Senior Planner

Job Title:

Senior Planner Department:
Community Development Pay Range: $35.98 to $48.57 based on qualifications/experienceFLSA Status:
Full-time and Non-Exempt Open Date: 08/19/26

Close Date:
Open Until Position is Filled - First review of applications 08/31/26

SUMMARY:

The Senior Planner manages land use applications and processes; assists the general public by providing accurate information on land use inquiries; serves as staff support for the Planning Commission; performs professional and technical work including drafting agendas, staff reports, and presentations for public meetings; works to gain compliance on code enforcement regulations; supports the Community Development Director with projects and programs as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of the Community Development Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs professional planning functions and provides the general public with accurate information regarding land use regulations, development processes, and zoning compliance; serves as front-counter staff.

Acts as staff planner to the Planning Commission and drafts public hearing notices, meeting agendas, staff reports, and related informational attachments such as maps, photographs, graphic materials, etc.; prepares and makes presentations at Planning Commission meetings. Attends and participates in other public meetings as required, which may include City Council, appeal hearings, workshops, etc. Prepares staff reports and makes presentations at public meetings relating to development applications, variances, appeals, and zoning amendments.

Receives and processes zoning applications (rezones, conditional use, text amendments, subdivision applications, appeals, annexations, etc.); determines application completeness.

Meets with residents, the general public, developers, architects, engineers, realtors, and City officials regarding land use development, sign code, general planning, zoning, and subdivision ordinance information. Assists with long-range planning efforts and the implementation of strategies in the General Plan, Small Area Plans, and other relevant documents. Assists in identifying funding sources and opportunities; assists in making grant applications; assists in implementing grants as awarded.

Participates in keeping accurate and detailed records as well as compiling and maintaining data and statistics relevant to the Community Development Department. Reviews building permit submittals for compliance with the land use code for site plans, elevation plans, including setbacks, height, landscaping, and architectural regulations, etc. Conducts and compiles research on relevant topics, issues, policies, and concepts pertaining to planning, zoning, and community development;

based on data, prepares proposals for amendments to processes, policies, and ordinances.

Receives and processes code compliance complaints, including investigation of the validity of the complaint; contacts property owners regarding violations and works to gain compliance; details and documents actions taken and compliance progress; follows up with complainants regarding progress.

Places and removes signs from properties that have a land use application under consideration.

Completes special projects and other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1.

Education and Experience:

A. Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, or similar planning-related field,AND

B. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience performing civic planning activities; OR

C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

D. A Master's Degree in Planning, Geography, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, or a similar planning-related field, or an AICP, is preferred.
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to follow written and oral instructions; ability to communicate diplomatically. Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with city staff, developers, contractors, appointed and elected officials, stakeholder groups and the general public. Working knowledge of development in all phases; working knowledge of planning and zoning ordinances and state statutes regarding development.

Ability to be detail-oriented.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of planning theory and applications. Knowledge of local government structure and operations.

Working knowledge of the nomenclature, symbols, and techniques of mapping and architectural plans. Ability to read and interpret plans, ordinances, and state statutes, and other regulatory documents. Ability to be proactive and self-motivated, prioritize effectively, and meet established deadlines; ability to independently handle multiple tasks. Ability to identify and solve problems.

Skilled in public relations and making public presentations.

Ability to understand, prepare, and present…