Senior Planner

Position Summary

Churchill County is recruiting a Senior Planner to run the County’s overall planning operations. This position serves as the subject‑matter expert on a wide range of planning topics. As a small office, the Senior Planner will engage in a diverse mix of planning work in both rural and urban settings, including land division, variances, rezoning, project review, zoning and master‑plan updates, and coordination with local, state, and federal officials on substantial projects.

The role includes presenting at Planning Commission, County Commissioner meetings, and other public forums.

Because of the diversity of work, the Senior Planner will encounter continual learning opportunities. The position demands a candidate with curiosity, initiative, and the ability to embrace new challenges. The department prides itself on friendliness and its willingness to help developers and residents navigate permitting.

The Senior Planner oversees planning operations with a team under the Public Works Director and works with department members to ensure all planning functions are completed.

Apply online rchillcounty.org/careers. Final date to receive applications:
February 22, 2026.

• Receives and processes applications for variances, rezoning, specific plan amendments, land division maps, annexations, use permits, and related zoning/planning items.
• Reviews construction and development plans for conformity to codes and regulations; processes routine and complex plans and applications, variances, and use permits.
• Understands, explains, and enforces County codes, applicable laws, regulations, and other policies to applicants and the public.
• Communicates with developers and conveys policies on development‑related matters.
• Updates water rights ownership database; provides information to the Truckee‑Carson Irrigation District for annual temporary water transfers to the State Nevada Engineer’s Office and to consultants for temporary water transfers for re‑vegetation and dust control.
• Monitors status of development applications from receipt through issuance of final permits.
• Provides work direction and instruction to technical or office support staff and assists less experienced professional staff.
• Conducts research studies and prepares reports and recommendations regarding planning and zoning issues.
• Reanalyzes and reviews plans for ordinance regulations; provides specific information to engineers, architects, contractors, developers, and property owners regarding codes, regulations, and procedures; assists in development of ordinances.
• Prepares a variety of written communications, including analytical reports and correspondence; directs the preparation of graphic materials.
• Develops and delivers oral and graphic presentations to boards, commissions, and community groups.
• Coordinates efforts of the County Planning Office with regional government agencies, community groups, State and federal agencies; attends public meetings and presents information on planning issues.
• Researches and understands laws, regulations, and pertinent information related to planning activities.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in planning or a closely related field plus five (5) years of professional planning experience, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information sources, and trends of planning and zoning.
• Statistical analysis and mathematical concepts related to the planning process.
• Terminology, symbols, methods, techniques, and instruments used in planning graphics and map drafting.
• Standard office practices and procedures.
• Computer applications related to the work, including GIS and mapping software.
• Record‑keeping principles and practices.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing with the public, in person and over the telephone.

• Researching, analyzing, and summarizing planning data.
• Interpret…