Planner, Government, Environmental​/ Urban Planning

Performs professional work in the areas of urban planning, zoning administration, subdivision administration, and community development.

• Assists in the preparation of comprehensive plan elements, neighborhood specific plans, topical plans and studies, and special planning projects, such as housing needs assessments or transportation studies.
• Assists in research and surveys regarding demographics, economic conditions, land use trends, property values and ownership, housing conditions, infrastructure condition and capacity, and other subjects related to city planning. Will utilize department computer assets, including Geographic Information System technology, to do research and analysis.
• Assists in organizing and facilitating public meetings and workshops for the general public, special interest groups, and City boards, committees, and commissions as a part of the planning process.
• Prepares staff reports for, and participates in, public hearings regarding community development issues.
• Assists in drafting developmental policies and ordinances in furtherance of adopted plans.
• Reviews and analyzes development proposals, including environmental reviews and applications for land use actions and development permits. Comprehensive plan revisions, zoning code amendments, rezones, subdivisions, site-plan reviews, shoreline permits, and similar project activity may be assigned to the employee.
• Supervises and participates in the preparation and maintenance of planning base maps and zoning maps. Designs, organizes and illustrates the text of planning reports. Prepares graphic interpretations of planning principles and objectives.
• Prepares and presents staff reports and recommendations on land use actions and development applications. Records appropriate entries in the computerized property management system.
• Performs related work as required.

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with a major in city, urban, regional, or environmental planning from a degree program which is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). Applicants enrolled in the final (senior) year of a qualifying program may apply, but candidates must obtain their Bachelor’s degree prior to hire.
• Substitution: One year of professional planning experience along with possession of a closely related Bachelor's degree may also be qualifying.
• License:Applicants must possess a valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit a City of Spokane employment application online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

The examination will consist of a multiple-choice test, with weights assigned as follows:

• Multiple-Choice Test 100%

This is an online examination and will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided.Computer reservations can also be made through your local, public library.

Multiple-choice examination links with instructions will be emailed prior to 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the start date and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on the due date as listed below. Keep in mind that the test link will be emailed from City of Spokane ().

• Applicants who apply and meet the minimum qualifications between Monday, July 21, 2025, and Monday, August 4, 2025, will test Thursday, August 7, 2025, through Monday, August 11, 2025.

NOTE:
You may begin the exam at any time during the test period; however, once you begin, you will have 1 hour to complete the examination. You may take the exam only once
during the open recruitment period.

The examination may include such subjects as:

• Planning
• Zoning
• Subdivisions
• Statistics
• Mathematics
• Public Relations
• Professional Conduct/Ethics

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status. As a Fair Chance employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.