Entry Level Political Geography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department: Planning, Design & Development Department Salary: $60,612.00 - $87,129.74 Commensurate with Experience

Welcome to the City of Charlotte Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.

• Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce
• Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development
• Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services
• Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems
• Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions

The City of Charlotte’s Planning, Design & Development Department is seeking an entry-level Associate Planner to join the Land Development Division. This position supports subdivision land development review and regulatory processes while providing customer service to applicants, developers, and the public. Work involves a wide range of customer service activities, research, analyses, report writing, technical site plan review, and interagency / interdepartmental coordination. Ability to participate in a team environment and the performance of duties on schedule and with accuracy is a must. The Associate Planner will assist with reviewing subdivision plats, including exempt, minor, and major subdivisions, for compliance with applicable subdivision regulations, zoning requirements, and the Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), adopted in 2023. The position also provides customer assistance at the Development Center, as well as by phone and email. This position works collaboratively within a team environment, applies planning and regulatory standards to development projects, communicates effectively with customers and stakeholders, and completes assigned reviews and duties within established timeframes.

• Review of Subdivision Plats and the coordination of review comments for compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
• Collect, interpret, and analyze planning related data and information
• Assist in preparing comments on development and planning related proposals
• Prepare information for the public on land use regulations and other public planning policies and standards
• Coordinate meeting logistics

• Knowledge of planning and development principles/practices and their applicability to the community
• Knowledge of Subdivision regulations, Zoning, and other planning and regulatory related services
• Ability to work collaboratively with departmental, interdepartmental and other teams on planning projects
• Effective communication and customer service skills
• Skilled in working on multiple projects and fulfilling multiple responsibilities simultaneously
• Ability to perform effectively and efficiently with supervision

• AICP, CZO, or other certifications desirable
• At least two years or more of relevant planning and zoning experience

• Four-Year degree in Planning, Architecture, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Science or related degree

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check. Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports. Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

When you join the City of Charlotte, you become part of Team Charlotte — a dedicated group of professionals working together to make a meaningful impact on our community and its future. The City of Charlotte has more than 8,000 employees working across 19 departments to serve close to 1 million residents. From public safety and clean water to transportation, housing and an international airport, our teams deliver essential services to keep Charlotte connected, safe and empowered with opportunity for all. As public servants, we are guided by a clear mission: to be committed to exceptional service every day. No matter the department or role, every team member plays a part in helping our city grow, thrive and meet the needs of those who rely on us. We are a values-driven organization, working collaboratively, acting with integrity and delivering reliable results. We embrace a forward-thinking mindset, encouraging curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement.

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.

Looking for an internship? Explore opportunities on our Internship Career Site and take the first step toward your career with the City of Charlotte.