Planner, Senior

Lane County; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lane County seeks an experienced planning professional to join the team as a Senior Planner. This role leads on complex land use projects, shapes rural communities, and coordinates with boards, committees, and the public to ensure legally defensible planning outcomes.

The ideal candidate balances policy, development, and public service, navigating Oregon land use requirements and county codes to deliver thoughtful recommendations and staff reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in regional or urban planning or related field.
• Three years of increasingly responsible planning experience, including one year in a lead role.
• Experience interpreting land use regulations and applying state and local planning codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex land use planning projects and provide expert interpretation of regulations.
• Review and approve land use applications and determine regulatory compliance.
• Prepare staff reports, findings, and recommendations for decision-makers.
• Represent the County before advisory committees, public hearings, and community groups.

Skills

Urban planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in regional or urban planning

Job description

About this Position

Lane County is seeking an experienced planning professional to join our team as a Senior Planner. This position serves as a lead resource on complex land use planning projects and plays a key role in shaping the future of our rural communities. The Senior Planner manages multiple high-profile planning initiatives, conducts advanced research and analysis, prepares findings and recommendations, and provides expert interpretation of land use regulations.

Lane County is a position that works at the intersection of policy, development, and public service, applying the Lane County Rural Comprehensive Plan, Land Code, and Oregon’s statewide land use planning requirements to real-world projects and community needs. Responsibilities include reviewing and approving land use applications, determining regulatory compliance, preparing staff reports and findings, presenting recommendations to decision-makers, and representing the County before advisory committees, public hearings, and community groups.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem-solver who can navigate complex regulations, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and balance competing interests while advancing thoughtful, legally defensible planning outcomes.

About this 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 regional or urban planning or a related field.

Experience

• Three years of increasingly responsible experience in city, county or regional planning, including one year of lead responsibility.

Special Desired Experience

• Knowledge and experience working with Oregon Land Conservation and Development Goals & Rules is preferred.
• Knowledge and Experience processing Comprehensive Plan Amendments is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

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.

Planner - Senior 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