Senior Planner, Lead- Community Development

Dona Ana County; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 61,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Doa Ana County seeks a Senior Planner-Lead to perform advanced land use planning and provide leadership for the Current Planning Division. You will oversee staff, develop work programs, and guide policy analyses and public outreach.

AICP certification or path to it is expected, with a required four years of relevant experience. You will collaborate across departments to update the Unified Development Code, prepare reports and budgets, and ensure high-quality customer service to the public and

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible planning experience.
• Education/Experience substitution per county policy.
• Licenses/Certifications: Valid unrestricted driver’s license; AICP certification or within 2 years of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist with updates to the Unified Development Code and related planning documents.
• Prepare staff reports, presentations, and recommendations on complex issues.
• Assist with annual Community Development Work Program and budget planning.
• Collect, analyze, and report on data to support planning decisions.
• Organize public outreach and participation for county initiatives.
• Develop and review short- and long-range work plans and schedules.
• Provide project management support and contract administration.
• Lead and mentor staff within the Current Planning Division.
• Maintain open communication on progress and potential problems.

Skills

MS Office

Analytical skills

Written communication

ArcView GIS

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning

Master's degree in planning/related field

Tools

ArcView GIS

Job description

NOTICE TO APPLICANT

This position will close at 12:00AM MST on the End Date.

You must ensure your application reflects the correct and current information for your work experience, hours worked per week per position, education, personal information, etc.

Only the information provided on this application is evaluated when determining compensation.

An assessment will be administered

End Date: October 8, 2026

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Chief Planner Current Planning, the Senior Planner-Lead performs advanced professional and technical land use planning services as provided in state statute and in compliance with Doa Ana Countys ordinances, regulations, policies and work programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assists with the preparation, administration, implementation, updates and amendments to the Doa Ana County Unified Development Code;
• Oversees and assists with the preparation of Current Planning Staff reports, presentations and makes recommendations on complex technical issues, development proposals, and policy reports etc.;
• Assists with the annual preparation of the Community Development Work Program and makes division budget recommendations;
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes complex information and data and prepares reports;
• Organizes and facilitates public outreach/participation/education for the various county initiatives;
• Develops and reviews short- and long-range work plans, procedures, and schedules for the Current Planning Division;
• Assists with general project management, contract administration and the facilitation of the Foreign Trade Zone and Zone Schedule;
• Assists with the development and implementation of division work programs;
• Develops project work scopes, schedules, and budgets;
• Assists and supports Chief Planner by serving as a team leader for the Current Planning Division with oversight of Planners, , Planning Assistant, and/or Codes Officer positions;
• Provides day-to-day guidance, leadership, mentoring, motivation, training and development of Current Planning staff;
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential problems and suggestions for resolution;
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions determined by supervisor and Department Director; and
• Provides high level of customer service to public and other staff and agencies, in person, over the phone, and via email.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES. Other duties and special projects may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education. Bachelors degree from an accredited university in community or regional planning, public administration, landscape architecture, architecture, or related field required. Masters degree from an accredited university in community or regional planning, public administration, landscape architecture, or related field is desired.
2. Experience. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the area of land use, comprehensive, community or regional planning or similar capacity.
3. Education/Experience substitution. In accordance with county policy
4. Licenses/Certifications. Have a valid unrestricted drivers license. Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or obtain certification within two (2) years from date of hire.
5. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, drivers license record, etc.). Must pass background and maintain a good driving record.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of County land use, zoning and development regulations, planning concepts and principles, principles of land use planning, comprehensive planning principles, practices and techniques, comprehensive plan elements and comprehensive regional and local land jurisdiction, the planning process from vision through implementation, guidelines for decision makers, intergovernmental concepts including Sustainable Development, Smart Growth, New Urbanism, and neighborhoods as community building blocks.

Skills: Intellectual curiosity about the planning profession and ability to improve skill set and experiences on a daily basis; exemplary planning skills and techniques; ability to clearly and concisely communicate through writing, speaking and digital media; Demonstrated expertise in: MS Office. Additional capabilities such as GIS (Arc View) are a plus. Possess a high level of analytical skills to find solutions to complex professional, technical, and administrative problems.

Abilities:Work with culturally diverse population; communicate effectively; train employees; establish and maintain effective working relationships; work independently, and use considerable judgment in various situations and to take appropriate action while recognizing when it is necessary to refer to management. Work is performed with considerable latitude for independent judgment and action within the scope of work and agency programs and policies. Ability to coordinate and collaborate with other disciplines; must be able to work with others as part of a team. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships. Possess ability to manage and work on multiple projects, priorities and meet deadlines. Must possess versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work with constantly changing priorities. Organize and prioritize multiple tasks. Ability to work on complex projects with general direction and minimal guidance. Ability to coordinate activities between multiple departments, disciplines, federal and state programs, and agencies. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, consultants, government representatives and all those doing business with Doa Ana County. Ability to adapt to a variety of situations and people at all levels. Must carry a positive attitude and outlook. Ability and willingness to work outside of normal working hours; evenings, early mornings, and/or weekends may be required to meet the needs of certain projects.

Compensation Range

$60,902.40 - $99,340.80

Salary/Compensation: $60,902 - $99,341 per year