Senior Planner

Senior Planner

Shape the future of Flagstaff by leading transformative development projects, guiding responsible growth, and helping create a vibrant, sustainable community as our next Senior Planner with the City of Flagstaff! The Senior Planner serves as a project manager and primary point of contact for complex private development and design review projects, guiding applications from initial concept through final approval while ensuring compliance with the Flagstaff Zoning Code and City policies.

This role coordinates multidisciplinary review teams, prepares staff reports and recommendations, presents projects to boards, commissions, and City Council, and provides expert guidance to applicants, stakeholders, and the public. The position requires strong independent judgment, problem-solving, and customer service skills, as well as the ability to manage complex planning issues, mentor staff, and support the City's vision for responsible growth and development.

By applying to this position, you are opening yourself to the opportunity to work in a critical division program and make a significant impact on the community we serve, so apply today!

The Senior Planner will:

• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Serve as a single point of contact to manage project review and resource requirements.
• Coordinate Community Development staff resources and other division staff as required.
• Work to further the City's and division's goals and mission.
• Lead and manage a City staffed development team on the most complex cases including concept and site plan reviews, conditional use permits, re-zonings, land use amendments, subdivisions, major annexations, and development agreements.
• Answer questions regarding requirements of the Flagstaff Zoning Code, and the procedures for submitting development plans or proposals to the Development Review Staff, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and when necessary, to the Board of Adjustments or the City Council.
• Research and prepare staff background and recommendation reports for site plan reviews, conditional use permits, rezoning, Board of Adjustments, and other related matters, as assigned.
• Track and manage assigned projects from initial application or assignment to final occupancy.
• Perform project management utilizing applicable components of the Regional Land Use & Transportation Plan and Flagstaff Zoning Code.
• Assist in the preparation of studies and reports on case management procedures and for changes in the Flagstaff Zoning Code.
• Attend meetings of boards, commissions, and City Council meetings and present and explain Development Services division recommendations as needed.
• Provide information for field checks by the Code Compliance staff in the enforcement of the Flagstaff Zoning Code.
• Assist clients in proposed development and zoning problems.
• Assist in collecting and analyzing data for future planning, as assigned.
• Participate in discussions and meetings with the public.
• Resolve problems or issues with limited number of variables between the client and various staff involved with the development approval process.
• Provide work direction and assistance to the Code Compliance section, as assigned by the Current Planning Manager.
• Train/mentor professional and technical staff.
• Review site plans, subdivision plats, building permits, and grading and drainage plans, as assigned.
• Develop and maintain project records.
• Perform related duties as required.
• Serve as the Current Planning Manager in an acting capacity, as assigned.

The Senior Planner must have:

• Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, or related field.
• Three (3) years professional level planning experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Any combination of relevant education and relevant experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Minimum requirements such as driver's license and certifications may not be substituted and are required at time of hire.

Desired Experience and Training:

• Master's degree in planning, architecture, or related field.
• Experience specifically with zoning and subdivision codes, and project management.
• Experience specifically associated with design review processes related to building and site design.
• Certification as an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

The Senior Planner must:

• Possess, or obtain upon employment, a valid Arizona driver's license.
• Ensure regular attendance to ensure continuity.

Current Compensation and Benefits:

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and positive work environment. We offer competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and the chance to work with a committed team making a difference in our community. Located in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff, AZ, you'll enjoy a unique quality of life with outdoor recreation, stunning scenery, and a welcoming community.

Our total compensation package includes best-in-class benefits and an annual…