Planner I or II; Community Development

Position Overview

The City of Cedar Rapids is hiring a Planner I or Planner II to join our Community Development team. This role focuses on supporting the development of an effective regional, multimodal transportation system, enhancing connectivity, and providing choices for all transportation users. In this position you will contribute to long‑range planning, GIS‑based analysis, and community development initiatives that shape the future of Cedar Rapids.

• Coordinate the development and implementation of long‑range planning activities.
• Develop and maintain GIS‑based projects for data analysis related to long‑range planning, annexations, and infrastructure investment.
• Research best practices and innovative strategies related to long‑range planning and other planning principles, projects, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Prepare reports, open‑house display materials, and documentation related to planning projects.
• Provide information and respond to internal requests and questions from the public, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Analyze and prepare recommendations for ordinance and policy amendments for consideration.
• Participate in the administration of the Neighborhood Services Program, including work plans, budgets, and other related activities.
• Research best practices and innovative strategies for increasing quality of life and social offerings for workforce retention and attraction.
• Perform related work as required.

Planner I

• Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, architecture, public administration, or related field, and up to 1 year of related experience.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g., one year of relevant work experience may substitute for one year of education).
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population.

Planner II

• Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, architecture, public administration, or related field, and 3 to 5 years of experience.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population.

The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided. To request an accommodation, contact the City’s Human Resources department by phone at 319‑286‑5000 or by email at hr@cedar‑rapids.org.

• Multiple health insurance plans with low employee premiums, deductibles, and co‑insurance (consult our benefits summaries).
• Expansive Wellness Program and low‑cost onsite exercise facilities.
• Dental insurance with Delta Dental of Iowa.
• 100% city‑paid basic life insurance.
• Other voluntary benefits, including vision, long‑term disability, and supplemental life insurance.
• IPERS Retirement with city contributions.
• Deferred Compensation (IRS Section 457) retirement program.
• Generous paid time off and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Paid parental leave program with 4 weeks of paid time off.
• Annual salary increases and across‑the‑board increases (budget dependent).
• Longevity pay for years of service.
• Educational assistance up to $3,000 per year.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.