Senior Planner

City of The Dalles; The Dalles (OR); On-site; USD 85,215 - 104,804; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement contributions

Job summary

The City of The Dalles seeks a Senior Planner to lead complex planning and housing initiatives, including implementation of the Housing Production Strategy. The role manages long‑range planning, code updates, and serves as a technical resource to staff, consultants, and partners.

This position offers autonomy, a diverse project portfolio, and the opportunity to influence meaningful community outcomes. On-site work with up to 60% ad‑hoc remote work after two months, with occasional meetings in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, architecture, or related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible planning experience.
• Experience with current planning and long-range planning.
• Experience serving as staff to a public board or commission.
• Ability to manage timelines and coordinate with consultants.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex planning analyses and prepare clear staff reports and policy recommendations.
• Independently manage long-range planning, housing, and code amendment projects from initiation through adoption.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Historic Landmarks Commission and coordinate preservation reviews.
• Provide day‑to‑day technical guidance to planning staff and respond to complex planning questions.
• Present complex planning projects and policy recommendations to commissions, Hearings Officer, and City Council.

Skills

Public speaking

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Board liaison

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Senior Planner

City of The Dalles, Community Development Department

Compensation: $85,215.31 - $104,804.09 annually (Full‑time, FLSA Exempt, Non‑Represented)

Closing Date: August 4, 2026

*This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies*

About the Role

The Senior Planner plays a key role in shaping the future of The Dalles. The position leads complex planning and housing initiatives, including implementation of the City’s Housing Production Strategy; manages long‑range planning and code update projects; and serves as a technical resource to staff, consultants, and community partners. This position offers significant autonomy, a diverse portfolio of projects, and the opportunity to influence meaningful community outcomes.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• FSA and HRA‑VEBA
• Long‑term disability, AD&D, and Employee Assistance Program
• City‑paid retirement contributions (13.5% of base salary after one year of service)

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather, moderate noise levels, and tasks requiring standing, walking, bending, or reaching.
• May be required to work additional hours, including evenings and weekends, during periods of heavy workloads or to meet critical deadlines (such as during City Council, Historic Landmarks Commission, Planning Commission, and Hearings Officer meetings).
• Must be able to sit and work at a computer for extended periods, including viewing multiple screens.
• Must be able to travel between work sites as needed.

Work Location

On‑site, with the potential for up to 60% ad‑hoc remote work after two months of employment, based on operational needs and with manager pre‑approval. Remote work eligibility is subject to change based on operational needs.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental design, law, public administration, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including:
• Experience in both current planning (development review) and long‑range planning (legislative/policy work).
• Experience reviewing and analyzing complex land‑use applications, including zoning changes, subdivisions, conditional use permits, residential development proposals, and applying housing‑related land‑use regulations.
• Experience with legislative planning processes, including drafting, analyzing, updating, and interpreting development codes, land use policies, and housing implementation strategies.
• Experience serving as staff to a public board or commission, including meeting coordination and facilitation, or equivalent transferable experience performing similar functions.
• Demonstrated experience managing project timelines, coordinating with consultants, and delivering long‑range planning outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in planning, geography, or a related field.
• Experience with grant‑funded planning projects.
• Experience collaborating with City Council or similar elected bodies, including participation in public meetings or policy discussions.
• Experience administering or interpreting Oregon Statewide Planning Goals and Oregon land use law.
• Experience implementing Comprehensive Plan policies, Housing Production Strategy initiatives, or other long‑range planning projects.
• Experience with historic preservation planning, historic resource review, or staffing a historic preservation commission or similar public board.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Written and/or oral Spanish language proficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct complex planning analyses and prepare clear, well‑supported staff reports and policy recommendations.
• Independently manage long‑range planning, housing, and code amendment projects from initiation through adoption.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Historic Landmarks Commission and coordinate historic preservation reviews, policy initiatives, and related programs.
• Provide day‑to‑day technical guidance to planning staff and respond to complex planning questions.
• Serve as a lead for planning staff and perform delegated supervisory responsibilities as assigned.
• Interpret and apply complex planning regulations, development codes, and land use policies.
• Develop and recommend policy, code, and process improvements that advance City Council goals and department objectives.
• Coordinate agendas, staff reports, presentations, findings, and follow‑up actions for the Planning Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Hearings Officer, and other advisory bodies.
• Present complex planning projects and policy recommendations to the Planning Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Hearings Officer, City Council, and the public, while responding professionally to challenging questions.

Ideal Candidate

• Strong public speaking skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize work independently.
• Demonstrates confidence and subject‑matter expertise when responding to challenging planning questions in public or advisory board settings.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver’s license.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of hire.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

About The Dalles

• Join a welcoming community. Experience the warmth of a small‑town spirit where local events, farmers’ markets, and festivals bring people together and create lasting connections.
• Thrive in a growing economy. Be part of a diverse and stable economy fueled by agriculture, technology, healthcare, government, and tourism. Your career can grow here.
• Embrace the outdoors. With over 300 days of sunshine, enjoy easy access to the Columbia River Gorge for hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports – plus winter adventures are just an hour away at Mt. Hood.
• Balance work and life. Live surrounded by stunning riverfront parks, scenic trails, and a city that values thoughtful growth and a strong industrial and technology presence.
• Affordable and accessible. Benefit from affordable housing, quality schools, and healthcare – all just 80 miles from Portland, combining small‑town charm with metropolitan convenience.
• Be part of something bigger. Join close‑knit neighborhoods where community support is real and your contributions matter.

The City of The Dalles is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and Spanish‑speaking candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification documentation upon hire. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.