Planner Technician

EmergencyMD; Highland (UT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Highland City is seeking a Planner Technician in the Community Development/Planning division. This role bridges the city, developers, and residents, handling land use applications, code compliance, and community relations.

Responsibilities include development review, public liaison duties, long‑range planning, and cross‑department collaboration. A bachelor's in urban planning and 2–5 years of municipal planning experience are required; AICP is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field.
• 2 to 5 years of progressively responsible municipal planning experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• AICP Certification is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of Utah Land Use, Development, and Management Act.

Responsibilities

• Development & Application Review: Manage the intake, review, and coordination of land use applications for compliance with the Development Code.
• Public & Board Liaison: Prepare agendas and packets, facilitate public meetings including Planning Commission, Development Administration Board, and City Council updates.
• Long‑Range Planning: Research, draft, and recommend amendments to City ordinances and master plans; monitor State legislative updates.
• Code Compliance & Enforcement: Conduct field investigations and inspections to ensure compliance and work with property owners to achieve voluntary compliance.
• Cross‑Departmental Support: Collaborate with Public Works, Engineering, and public safety; assist with building permit intake and operational support.

Skills

Diplomacy

Conflict resolution

Cooperative problem‑solving

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning

Tools

Adobe Pro/BlueBeam Revu

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

Join Our Team: Planner Technician

Location: Highland, Utah

Department: Community Development

Division: Planning

Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Position Overview

Working under the general supervision of the City Attorney / Planning and Zoning Administrator, the Planner Technician performs a dynamic mix of professional, technical, and collaborative duties. This role is a vital bridge between the city, developers, and residents—handling everything from current land use applications and long‑range planning to proactive code compliance and community relations.

Key Responsibilities

• Development & Application Review: Act as a core member of the Community Development review team. Manage the intake, review, and coordination of land use applications (fences, subdivisions, site plans, conditional uses, and business licenses) for compliance with the Development Code.

• Public & Board Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact for the public, developers, and contractors. Prepare agendas and packets, and facilitate public meetings, including monthly evening Planning Commission meetings, Development Administration Board meetings, and City Council updates.

• Long‑Range Planning: Research, draft, and recommend amendments to City ordinances and master plans. Stay ahead of State legislative updates to ensure municipal codes remain compliant and modern.

• Code Compliance & Enforcement: Conduct field investigations and property inspections to ensure community standards are met (zoning, nuisances, business licenses). Work constructively and positively with property owners to achieve voluntary compliance.

• Cross‑Departmental Support: Collaborate closely with Public Works, Engineering, and public safety entities. Assist with building permit intake and operational support as needed.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field.

• 2 to 5 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning or related fields.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• AICP Certification is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of urban planning principles, local government operations, and the Utah Land Use, Development, and Management Act.

• Exceptional skills in diplomacy, conflict resolution, and cooperative problem‑solving.

• Proficiency with standard office software; experience with Adobe Pro/BlueBeam Revu and ArcGIS Pro is highly preferred.

• Ability to interpret complex statutes and communicate technical info clearly to diverse audiences.

Special Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.

• Must possess a valid state driver's license.

• Must successfully pass a drug screen and background check.

Highland is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants must pass a pre‑employment testing including but not limited to: background check (18 years of age and older), driving record review, drug screen, and human performance evaluation.