Planner & Zoning Specialist

ABOUT THE ROLE The City of Covington, Georgia is seeking a proactive Planner & Zoning Specialist to join our Planning Department. In this role you will shape the future of our community by guiding land use decisions, ensuring compliance with zoning ordinances, and fostering sustainable growth. You will collaborate with city officials, developers, and residents to balance economic development with quality of life, while maintaining the integrity of our master plan and zoning codes. Your expertise will help Covington remain a vibrant, livable city that meets the needs of its diverse population. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Conduct comprehensive land‑use analyses and prepare zoning maps, impact studies, and development proposals for review by the Planning Commission and City Council. - Review and evaluate building permits, variances, and special use applications, ensuring adherence to zoning regulations and environmental standards. - Facilitate public meetings, workshops, and hearings to gather community input, explain zoning decisions, and promote transparency in the planning process. - Maintain and update the Geographic Information System (GIS) database, ensuring accurate, up‑to‑date spatial data for all planning initiatives. - Draft and revise ordinances, zoning regulations, and policy documents, working closely with legal counsel and other city departments. - Provide expert guidance to developers, property owners, and residents on land‑use issues, zoning compliance, and best practices for sustainable development. WHAT YOU'LL NEED - Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, or a related field; a Master’s degree or professional planner certification (AICP, PPL) is highly desirable. - Minimum of five years of experience in municipal planning, zoning enforcement, or land‑use analysis, preferably within a city or county setting. - Proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and Microsoft Office Suite, with strong analytical and data‑management skills. - Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply zoning ordinances, land‑use regulations, and environmental statutes. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of preparing clear reports, presentations, and public‑facing documents. - Strong interpersonal skills, capable of building consensus among diverse stakeholders and navigating complex regulatory environments. WHY REMOTE The City of Covington embraces a distributed, asynchronous work culture that empowers employees to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments. Remote work allows planners to access GIS and data tools from anywhere, fostering flexibility while maintaining rigorous collaboration through virtual meetings, shared cloud platforms, and real‑time project dashboards. Our remote framework supports a healthy work‑life balance, reduces commuting time, and broadens the talent pool beyond the immediate geographic area. BENEFITS The City of Covington offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a competitive retirement plan; paid time off, holidays, and sick leave; a remote work stipend; and a dedicated learning budget for professional development. Employees also enjoy access to wellness programs, employee assistance services, and a supportive community that values growth, innovation, and public service.