Overview
Planning Director #51042
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' meetings 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 statute; 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.
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.
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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' meetings 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 statute; 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.
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.
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