Planner - Current Planning- Community Development

Dona Ana County; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 57,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Dona Ana County is seeking a Planning and Development Review professional to support responsible growth and land use regulation. You will analyze data, review applications, and prepare planning documents to aid decision-making.

The role includes mapping and coordinating with county staff, developers, and the public, with an emphasis on community engagement and regulatory compliance. A related degree and planning experience are required or encouraged.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Two years of experience in public planning, zoning, or similar capacity.
• AICP certification desired or working toward certification.
• Must pass pre-employment background and driving record checks.

Responsibilities

• Plan and review development applications to ensure compliance with county standards and laws.
• Research properties and prepare studies, reports, and analyses for decision-making.
• Assist with mapping zoning boundaries and maintaining planning records.
• Provide technical guidance to officials, staff, developers, residents, and the public.
• Represent the department at meetings and engage with community stakeholders.

Skills

Land use planning

Regulatory interpretation

Data analysis

Public speaking

Written communication

Stakeholder collaboration

GIS concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in City and Regional Planning or related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

NOTICE TO APPLICANT

This position will close at 12:00AM MST on the End Date. You must ensure your application reflects the correct and current information for your work experience, hours worked per week per position, education, personal information, etc. Only the information provided on this application is evaluated when determining compensation. An assessment will be administered.

End Date

October 23, 2026

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY

Perform professional planning and development review functions to support responsible growth, land use regulation, and community development in accordance with County codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and applicable laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Planning and Development Review

• Gather, analyze, and review data to ensure compliance with County standards, regulations, and applicable requirements.
• Review and process applications, permits, site plans, subdivisions, property deeds, master plans, subarea plans, zoning requests, variances, and special use permits.
• Develop recommendations and summarize issues related to land use, development proposals, and planning applications.
• Assist applicants through the pre-application process and Development Review Committee submittals.

1. Research and Analysis

• Research properties and conduct field inspections to evaluate planning characteristics and identify development considerations.
• Prepare studies, reports, statistical analyses, and other planning documents to support decision-making processes.
• Research governing directives, regulations, and policies to answer questions and resolve routine planning issues.
• Recommend revisions to regulations, procedures, and planning documents based on research findings and analysis.

1. Land Use and Mapping

• Assist with mapping zoning boundaries and land use changes.
• Maintain zoning maps and related planning records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Evaluate land use patterns and development trends to support planning initiatives and regulatory compliance.

1. Technical Assistance and Customer Service

• Interpret and apply planning principles, County codes, state laws, regulations, and development review procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and assistance to County officials, staff, agencies, developers, residents, and the public.
• Assist customers at the public counter and respond to inquiries regarding planning processes, applications, permits, and departmental procedures.

1. Public Engagement and Administrative Support

• Conduct presentations and represent the department at organization meetings, community meetings, public hearings, governmental proceedings, and legal processes.
• Collaborate with elected officials, community organizations, public agencies, and private-sector stakeholders to support outreach and planning initiatives.
• Prepare agendas, meeting packets, correspondence, and related administrative materials.
• Follow and uphold all County and departmental policies, procedures, and professional standards.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES. Other duties as assigned. May be required to work outside of normal working hours; evenings, early mornings, and/or weekends to meet the needs of certain projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education. Bachelors degree from an accredited university in City and Regional Planning, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Government, Public Administration, or related field.
2. Experience. Two (2) years of experience in the area of public planning, zoning or similar capacity.
3. Education/Experience substitution. In accordance with County Policy.
4. Licenses/Certifications. Valid drivers license. Must maintain a valid drivers license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with County policy. Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or working towards professional certification desired.
5. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, drivers license record, etc.). Must pass pre-employment background check and driving record check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of:

• Principles of land use planning, state statutes and county codes and ordinances pertaining to zoning, land use and subdivisions.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and policies related to planning and development.
• Land use concepts, urban development, demographics, and related planning disciplines.
• Research methods, data analysis techniques, and report preparation.
• Statistical applications used in regional planning modeling.
• Transportation system analysis.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mapping applications, and other software used in planning and development review.

Skill in:

• Analyzing data, evaluating alternatives, and developing sound recommendations.
• Conducting research and preparing technical reports, correspondence, and presentations.
• Maintaining accurate records and managing planning-related information.
• Using computers and software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, GIS, and related systems.
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and technical information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, applicants, stakeholders, and the public.
• Manage multiple assignments, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Work independently while exercising sound judgment and recognizing when issues should be elevated to management.
• Coordinate activities with multiple departments, agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Compensation Range

$56,825.60 - $92,227.20

Salary/Compensation: $56,826 - $92,227 per year