Planning Technician

City of Hillsboro; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Paid time off

PERS retirement contributions

Bilingual pay incentives

Wellness reimbursements

Volunteer time off

Job summary

City of Hillsboro seeks a Planning Technician to provide customer-focused planning support, assisting with zoning and land use information, address management, and data systems. The role includes processing permit applications, maintaining records, and supporting planners in reports and plans.

Ideal candidates will work across permitting teams, gain knowledge through cross-functional projects, and contribute to a fast-paced municipal environment with opportunities for training and growth.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree and six months of database management software and municipal planning related experience, or equivalent.
• Experience with zoning and land use information is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical planning support: coordinate information flow and land use applications; log data; track deadlines; prepare correspondence.
• Review and maintain maps, addressing and land use data systems; assist staff with questions and data enhancements.
• Respond to customer inquiries on zoning and address management; provide verification documentation.
• Review over-the-counter permit applications and route for review; log and process requests.
• Update activity reports, manuals, maps, and website content; support planners with reports.

Skills

Customer service

Technical assistance

Zoning knowledge

Land use data systems

Office administration

Data entry

Education

Associate’s degree in computer applications, GIS, urban and land use planning, or related field

Tools

GIS software

Database management software

Job description

The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform entry level and routine planning technician work. Responsibilities include providing customer service and technical assistance regarding zoning and City planning information; administering address and land use data systems; conducting initial plans reviews for commercial, industrial, and residential development; conducting property records research; processing minor planning applications; preparing reports and memorandums; performing routine office tasks and database maintenance; and providing support for Planners in the preparation of reports and plans.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

We're looking for someone who is passionate about helping community members access and navigate essential services while continually seeking opportunities to improve the customer experience. The City of Hillsboro's Economic & Community Development Department is seeking a detail-oriented, collaborative communicator to join our team as a Planning Technician and help deliver exceptional public service.

In this role, you'll work across multiple permitting teams to ensure land use applications are submitted, routed, and processed efficiently from start to finish. You'll also have opportunities to expand your knowledge through cross-functional projects, professional development, and ongoing training.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, adaptable professional who enjoys learning, thrives in a fast-paced municipal environment, and is eager to make a meaningful contribution to a growing community.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides technical planning support activities including: coordinating the flow of information and land use applications received by the Planning department; logging applications and related data; tracking application deadlines; preparing correspondence; routing notices and maps.
• Reviews, maintains, updates and queries automated data systems related to mapping, addressing and land use; assists staff with system related questions and provides support. Analyzes, recommends and implements data management enhancements.
• Responds to customer inquiries related to zoning and land use development; researches records and provides information on zoning regulations; provides zoning verification documentation. Serves as primary contact in providing information and assistance related to address management.
• Reviews over-the-counter permit applications against approval criteria; logs applications; processes permit requests or refers to Planner for additional review.
• Updates and maintains activity reports, procedure manuals, land use applications, files, databases, brochures, maps, agendas, department website content, and website documents.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

For full job classification details please click here

Current/Upcoming Projects

• Ongoing permitting for South Hillsboro;

Acceptable Experience and Training

Associate’s degree in computer applications, geographic information systems, urban and land use planning, or related field and six months of database management software and municipal planning related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licensing/Certifications

Valid Driver’s License

Additional Information

Anticipated Recruitment Timeline*

• Application Opens: July 27, 2026
• Application Closes: August 16, 2026
• First Round Interviews: Estimated week of September 7, 2026
• Second Round Interviews: Estimated week of September 28, 2026

Timeline subject to change based on operational needs.

Why Work for the City of Hillsboro?

At the City of Hillsboro, we value innovation, inclusion, and collaboration. Our culture encourages professional growth and supports employees who are passionate about making a difference in their community. You'll find meaningful work, great people, and opportunities to grow your career in public service. We're committed to supporting employees with a comprehensive package of benefits and resources designed to promote health, well-being, and growth.

When you join our team, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off for vacation, personal, sick leave, and holidays
• Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to boost your future savings
• City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Extra perks like bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements
• Free TriMet annual Hop Pass and SHARC and Hidden Creek Community Center recreation access for you and your immediate family
• Paid time off to volunteer in the community through Hillsboro Helps
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive workplace that values work/life balance and employee wellness

To learn more about our robust benefits package, please visit our Benefits Page.

Employees who can demonstrate the ability to speak Spanish, ASL, or any other language spoken by over 10% of the City residents as documented by the most recent U.S. Census will receive a monthly 3% premium pay. The incentive is paid only on hours in paid status. Proficiency will be determined by a City-administered test.

Commitment to Equity

At the City of Hillsboro, we believe that hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.

The closing date for this position is 11:59 p.m., Sunday, August 16, 2026