Planner I

City of Mes; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 54,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Mesa is seeking an entry-level Planner I to perform research, analysis, and reports in subdivision review, long-range planning, planning and zoning board cases, and zoning administration.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning or related field and six months to one year of planning experience; AICP certification and architectural/landscape registrations are desirable, with ArcView/ArcInfo and web development experience valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or related field.
• 6 months to 1 year of planning-related research and analysis experience.
• AICP certification and professional registrations are desirable.
• ArcView/ArcInfo experience and internet/web page development are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analyze data related to city planning and land-use controls.
• Prepare reports and present findings to boards and the public.
• Review submissions for compliance with the General Plan and city ordinances.
• Assist with annexations, subdivisions, and design reviews.

Skills

Research

Data analysis

Public administration

Presentations

Stakeholder comms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning/related field

AICP certification desirable

Tools

ArcView/ArcInfo

Web page development

Job description

The first review of all applications will be on Monday, August 31, 2026.

A Planner I performs specific entry-level, professional planning tasks involving research and analysis in the following areas: Subdivision Review, Long-Range Planning, Planning and Zoning Board Case Review, Zoning Administration, or Design Review. Tasks include: conducting research, analyzing data, evaluating findings, and identifying best practices as it relates to the General Plan and Mesa Zoning ordinance potential modifications, reviewing submissions against the General Plan and City ordinances, providing information and some explanation to developers, architects, and the general public about the City's ordinances (Zoning, Sign, Manufactured Home/Recreational Vehicle, and Subdivision), and development standards of various divisions and departments as well as policy direction from boards and Council; processing applications to the Planning and Zoning Board, Board of Adjustment, and the Design Review Board including writing reports and making oral presentations; processing annexation requests; reviewing and processing administrative review cases including preparing the approval letters; reviewing and processing subdivisions; and analyzing land-use patterns and demographic patterns. This class is responsible for performing related duties as required.

A Planner I is distinguished from a Planner II by the latter's work experience with the City and continuing capacity to perform at journey-level in at least two of the recognized functional areas. Employees in this class may progress by noncompetitive promotion to Planner II upon meeting the specific criteria-based promotion requirements. A Planner I is trained and supervised by a Planner II, Senior Planner, or Principal Planner through observation, discussion, and review of reports. The full-time position for this class is FLSA exempt-administrative; the part-time is FLSA nonexempt. The part-time, non-benefited position has been designated as a non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position.

Please refer to the links below for the full job descriptions and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.

Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Minimum Qualifications Required.

Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field. Some (6 months - 1 year) experience in conducting research and analyzing problems and issues related to City planning and land-use controls.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.

Certification and Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners and National and State Planning Associations are highly desirable. Registration as an Architect or Landscape Architect and ArcView/ArcInfo experience is highly desirable. Internet/web page development is also desirable.

https://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4353.pdf