance and enforcement, and long-range planning initiatives; and deals courteously and effectively with fellow employees, applicants, the public at large, and other stakeholder audiences.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

• Under the direction and leadership of the Director, provides leadership, direction, and management to staff in the day-to-day operations of the Department. 
• Assists the Director in departmental management by preparing for and facilitating internal meetings, managing the coordinated departmental plans review process, overseeing and conducting training initiatives for staff, assisting with annual budget preparations, and developing programs to improve operational efficiency. 
• Exercises independent judgement and maintains a comprehensive point of view in the technical review of applications for zoning permits, subdivision and other plat submittals, single-site development and subdivision plans, rezoning, waiver, special exception, and variance, and other submittal types as assigned to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.  
• Coordinate with outside agencies and various county departments in development, zoning, long-range planning, and other matters, and develop creative solutions, policy strategies, and recommendations to address complicated development situations, community needs, and/or growth objectives.  
• Assists in the administration, implementation, and preparation of materials related to periodic updates of the Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan, Zoning and Development Standards Ordinance, Land Development and Subdivision Regulations Ordinance, policy guidances, SOPs, and other technical memoranda. 
• Assists with preparations for, routinely attends, and facilitates when necessary, regularly scheduled Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), and County Council meetings/hearings.
• Provides exemplary customer service to all stakeholder audiences by effectively communicating zoning and land use information/requirements.  
• Evaluates, prepares, and assists in the peer review of staff reports for zoning reclassification applications and other technical reports/studies. 
• Represents the Planning and Zoning Department in pre-submittal, technical review, stakeholder, scheduled public, and other meetings.
• Inspects site and subdivision improvements for compliance prior to Certificate of Occupancy, plat/plan approval, or other applicable authorization, as applicable. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in Planning, Urban Studies, or closely related field required;
• Five (5) years of related planning experience with at least three (3) years of experience in team and/or project management or equivalent combination of education and/or experience;
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification required;
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for South Carolina with safe driving record;

• Departmental testing may be administered during interview;  
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not on file.

• Familiarity with BlueBeam Revu or similar program.
• Experience using ArcMap and related applications.
• Experience in daily planning, including plans review and the development entitlements process.    
• Skill in excellent communication, both oral and written. 
• Skill in using mainframe systems and advanced personal computers including Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of Word and Excel.
• Ability to use small office equipment, computers and highly technical computer applications.
• Skill in planning and supervisory tasks.
• Ability to coordinate and maintain an effective working relationship with other departments, agencies and the public. 
• Ability to multi-task, work independently, and exercise sound judgement. 
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in performing duties and protect operations by retaining the confidentiality of protected information.
• Ability to use computers and highly technical computer applications.

This position requires the employee to sit and use hands to handle or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use mental acuity; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The work is regularly performed in-office in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs. Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week.  Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the ability to work flexible hours when necessary. Must be able to attend evening Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission and/or County Council meetings when requested. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during special events or emergency situations.