Town of Bluffton
Salary:
$27.47 - $35.71 Hourly Location :
Town Hall - Bluffton, SC Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
202500082 Department:
Growth Management Division:
Planning Opening Date:
07/24/2025
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. Job Summary
The Planner position within the Growth Management Department Planning & Community Development Division provides a range of planning and community development services in a dynamic and growing community setting. This position requires the incumbent to possess a planning background and skill in administering, coordinating and conducting development and other technical reviews as part of the Town's land use regulatory programs. Essential Job Functions
Performs sign, site feature, and tree permit reviews. Performs development plan review and planned unit development review. Performs subdivision review. Conducts data collection, research, and analysis for planning reports and studies as assigned. Assists with processing and the review of applications for annexation. Assists with the review and update of the Town's Comprehensive Plan, including amendments. Assists in the review and monitoring of programs, projects and applications to ensure compliance with various codes, plans, contracts, policies and procedures, and rules and regulations. Interprets local, state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines as they relate to assigned responsibilities and stays abreast of various legislative changes. Assists with streamlining department procedures and processes to facilitate efficiency. Work requires assistance to and, when applicable, coordination with various Town departments, local governments and agencies, Town Council, Planning Commission, Development Review Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, Historic Preservation Review Committee, Developer Representatives, Consultants and the General Public. Provides assistance and information to various Town departments, local governments and agencies, Town Council, Planning Commission, Development Review Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, Historic Preservation Review Committee, Developer Representatives, Consultants and the General Public regarding a wide range of planning functions, and other related areas. Performs emergency and disaster-related duties as assigned. May be required to attend meetings and training sessions can include evenings and weekends. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications
Education and Experience: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Political Science, Economic Development or a related field. For candidates with a Bachelor's degree, a minimum of one (1) year of planning/community development experience is required; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Positions in specific program areas may require program-related experience, education, and/or training.
Licenses or Certifications: Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of South Carolina or Georgia, depending on state of residency.
Special Requirements: None.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of development review processes. Knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of urban planning. Knowledge of federal, state and municipal legislation impacting municipal government planning efforts. Knowledge of research techniques and sources of information, current literature and recent developments regarding urban planning and development review. Knowledge and experience with Geographic Information Systems; experience with Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of customer service principles and best practices. Knowledge of job-related software such as Adobe software, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, and other similar products. Skill in providing customer service. Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the elected and appointed officials, senior staff, other Town departments, Town employees, and the general public. Ability to utilize the Internet and email. Ability and knowledge to research and produce planning reports. Ability to write clearly; to organize and analyze information and perform planning research. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with General Public, Developers, Owners, Supervisors, Employees, Architects, Engineers, Town Council and Board Members. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to select, evaluate, analyze, and interpret data from several sources. Ability to create clear, concise reports including statistical analysis and trending data. Ability to be tactful, discrete, and persuasive. Ability to collaborate with customers, staff, and the general public. Physical Demands & Work Environment
The work is light work. The employee is frequently required to apply 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee is occasionally required to exert up to 20 pounds of force to move objects. In addition, positions in this classification typically require, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, manual dexterity, mental acuity, repetitive motion, speaking, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, visual acuity to analyze data/work with color or depth perception/determine accuracy or observe facilities/operate motor vehicles or equipment/inspect defects or fabricate parts, and walking.
Duties are performed primarily in a moderately noisy business office with copy machines, phones, fax machines, calculators, and printers along with some light foot traffic. Work is sometime performed after hours such as at evening meetings.
The Town of Bluffton has the right to revise this job description at any time. This
description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.
The Town of Bluffton commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws. The Town's policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, ethnicity, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Health and Dental Insurance All regular full-time employees, employees who work 30 hours or more per week, and Town Council members are eligible to participate in the Town's health plan through the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA). If an employee elects to be covered, the cost for the coverage will be deducted from each paycheck. The Town covers the premiums for the employee portion of the State Health and the State Dental plans. The employee will be responsible for the cost of any additional dependent premiums selected. For more information regarding the health plans click Paid Time Off (PTO) All regular full-time employees, employees who work 30 hours or more per week, will start accruing PTO on the first day of employment. PTO is a cumulative bank of time for sick days, vacation time, and bereavement leave.
Full-time employees will accrue PTO according to the following schedule:
0-5 years of employment: 5.2 hours / pay period 6-9 years of employment: 6.8 hours / pay period Over 9 years of employment: 8.32 hours / pay period Holiday Pay The Town of Bluffton offers 13 paid holidays and 1 personal day (8.5 hours): New Years Day Martin Luther King Day Presidents' Day Good Friday Memorial Day Juneteenth Day Independence Day Labor Day Veteran's Day Thanksgiving Heritage Day (Friday after Thanksgiving) Christmas Eve Christmas Day Personal Day
Holiday Pay
The Town of Bluffton offers PTO to employees for absences related to the death of immediate family members and fellow employees or retirees of Town of Bluffton.
Paid Parental Leave
The Town of Bluffton will provide up to six weeks or two weeks of paid parental leave upon the occurrence of a qualifying event to employees who occupy a full-time position. Milestone Anniversary Bonus
Employee will receive a monetary bonus once they have reached a milestone anniversary (5,10,15,...).
Flexible Spending Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts are a tax-saving way to pay health care and dependent care expenses that you would typically pay out-of-pocket. Expenses such as deductibles, co payments, coinsurance, prescriptions, dental procedures and eyeglasses can quickly add up, and dependent care expenses can add up even more. The FSA's let you pay these expenses with pretax dollars.
Contributions are deducted from your pretax pay in equal amounts during the year. This means you save money, as contributions are not subject to Social Security tax, federal income tax or state income tax.
Medical Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Spending Account enrollments are only valid for one year and be re-enrolled during the Annual Open Enrollment Period in order to continue. Your account(s) will not automatically renew each year. Pension Plans: South Carolina Retirement System or Police Officer Retirement System All regular full-time and part-time employees and Town Council are required by law to join the South Carolina Retirement Systems. Seasonal and temporary employees have the option to opt out of the memberships.
The Town offers two plans for employees, the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) and the Police Officer Retirement System (PORS). Each employee/participant is required to contribute a certain percentage of their gross salary to the Retirement System. The actual contribution amounts are subject to change per legislation but will be provided upon hire date. The employee contributions are deducted on a pre-tax basis. Employee contributions earn interest.
More information on these programs can be found in the Retirement Handbook on PEBA's Disability Eligible employees enrolled in the State Health Plan have basic long-term disability protection at no cost. The Basic Long-Term Disability Plan protects a part of your income if you become disabled. It includes: a 90-day benefit waiting period; a monthly benefit of 62.5 percent of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income; a maximum $800 monthly benefit; and a maximum benefit period to age 65 if you become disabled before age 62. If you become disabled at age 62 or older, the maximum benefit period is based on your age at the time of disability. Supplemental Long-Term Disability (SLTD) This optional disability insurance plan provides more protection for you and your family. Supplemental long-term disability is a voluntary benefit for which the employee pays. This benefit provides: Competitive group rates; Survivors benefits for eligible dependents; coverage for injury, physical disease, mental disorder or pregnancy; a return-to-work incentive; SLTD conversion insurance; a cost-of-living adjustment; and lifetime security benefit. There are two options either a 90-day or 180-day benefit waiting period that includes: a monthly benefit of 65 percent of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income; a maximum $8,000 monthly benefit; and a minimum $100 monthly benefit. For more details visit PEBA's Workers' Compensation Town employees are covered by workers' compensation for on-the-job injuries. Benefits are governed by state law and not set by the Town. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The EAP is a confidential counseling, assessment and referral program designed to help you manage your life. Just as health insurance is designed to address your physical well being, your EAP is designed to address your emotional and mental health, as well as manage your work/life issues to achieve a healthy balance. EAP also provides legal and financial consultation services, as well as the Work Life Benefit which provides assistance with elder care, childcare, adoption, education, and other work life matters. All calls made to the EAP are kept private and confidential. Colonial Life - Supplemental Insurance The Town of Bluffton also offers Supplemental Insurance coverage through Colonial Life to employees which includes: Cancer Insurance, Hospital Confinement Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Disability Insurance. Everyone's benefit needs are different so these are optional to each employee to select (if they choose) benefits that are right for their personal situation. Educational Assistance and Educational Bonus Policies The Town supports continuing education efforts made by Town employees through the reimbursement of tuition and training for certifications related to positions. Further, in our efforts to provide excellent levels of service to our citizens, the Town of Bluffton continuously strives to train and educate its employees and believes that the organization benefits from having a workforce that achieves certain academic attainment and certain specialized training and certifications. Wellness Programs The Town encourages employee wellness and encourages them to take advantage of some of the incentives available to them through Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA).
PEBA Perks provides a comprehensive range of activities, programs, services, and information designed to help State employees, retirees and their covered dependents enjoy a happier, healthier life. As a part of the employee insurance program, PEBA Perks focuses on disease prevention, early detection, disease management, and offers educational resources on diverse issues such as diabetes, tobacco cessation, weight management, stress management, and nutrition. Discretionary Awards It is the policy of the Town to provide employee recognition and incentive awards to an employee or team upon Supervisor recommendation. This program is intended to reward staff employees whose achievements have resulted in a particular benefit to the Town of Bluffton. Awards are in the Town's discretion, and no employee is entitled to an award.
$27.47 - $35.71 Hourly Location :
Town Hall - Bluffton, SC Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
202500082 Department:
Growth Management Division:
Planning Opening Date:
07/24/2025
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. Job Summary
The Planner position within the Growth Management Department Planning & Community Development Division provides a range of planning and community development services in a dynamic and growing community setting. This position requires the incumbent to possess a planning background and skill in administering, coordinating and conducting development and other technical reviews as part of the Town's land use regulatory programs. Essential Job Functions
Performs sign, site feature, and tree permit reviews. Performs development plan review and planned unit development review. Performs subdivision review. Conducts data collection, research, and analysis for planning reports and studies as assigned. Assists with processing and the review of applications for annexation. Assists with the review and update of the Town's Comprehensive Plan, including amendments. Assists in the review and monitoring of programs, projects and applications to ensure compliance with various codes, plans, contracts, policies and procedures, and rules and regulations. Interprets local, state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines as they relate to assigned responsibilities and stays abreast of various legislative changes. Assists with streamlining department procedures and processes to facilitate efficiency. Work requires assistance to and, when applicable, coordination with various Town departments, local governments and agencies, Town Council, Planning Commission, Development Review Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, Historic Preservation Review Committee, Developer Representatives, Consultants and the General Public. Provides assistance and information to various Town departments, local governments and agencies, Town Council, Planning Commission, Development Review Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, Historic Preservation Review Committee, Developer Representatives, Consultants and the General Public regarding a wide range of planning functions, and other related areas. Performs emergency and disaster-related duties as assigned. May be required to attend meetings and training sessions can include evenings and weekends. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications
Education and Experience: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Political Science, Economic Development or a related field. For candidates with a Bachelor's degree, a minimum of one (1) year of planning/community development experience is required; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Positions in specific program areas may require program-related experience, education, and/or training.
Licenses or Certifications: Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of South Carolina or Georgia, depending on state of residency.
Special Requirements: None.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of development review processes. Knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of urban planning. Knowledge of federal, state and municipal legislation impacting municipal government planning efforts. Knowledge of research techniques and sources of information, current literature and recent developments regarding urban planning and development review. Knowledge and experience with Geographic Information Systems; experience with Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of customer service principles and best practices. Knowledge of job-related software such as Adobe software, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, and other similar products. Skill in providing customer service. Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the elected and appointed officials, senior staff, other Town departments, Town employees, and the general public. Ability to utilize the Internet and email. Ability and knowledge to research and produce planning reports. Ability to write clearly; to organize and analyze information and perform planning research. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with General Public, Developers, Owners, Supervisors, Employees, Architects, Engineers, Town Council and Board Members. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to select, evaluate, analyze, and interpret data from several sources. Ability to create clear, concise reports including statistical analysis and trending data. Ability to be tactful, discrete, and persuasive. Ability to collaborate with customers, staff, and the general public. Physical Demands & Work Environment
The work is light work. The employee is frequently required to apply 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee is occasionally required to exert up to 20 pounds of force to move objects. In addition, positions in this classification typically require, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, manual dexterity, mental acuity, repetitive motion, speaking, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, visual acuity to analyze data/work with color or depth perception/determine accuracy or observe facilities/operate motor vehicles or equipment/inspect defects or fabricate parts, and walking.
Duties are performed primarily in a moderately noisy business office with copy machines, phones, fax machines, calculators, and printers along with some light foot traffic. Work is sometime performed after hours such as at evening meetings.
The Town of Bluffton has the right to revise this job description at any time. This
description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.
The Town of Bluffton commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws. The Town's policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, ethnicity, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Health and Dental Insurance All regular full-time employees, employees who work 30 hours or more per week, and Town Council members are eligible to participate in the Town's health plan through the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA). If an employee elects to be covered, the cost for the coverage will be deducted from each paycheck. The Town covers the premiums for the employee portion of the State Health and the State Dental plans. The employee will be responsible for the cost of any additional dependent premiums selected. For more information regarding the health plans click Paid Time Off (PTO) All regular full-time employees, employees who work 30 hours or more per week, will start accruing PTO on the first day of employment. PTO is a cumulative bank of time for sick days, vacation time, and bereavement leave.
Full-time employees will accrue PTO according to the following schedule:
0-5 years of employment: 5.2 hours / pay period 6-9 years of employment: 6.8 hours / pay period Over 9 years of employment: 8.32 hours / pay period Holiday Pay The Town of Bluffton offers 13 paid holidays and 1 personal day (8.5 hours): New Years Day Martin Luther King Day Presidents' Day Good Friday Memorial Day Juneteenth Day Independence Day Labor Day Veteran's Day Thanksgiving Heritage Day (Friday after Thanksgiving) Christmas Eve Christmas Day Personal Day
Holiday Pay
The Town of Bluffton offers PTO to employees for absences related to the death of immediate family members and fellow employees or retirees of Town of Bluffton.
Paid Parental Leave
The Town of Bluffton will provide up to six weeks or two weeks of paid parental leave upon the occurrence of a qualifying event to employees who occupy a full-time position. Milestone Anniversary Bonus
Employee will receive a monetary bonus once they have reached a milestone anniversary (5,10,15,...).
Flexible Spending Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts are a tax-saving way to pay health care and dependent care expenses that you would typically pay out-of-pocket. Expenses such as deductibles, co payments, coinsurance, prescriptions, dental procedures and eyeglasses can quickly add up, and dependent care expenses can add up even more. The FSA's let you pay these expenses with pretax dollars.
Contributions are deducted from your pretax pay in equal amounts during the year. This means you save money, as contributions are not subject to Social Security tax, federal income tax or state income tax.
Medical Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Spending Account enrollments are only valid for one year and be re-enrolled during the Annual Open Enrollment Period in order to continue. Your account(s) will not automatically renew each year. Pension Plans: South Carolina Retirement System or Police Officer Retirement System All regular full-time and part-time employees and Town Council are required by law to join the South Carolina Retirement Systems. Seasonal and temporary employees have the option to opt out of the memberships.
The Town offers two plans for employees, the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) and the Police Officer Retirement System (PORS). Each employee/participant is required to contribute a certain percentage of their gross salary to the Retirement System. The actual contribution amounts are subject to change per legislation but will be provided upon hire date. The employee contributions are deducted on a pre-tax basis. Employee contributions earn interest.
More information on these programs can be found in the Retirement Handbook on PEBA's Disability Eligible employees enrolled in the State Health Plan have basic long-term disability protection at no cost. The Basic Long-Term Disability Plan protects a part of your income if you become disabled. It includes: a 90-day benefit waiting period; a monthly benefit of 62.5 percent of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income; a maximum $800 monthly benefit; and a maximum benefit period to age 65 if you become disabled before age 62. If you become disabled at age 62 or older, the maximum benefit period is based on your age at the time of disability. Supplemental Long-Term Disability (SLTD) This optional disability insurance plan provides more protection for you and your family. Supplemental long-term disability is a voluntary benefit for which the employee pays. This benefit provides: Competitive group rates; Survivors benefits for eligible dependents; coverage for injury, physical disease, mental disorder or pregnancy; a return-to-work incentive; SLTD conversion insurance; a cost-of-living adjustment; and lifetime security benefit. There are two options either a 90-day or 180-day benefit waiting period that includes: a monthly benefit of 65 percent of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income; a maximum $8,000 monthly benefit; and a minimum $100 monthly benefit. For more details visit PEBA's Workers' Compensation Town employees are covered by workers' compensation for on-the-job injuries. Benefits are governed by state law and not set by the Town. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The EAP is a confidential counseling, assessment and referral program designed to help you manage your life. Just as health insurance is designed to address your physical well being, your EAP is designed to address your emotional and mental health, as well as manage your work/life issues to achieve a healthy balance. EAP also provides legal and financial consultation services, as well as the Work Life Benefit which provides assistance with elder care, childcare, adoption, education, and other work life matters. All calls made to the EAP are kept private and confidential. Colonial Life - Supplemental Insurance The Town of Bluffton also offers Supplemental Insurance coverage through Colonial Life to employees which includes: Cancer Insurance, Hospital Confinement Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Disability Insurance. Everyone's benefit needs are different so these are optional to each employee to select (if they choose) benefits that are right for their personal situation. Educational Assistance and Educational Bonus Policies The Town supports continuing education efforts made by Town employees through the reimbursement of tuition and training for certifications related to positions. Further, in our efforts to provide excellent levels of service to our citizens, the Town of Bluffton continuously strives to train and educate its employees and believes that the organization benefits from having a workforce that achieves certain academic attainment and certain specialized training and certifications. Wellness Programs The Town encourages employee wellness and encourages them to take advantage of some of the incentives available to them through Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA).
PEBA Perks provides a comprehensive range of activities, programs, services, and information designed to help State employees, retirees and their covered dependents enjoy a happier, healthier life. As a part of the employee insurance program, PEBA Perks focuses on disease prevention, early detection, disease management, and offers educational resources on diverse issues such as diabetes, tobacco cessation, weight management, stress management, and nutrition. Discretionary Awards It is the policy of the Town to provide employee recognition and incentive awards to an employee or team upon Supervisor recommendation. This program is intended to reward staff employees whose achievements have resulted in a particular benefit to the Town of Bluffton. Awards are in the Town's discretion, and no employee is entitled to an award.