Planner I or II; Community Development

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying.

Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family‑friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city.

Provides professional services and assistance for a range of planning, urban design, economic development and related Department services and activities.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

• Coordinates the development and implementation of long‑range planning activities.
• Develops and maintains 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 activities and other planning principles, projects, and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Prepares reports, open house display materials and documentation related to planning projects.
• Provides information and responds to internal requests and questions from the public, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Analyzes and prepares recommendations for ordinance and policy amendments for consideration.
• Participates in the administration of the Neighborhood Services Program, including work plans and budgets, and other related activities.
• Researches best practices and innovative strategies for increasing quality of life and social offerings for the purposes of workforce retention and attraction.
• Performs related work as required.

• Coordinates the development and implementation of long‑range planning activities.
• Develops and maintains 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 activities and other planning principles, projects, and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Prepares reports, open house display materials, and documentation related to planning projects.
• Provides information and responds to internal requests and questions from the public, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Analyzes and prepares recommendations for ordinance and policy amendments for consideration.
• Participates in the administration of programs and initiatives, including:
  • Financial management;
  • Marketing, promotion, and education; and
  • Performance monitoring and evaluation.
• Researches best practices and innovative strategies for increasing quality of life and social offerings for the purposes of workforce retention and attraction.
• Performs related work as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, architecture, public administration, or related field, and up to 1 year of related experience in planning, urban design, or public administration.

• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience (i.e., 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, architecture, public administration, or related field, and 3 to 5 years of experience in planning, urban design, or public administration.

• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience (i.e., 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.