Senior Planner - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning

City of Flagstaff; Flagstaff (AZ); On-site; USD 77,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ASRS retirement match

Health, dental & vision

Paid holidays & leave

Tuition assistance

Employee clinic

Job summary

City of Flagstaff is seeking a Senior Planner to lead the design, development, and implementation of neighborhood plans shaping how the community evolves.

You will liaise with neighborhood associations, drive public outreach and craft plans reflecting Flagstaff's unique character, including heritage preservation and zoning code development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban planning, urban design, or related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in neighborhood planning.
• A valid driver’s license.
• May substitute education/experience year-for-year; driver's license cannot be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Liaises with neighborhood associations and Heritage Preservation Commission staff.
• Drives to neighborhood meetings and transports materials and equipment.
• Develops, implements, and maintains neighborhood plans and programs.
• Assists with heritage preservation activities and zoning code updates.
• Performs mid-range planning with GIS/data management and reviews development applications.
• Develops plans and design guidelines for neighborhoods and related areas.
• Leads public meetings and online public involvement to generate citizen engagement.
• Writes policies and codes, including zoning, and presents staff reports to City bodies.
• Leads meetings on neighborhood plans and design issues, and provides staff training.

Skills

Public outreach

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in planning/urban planning/urban design or related field

Master’s degree in planning/urban planning/urban design or related field

Tools

GIS

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Job description

The City of Flagstaff is seeking a Senior Planner to lead the design, development, and implementation of neighborhood plans that shape how our rapidly growing community evolves. In this role, you'll serve as the primary liaison to neighborhood associations, drive public outreach and community design initiatives, and craft plans and design guidelines that reflect the unique character of Flagstaff's neighborhoods. You'll also play a key role in heritage preservation, zoning code development, and creating maps and illustrations that bring neighborhood plans to life. If you're a creative problem-solver who wants to combine technical planning expertise with genuine community engagement, this is your opportunity to leave a lasting mark on Flagstaff's neighborhoods.

By applying to this position, you are opening yourself to the opportunity to work in a critical division program and make a significant impact on the community we serve.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Serves as Planning and Development Services liaison to neighborhood associations. May provide staff assistance to Heritage Preservation Commission.
• Drives to neighborhood meetings and transports required materials, supplies, and equipment to and from meeting locations.
• Serves both as a catalyst and as a leader in identifying neighborhood planning needs, and in developing, implementing, and maintaining plans and programs to meet those needs.
• May assist with heritage preservation activities for the City of Flagstaff, including updates to plans, programs, policies, and codes with various departments within the City and within the Planning and Development Services Section.
• Performs current and professional level mid-range planning functions associated with neighborhood plans and community design in a developing area including project management, GIS and data management, provides recommendations and comments for development applications, public education, and outreach.
• Develops plans and design guidelines for neighborhoods and other areas.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative, and problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to see the big picture, understand the council/community needs, and have an in-depth understanding of complex issues and the ramifications of the decisions they make.
• Participation in the development of neighborhood revitalization strategies.
• Initiates, designs, schedules, and conducts public meetings and online public involvement, and generates citizen involvement in community planning and community design issues.
• Actively participates in the research, development and writing of the City’s policies and Codes, including the Zoning Code.
• Prepares and presents oral and written staff reports to the City Council, various citizen Commissions, the City Manager, and Divisions.
• Leads and participates in agency, commission, staff, and community meetings relating to neighborhood plans and related design issues.
• Provides staff training on neighborhood plans and plan implementation.
• Works with the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Manager to ensure the compliance with the adopted Regional Plan.
• Reviews development applications throughout the City, including providing interpretations for neighborhood plan compliance for both internal and external clients.
• Assists the Zoning Code Manager with the creation of regulations regarding architectural guidelines and character district overlays including graphic illustration.
• Manages the creation of maps and illustrations for neighborhood plans.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• ​Bachelor’s Degree in planning, urban planning, urban design, or other related field that provides appropriate planning background.
• Three (3) years of experience in neighborhood planning.
• A valid driver's license.
• Any combination of relevant education and relevant experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Minimum requirements such as a driver's license may not be substituted and are required at time of hire.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Master’s degree in planning, urban planning, urban design, or other related field that provides appropriate planning background.
• Experience in cultural resource management and historic preservation planning.
• Basic skills related to the use of GIS planning and systems.
• Basic AutoCAD or Sketch Up usage skills.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess, or obtain upon employment, a valid Arizona driver’s license.
• Current American Institute of Certified Planners certification or ability to obtain certification/license within one year.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity.

CURRENT COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and positive work environment. We offer competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and the chance to work with a committed team making a difference in our community. Located in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff, AZ, you’ll enjoy a unique quality of life with outdoor recreation, stunning scenery and a welcoming community.

Our total compensation package includes best-in-class benefits and an annual salary of $76,585.60 - $114,899.20, based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Plus:

• Arizona State Retirement System with 100% Match
• Employees are members of Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) with a mandatory contribution rateof approximately 12%
• Deferred Compensation Options
• Up to 4% Annual Pay for Performance Increase
• Group Insurance including Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• Flexible & Health Savings Accounts
• 13 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Bereavement, Jury Duty
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance
• First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
• Qualified Public Student Loan Forgiveness Employer
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Clinic, Telehealth, Wellness Program & Incentives
• Tobacco Cessation Program
• Employer Assistance Program
• Recognition including Workiversary, Wonderful Outstanding Worker (WOW), On-the-Spot, 7k Award, and City Manager's Excellence Awards
• Employee Discounts: Mountain Line Bus Eco Pass, Aquaplex, and Recreation Centers

Please note that Compensation and Benefits are subject to change based on future policy change, budgetary impact, and Council changes.

The City of Flagstaff is looking for team members who are passionate about community, innovation, and quality of life. Come be a part of this cool community and see why the City of Flagstaff is a great place to work!