PLANNER I

City of Surprise; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Surprise invites applications for a Planner I to join the Community Development Department. This entry‑level position ensures new development meets City standards and helps shape a high-quality community by interpreting codes and guiding proposals.

The role involves evaluating land development requests, presenting to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and drafting ordinances or resolutions. Collaboration with staff and stakeholders is key in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of one year of professional urban/land use planning experience.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate land development requests for compliance with city standards and guidelines.
• Review proposals and ensure consistency with the General Plan and zoning codes.
• Draft ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents as needed.
• Present projects to the Planning and Zoning Commission and other boards or commissions.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or directly related field

Job description

The City of Surprise Community Development Department is seeking a motivated, collaborative, and service-oriented planning professional to join our team as a Planner I!

In this role, you’ll work alongside experienced planning professionals and collaborate with City departments, residents, property and business owners, developers, and design professionals to help shape high-quality development throughout our growing community. You’ll have the opportunity to review and advance development proposals, solve planning challenges, provide exceptional customer service, and present projects to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The ideal candidate is an effective communicator and writer who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, can successfully manage multiple priorities, and approaches their work with professionalism, initiative, and a solutions-focused mindset.

If you’re ready to grow your planning career, contribute to the future of a dynamic community, and take on meaningful and rewarding work, we invite you to join the City of Surprise!

SUMMARY

The Planner I position performs specific entry-level activity ensuring new development meets City standards and guidelines in order to create and maintain a high quality and well-built community by interpreting and communicating code, laws and regulations to ensure compliance with applicable standards. Some of the responsibilities of a Planner I include evaluating land development requests for general plan amendments, rezoning, use permits, variances, design review, appeals, annexations, preliminary plats, as well as the drafting of legal documents such as ordinances and resolutions. Additionally, the Planner I will make presentations at community meetings to facilitate decision making by Council, Boards, Commissions and related groups.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or directly related field and a minimum of one year of professional level urban/land use planning experience; or, an equivalent combination of professional experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed in the job description. Additional education cannot be substituted for experience.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process to include a panel interview.

Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include:

• Criminal Background Screening
• Education & Experience Verification
• E-Verify
• Fingerprinting

The City of Surprise is an EEO/ADA reasonable accommodation employer.