Planning Supervisor - Assistant Planning Director

About the Position

This is a rare opportunity to step into a key role shaping the future of our community.

The Planning Supervisor / Assistant Planning Director serves as a first-line supervisor and senior technical leader within the Planning program, bridging hands‑on planning expertise with people leadership and strategic coordination. In this role, you’ll guide and mentor professional planning staff, provide advanced technical direction, and help ensure that complex land‑use and transportation planning work is delivered accurately, consistently, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

Beyond daily supervision, this position plays a critical role in supporting the Planning Director, helping translate policy into practice, resolving complex planning issues, reviewing and preparing analytical and statistical reports, and contributing to continuous improvement in how planning services are delivered to the public. You’ll be trusted to exercise professional judgment, lead through complexity, and support both staff development and high‑quality outcomes for the community.

If you are an experienced planner who enjoys balancing technical depth, collaborative leadership, and public service, and you’re ready to take the next step into a role with real influence and visibility, we encourage you to apply.

The Lane County Planning Program is responsible for the administration of land use codes, including zoning and land division regulations. Planning staff are also responsible for the maintenance of the Lane County Rural Comprehensive Plan (RCP) and the formulation and amendment of land use regulations to implement the RCP. In addition to these responsibilities, staff complete projects at the direction of the Board of Commissioners and also coordinate regional planning efforts with local, State, and Federal agencies and organizations.

Planning Program staff strive to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations of Lane County residents by planning for places that provide a spectrum of economic, environmental and social benefits through a balanced land‑use management approach that is consistent with Oregon’s Statewide Planning System.

Lane County operates one of the premier land use programs in the state. Within Lane County there are 35 rural communities, 12 cities, a large regional metropolitan planning area, and millions of acres of farm and forest‑zoned lands. Lane County stretches from the Coast to the Cascades and it is the only jurisdiction in the State of Oregon where all 19 Statewide Planning Goals are implemented.

Strong development pressures and organized anti‑development interests make Lane County an exciting and dynamic place to practice planning.

Monday – Friday; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; some evenings as needed.

* This is a non‑represented position*

• Eight years of education and/or experience in land use or transportation planning, public policy and administration, or similar, including one year of experience in a supervisory, management, or leadership role; or a combination sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications.

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color,…