Senior Planner

Clearfield-City; Clearfield (UT); On-site; USD 86,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Clearfield-City is seeking a seasoned planner to manage the city's planning and zoning functions, develop comprehensive long-range plans, and coordinate development projects. The position leads staff, prepares staff reports, and serves as liaison to the Planning Commission and City Council.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field; seven years of experience; a valid Utah driver’s license. AICP certification is preferred.

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience performing above or related duties.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, public administration, business administration, or related field.
• Must possess a valid Utah State Driver’s License and meet the requirements of the city’s Motor Vehicle Policy.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification preferred.
• Experience with municipal planning practices and intergovernmental coordination preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of comprehensive current and long-range planning documents and resources.
• Prepare and set Planning Commission meeting agendas and serve as liaison to Planning Commission.
• Prepare staff reports and recommendations; present planning matters to Planning Commission and City Council.
• Coordinate growth management, land use, and related plans with other departments.
• Manage division budgets and ensure compliance with budget constraints.
• Represent the city with regional organizations and monitor state and federal legislation.

Skills

Urban planning

Public administration

Policy analysis

Stakeholder relations

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning/public administration/business administration

Job description

The typical hiring range for this position is $85,592.00 to $94,151.20 per year, depending on experience.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs professional planning functions for the orderly development, redevelopment, and growth of the city. Performs a variety of first-line professional and technical duties as needed to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the daily operations of planning and zoning for the city. Leads the development and implementation of comprehensive current and long-range planning documents and resources.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general guidance and direction of the Community Development Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides general supervision for Planning Staff and/or Planning Consultants.

Oversee and manage the division decision-making processes; develop, implement, evaluate, and revise division policies, practices, priorities, methods, and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of planning functions; serve as administrative advisor and liaison to city council, and planning commission; receives directives, implements options and strategies; coordinates personnel and resources as needed to accomplish projects and programs. The senior planner position is expected to function independently to manage and carry out assignments. Makes administrative planning decisions within delegated authority and refers significant policy matters, disputed code interpretations, and legal questions to the Community Development Director or Deputy City Attorney, as appropriate.

Prepares and sets Planning Commission meeting agendas and serves as the primary staff liaison to the Planning Commission. Prepares staff reports and recommendations; presents planning matters to the Planning Commission and City Council; responds to technical questions and participates in public meetings and hearings to solicit public response and apprise the public of policy and project options. Assists the City Recorder in preparation of meeting agendas as required.

Leads long-range planning activities, including the preparation, implementation, and update of the General Plan, land use regulations, code amendments, and design standards. Conducts research, coordinates public engagement, and drafts proposed updates in consultation with the Community Development Director and Deputy City Attorney. Coordinates with other departments on growth management, land use, economic development, utility, housing, transportation, facilities, solid waste, or other plans and codes to meet the city’s needs and any inter-governmental agreements or requirements.

Prepares and submits division budgets; monitors fiscal activity to assure conformity with established budgetconstraints.

Maintains ongoing comprehensive planning processes and procedures; identifies alternatives for converting policy ideas into action plans affecting city development, expansion, transportation, and related public programs.

Directs or conducts studies; prepares a variety of reports related to project progress; reviews and updates ordinances affecting zoning, signage, land use, development and redevelopment, business licenses, and related departmental areas; coordinates projects with other departments or governmental agencies; conducts public meetings to determine public policy preferences and establish policies and goals; reviews and amends city general plan and moderate income housing plan based upon established goals and policies.

Manages and coordinates landscaping bonds and establishes performance bonds between developers and all applicable city departments while complying with state laws regarding bonding.

Represents the city with regional organizations and agencies such as Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Utah Transit Authority (UTA), etc.; monitors State and Federal legislation and analyzes local impacts of potential legislation. Identifies sources for alternative funding related to special projects; applies for grants, implements administrative processes as needed to comply with grant conditions; monitors grant compliance to ensure effective working relationships with funding agencies.

Conducts field inspections of developments as needed to further verify compliance with approved plans and landscape bonding requirements; collaborates with the code enforcement division for enforcement activities as needed.

Meets with public, developers, entrepreneurs, and contractors to discuss planning, zoning, and development issues; interprets city ordinances within assigned authority; and manages development applications through the review process, including site plans, conditional use permits, and rezoning applications. Coordinates review comments from engineering and other city departments; analyzes applications for compliance with applicable plans and regulations; prepares written findings and recommendations; presents applications to the appropriate decision‑making body; and tracks conditions of approval.

Must be able to attend evening meetings and, as necessary some weekend events.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, public administration, business administration, or related field,

AND

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience performing above or related duties;

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid Utah State Driver’s License and meet the requirements of the city’s Motor Vehicle Policy.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification preferred.

Experience with a variety of municipal planning practices, development processes, and intergovernmental coordination is preferred.

Essential Functions, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of local government structure and operations, including principles and practices of comprehensive urban planning, economics, sociology and community organization as applied to urban planning; relationships between various factors affecting urban planning policy, such as economic, political, sociological, legal, etc.; research and statistical analysis and the evaluation of research data; land use, zoning, federal, state, and local laws; business and technical writing; principles of management, and employee motivation; the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving; interpersonal communications, and public relations; general civil engineering principles and practices; legal environment associated with development projects, public works projects, construction, and maintenance.

Ability toanalyze complex planning, development, and zoning problems; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; develop effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, elected officials, and the public.

Work Environment:

This position is primarily performed in a typical office environment. The role involves a variety of routine physical activities, including walking, standing, sitting, stooping, and reaching. The position requires effective communication and the ability to receive and process information necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.

The role requires attention to detail, sound judgment, effective decision‑making, and creative problem-solving. Periodic travel may be required as part of the normal course of job duties.

Clearfield City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This is an Exempt Position.

* As of 07/2026