Planner I

City of Spokane; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Spokane seeks a professional planner to perform urban planning duties, zoning and subdivision administration, and community development tasks.

You will assist with comprehensive plans, neighborhood studies, and public meetings while preparing staff reports for hearings and ensuring regulatory compliance. Strong research, GIS, and collaboration with boards are essential for success.

Qualifications

• AICP certification completed or in process.
• Bachelor’s degree in planning from a PAB-accredited program; degree required before hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing comprehensive plan elements, neighborhood plans, and studies.
• Assist in research on demographics, land use trends, and housing conditions using GIS.
• Organize and facilitate public meetings and workshops with city boards and the public.
• Prepare staff reports and participate in public hearings on land use issues.
• Draft development policies and ordinances supporting adopted plans.
• Review development proposals, environmental reviews, and permit applications.

Skills

Research & analysis

Public speaking

GIS

Office software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in city/urban/regional/environmental planning (PAB-accredited)

Tools

GIS

MS Office

Job description

Performs professional work in the areas of urban planning, zoning administration, subdivision administration, and community development.

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Assists in the preparation of comprehensive plan elements, neighborhood specific plans, topical plans and studies, and special planning projects, such as housing needs assessments or transportation studies.
• Assists in research and surveys regarding demographics, economic conditions, land use trends, property values and ownership, housing conditions, infrastructure condition and capacity, and other subjects related to city planning. Will utilize department computer assets, including Geographic Information System technology, to do research and analysis.
• Assists in organizing and facilitating public meetings and workshops for the general public, special interest groups, and City boards, committees, and commissions as a part of the planning process.
• Prepares staff reports for, and participates in, public hearings regarding community development issues.
• Assists in drafting developmental policies and ordinances in furtherance of adopted plans.
• Reviews and analyzes development proposals, including environmental reviews and applications for land use actions and development permits. Comprehensive plan revisions, zoning code amendments, rezones, subdivisions, site-plan reviews, shoreline permits, and similar project activity may be assigned to the employee.
• Supervises and participates in the preparation and maintenance of planning base maps and zoning maps. Designs, organizes, and illustrates the text of planning reports.
• Prepares graphic interpretations of planning principles and objectives.
• Prepares and presents staff reports and recommendations on land use actions and development applications. Records appropriate entries in the computerized property management system.
• Performs related work as required.

Open-Entry Requirements:

• Certification Path:
  • Certifications: Successful completion of the AICP Certification Examination (American Institute of Certified Planners).
  • Licenses: A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is required.
• Education/Experience Path:
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university with a major in city, urban, regional, or environmental planning from a degree program which is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). Applicants enrolled in the final (senior) year of a qualifying program may apply, but candidates must obtain their bachelor’s degree prior to hire.
  • Experience: One year of professional urban/regional planning experience along with possession of a closely related or non-PAB accredited bachelor’s degree may also be qualifying.
  • Licenses: A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is required.

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of multiple-choice questions.

Possible subjects covered in the examination:

• Planning
• Zoning
• Subdivisions
• Statistics
• Mathematics
• Public Relations
• Professional Conduct/Ethics

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided.Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on October 14th, 2026. The testing window is October 15th, 2026 – October 19th, 2026.

Please note: The email will come from City of Spokane ([e-mail]).

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.