Senior Planner

Senior Planner

A cost-of-living increase of 3.8% has been approved for 2027. We are seeking an experienced Senior Planner to assist in complex long-range planning efforts, including comprehensive plan updates, land-use policy development, and the creation of zoning regulations that shape the community's future growth and development. Reporting to the Planning Manager, administers and performs complex community development work programs, plans, studies, and planning processes.

Work requires considerable independence in selecting courses of action and resolving complex or unique issues within established department policies, procedures, and codes. Work is performed under limited direction and reviewed in coordination with the Planning Manager to ensure effective plan development and compliance with division goals, policies, and regulations as determined by the Director of Community Development.

Positions in the Senior Planner classification are distinguished from other planner classifications by the greater degree of responsibility for supervisory, technical, administrative, and public policy functions within the department's work program. The position requires advanced communication, collaboration, and customer service skills to support coworkers, elected officials, customers, and community members in manner that represents the interests of the Department and City.

The following duties are intended to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.

Long-Range Planning & Policy Development.

• Assists in preparation, amendment, and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, subarea plans, development regulations, functional plans, and other long-range planning initiatives.
• Prepares professional staff reports, recommendations, and supporting analyses for review and decision by the Planning Commission, City Council, and Hearing Examiner.
• Formulates planning programs by analyzing background information, developing plan concepts and goals, organizing public participation, coordinating with other departments and local, state, regional, and federal agencies, and preparing substantive and defensible information to support planning decisions.
• Identifies and evaluates proposed and amended legislation, regulations, policies, and ordinances affecting community development; recommends changes as appropriate; and drafts and presents proposed ordinances and policy amendments to the Planning Manager, Director, Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Designs, prepares, and delivers presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, Hearing Examiner, Design Review Board, community groups, elected officials, regional committees, and other public or private organizations.
• Provides technical and administrative support to boards, commissions, and committees and may serve as staff planner for assigned bodies.

Advanced Current Planning & Development Review.

• Reviews complex land use applications and site plans, conducts field inspections, and evaluates projects for compliance with applicable local and state regulations, plans, and policies. Provides technical guidance to other planners and oversees application review from pre-submittal through hearings and final action, including the collection and analysis of supporting information.
• Prepares professional staff reports, recommendations, and supporting analyses for review and decision by the Planning Commission, City Council, and Hearing Examiner.
• Advises community leaders, elected officials, boards, commissions, and the public on planning policies, procedures, the Comprehensive Plan and its components, development regulations, capital programs, and other community development matters.
• Coordinates planning and development review with other City departments, agencies, consultants, applicants, and community stakeholders to facilitate effective project review and implementation.
• Reviews planning studies, technical reports, and other materials prepared by staff, consultants, applicants, and partner agencies for consistency with City goals, policies, plans, and regulations.
• Assists in developing work assignments, reviewing written materials, and establishing policies and procedures to support efficient and effective division operations.

Grant Administration & Program Management.

• Performs professional grant administration functions including researching funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, and presenting funding proposals to federal, state, and other external funding agencies.
• Administers grant-funded programs and projects, including coordinating grant activities, monitoring implementation progress, ensuring compliance with grant agreements and regulatory requirements, maintaining program documentation, and preparing required financial and performance reports.
• Serves as lead project manager on assigned grant-funded initiatives and provides guidance and technical direction to less…