City Planner - Grade 23

The City Of Mandan North Dakota; Mandan (ND); On-site; USD 98,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Mandan, North Dakota is seeking a City Planner - Grade 23 to lead planning operations within the Engineering & Planning Department.

The role oversees zoning, land use amendments, and GIS analysis, coordinating with consultants and boards to advance the city's development goals.

Salary ranges from $98,227.56 to $122,784.45 per year, with a November 30, 2026 closing date or when filled. A bachelor's degree and 3–5 years of related experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Three to five years of related experience.
• Possession of or ability to obtain AICP certification.
• Possession of or ability to obtain Floodplain Manager certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and manages operations of the City Planning Department.
• Prepares amendments to the Mandan Code of Ordinances and Land Use/Transportation Plan.
• Serves as primary contact for development inquiries related to land use entitlements.
• Writes staff reports with comments and recommendations.
• Collaborates with consultants on plans and grants.
• Prepares and presents staff reports, resolutions, and ordinances.
• Manages GIS data for maps and analysis.
• Leads special projects like real estate sales and grant development.
• Represents the city in the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Skills

Land use planning

GIS software

Planning law

Computers & software

Interpersonal skills

Oral & written communication

Education

Bachelor degree in related field

AICP certification or eligibility

Floodplain Manager certification (preferred)

Tools

GIS software

Job description

The City of Mandan, North Dakota is currently accepting applications for the position of:

City Planner - Grade 23

Position Details

Salary: $98,227.56 to $122,784.45/year (Depending On Experience)

Status: Full-time/Exempt

Department: Engineering & Planning

Open Until Filled: The position will remain open until filled or November 30, 2026, whichever occurs first.

*Applications without a resume will be disqualified.

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs and oversees professional planning duties in support of the positive development of the City of Mandan.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Oversees and manages the operations of the City Planning Department to ensure efficiency and strategic alignment of the City’s goals.
• Prepares amendments to the Mandan Code of Ordinances and to the Land Use and Transportation Plan.
• Serves as primary contact for development inquiries related to land use entitlement processes such as rezoning, variances, land use amendments, subdivision plats, etc.
• Writes staff reports consolidating department and agency comments with recommendations.
• Works with consultants on plans, studies, grants, etc.
• Prepares and presents staff reports, resolutions, and ordinances to relevant commissions and boards.
• Manages geographic information system (GIS) data to prepare maps and conduct analysis.
• Facilitates other special projects such as real estate sales, grant development, etc.
• Represents the city as a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
• Develops and oversees department budget.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of land use and transportation planning principles.
• Knowledge of GIS software.
• Knowledge of legal principles as related to municipal planning.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in reviewing plans and specifications.
• Skill in development and update of land use and transportation plans.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over the Administrative Assistant and the Assistant City Planner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.
• Possession of or ability to obtain American Institute of Certified Planners certification.
• Possession of or ability to obtain Certified Floodplain Manger certification preferred.

NOTES:

• Pursuant to NDCC 37-19.1-02, veterans’ preference does not apply to this position.
• Applicants who may need additional job information or may require accommodation or assistance with the application or interview process should contact Human Resources.
• Applicants are subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• The City of Mandan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.