Planner

Lane County; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lane County is seeking a thoughtful land use planner to support planning in unincorporated and rural communities within the Land Management Division. The Planner will review and process land use applications and appeals, interpret regulations, and provide clear guidance to property owners and applicants.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical planning skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service, with excellent communication and collaboration across county staff and community

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning or related field.
• One year of responsible professional planning experience.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training may qualify.
• Customer service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and process land use applications and appeals.
• Interpret applicable regulations.
• Provide clear, responsive guidance to property owners, applicants, and community members navigating County planning processes.

Skills

Effective communication

Planning skills

Public service orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

Job description

About this Position

Lane County’s Land Management Division is seeking a thoughtful, collaborative land use professional to join our Planning team and support planning in unincorporated and rural communities.

The Planner will review and process land use applications and appeals, interpret applicable regulations, and provide clear, responsive guidance to property owners, applicants, and community members navigating County planning processes. This role is ideal for someone who combines strong technical planning skills with sound judgment, effective communication, and a commitment to public service.

About the Land Management/Planning Division:

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.

Schedule:

Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm

This is an AFSCME represented position

Training:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning or a related field.

Experience:

• One year of responsible professional planning experience.

An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Special Requirements:

• OOne year of Customer Service experience preferred.

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.

Planner Classification Details

Selection Process

Equal Employment Opportunity

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, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Strategic Plan

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Veteran Preference Information