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Land Use Planner

💰 $65,000 - $115,000

Urban PlanningGovernmentEnvironmental ServicesReal Estate Development

🎯 Role Definition

A Land Use Planner is a key professional who guides the development and management of land within a jurisdiction. At the intersection of public policy, environmental science, and community development, you are the architect of a community's future. You'll work to balance the competing interests of growth, conservation, and quality of life by interpreting and applying land use regulations, engaging with stakeholders, and developing long-range visions. This role is crucial for ensuring that development is orderly, sustainable, and beneficial to the public, shaping everything from new residential neighborhoods and commercial centers to the preservation of natural resources and open spaces.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Planning Technician or Assistant Planner
  • GIS Analyst or Technician
  • Recent Graduate with a Master's or Bachelor's in Planning or a related field

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Principal Planner
  • Planning Manager or Community Development Director
  • Zoning Administrator

Lateral Moves:

  • Environmental Planner or Sustainability Coordinator
  • Transportation Planner
  • Economic Development Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Development Application Review: Critically evaluate a diverse and often complex range of development applications, including subdivisions, rezonings, conditional use permits, variances, and site plans, to ensure strict compliance with local zoning ordinances, comprehensive plans, and state statutes.
  • Staff Report Preparation: Author and present comprehensive, data-driven staff reports and professional recommendations to decision-making bodies such as the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and City Council/County Board.
  • Public & Stakeholder Interface: Act as a primary technical advisor and point of contact for the public, developers, engineers, architects, and attorneys, providing clear and accurate interpretation of land use regulations and development review procedures.
  • Long-Range Planning: Conduct in-depth research and analysis of demographic, economic, environmental, and land use data to support the creation, implementation, and amendment of long-range community plans, including master plans and strategic area plans.
  • Community & Public Engagement: Design and facilitate public outreach processes, including community workshops, open houses, and formal public hearings, to gather diverse public input and build consensus around planning initiatives and development proposals.
  • Site Analysis & Field Inspection: Perform on-site field investigations to evaluate existing conditions, assess the context of proposed developments, and verify post-construction compliance with approved plans and permit conditions.
  • Ordinance Interpretation & Application: Interpret and apply complex zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and other land development codes with a high degree of precision, ensuring consistent and equitable enforcement.
  • Interdepartmental Collaboration: Coordinate with various municipal departments—including Public Works, Engineering, Building Safety, and Environmental Services—to facilitate a cohesive, multi-disciplinary review of development projects.
  • GIS & Spatial Analysis: Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software for sophisticated spatial analysis, data management, and the creation of high-quality maps, exhibits, and visualizations to support reports and public presentations.
  • Ordinance Drafting & Policy Development: Research, draft, and present amendments to the zoning code, subdivision regulations, and other land use policies to address emerging community needs, align with best practices, and respond to legislative changes.
  • Project Management: Independently manage special planning projects and complex studies from initial scope development through to final adoption, overseeing timelines, consultant contracts, and budgets.
  • Environmental Review: Prepare or review environmental documentation (e.g., Environmental Impact Reports, assessments under CEQA/NEPA) to analyze and mitigate the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects.
  • Official Document Maintenance: Take responsibility for maintaining the accuracy and currency of the official Zoning Map, Comprehensive Plan, and other critical planning documents.
  • Expert Testimony: Provide expert testimony and technical support during administrative hearings, appeals, and potential legal proceedings related to land use decisions and regulatory interpretations.
  • Regional Coordination: Review and provide formal comments on development proposals and planning initiatives from adjacent jurisdictions and regional agencies to assess their potential cross-boundary impacts.
  • Data & Records Management: Develop and maintain organized, accurate records and tracking systems for development applications, permits, and other planning activities to ensure transparency and administrative efficiency.
  • Public Information Response: Respond professionally and in a timely manner to a high volume of public inquiries regarding planning and zoning matters received in person, over the phone, and via email.
  • Professional Development: Proactively stay informed about current trends, legislation, case law, and best practices in the fields of urban planning, community development, environmental law, and public administration.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentorship & Training: Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical support to junior planning staff, planning technicians, and student interns within the department.
  • Committee Participation: Represent the planning department on various internal and external committees, task forces, and working groups to provide planning expertise.
  • Grant Writing & Administration: Assist in identifying and applying for grants to fund special projects, long-range planning efforts, and community development initiatives.
  • Budgetary Support: Contribute to the development and administration of the departmental budget and annual work programs by providing project-based data and resource estimates.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Zoning & Land Use Law: Deep knowledge of the principles, practices, and legal framework of zoning, subdivision regulation, and land use planning.
  • GIS Software Proficiency: Advanced skill in using Esri ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, or similar GIS platforms for spatial analysis, cartography, and data management.
  • Site Plan & Design Review: Ability to read and interpret architectural blueprints, civil engineering plans, and landscape designs to assess compliance with development standards.
  • Technical Writing: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex technical information into clear, concise, and defensible staff reports, ordinances, and public notices.
  • Data Analysis: Competency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting demographic, economic, and environmental data to inform planning decisions.
  • Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, from conception to completion, while meeting deadlines and budget constraints.
  • Environmental Review Process: Familiarity with state and federal environmental review regulations and processes, such as NEPA or state-specific equivalents (e.g., CEQA, SEPA).

Soft Skills

  • Public Speaking & Presentation: The confidence and skill to clearly and persuasively present complex information to elected officials, citizen boards, and the general public.
  • Negotiation & Conflict Resolution: A talent for facilitating productive dialogue and mediating between parties with conflicting interests to find common ground and workable solutions.
  • Stakeholder Management: Adept at building and maintaining positive working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including community members, developers, and government officials.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: An analytical mindset capable of identifying the core issues within a complex problem and developing creative, practical, and legally sound solutions.
  • Customer Service Orientation: A strong commitment to providing excellent service and clear communication to all members of the public and development community.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • A Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • A Master's degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or a closely related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Urban & Regional Planning
  • Geography
  • Public Administration
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Environmental Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in municipal or county planning, private sector land use consulting, or a related field.

Preferred:

  • Professional certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is highly desirable and may be required for senior-level roles.
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