Planner

Posting Date
10/14/26

Application Deadline
10/21/26

Pay Range
$66,000 - $107,500 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type
Unclassified

Department
Planning and Development

About the Position

The Planner works directly on current and long-range planning projects, including project management of rezoning cases, special use permits, comprehensive planning cases, variances, administrative applications, and military compatibility permits. Under limited supervision, performs work of considerable difficulty in the field of professional, community planning and development. This position will act as a project manager for processing cases, coordinating between County agencies and external agencies on reviews/comments. This position includes research, plan review, conducting analysis, and recommendations in a staff report on project compliance with the comprehensive plan/area plans, zoning district standards, and regulations. The Planner will be responsible for presenting the evaluation and recommendation within the staff report to the Planning & Zoning Commission and/or the Board of Adjustment. This role will also be responsible for conducting specialized studies and projects. This position acts as a liaison to the public and development community for various planning and development applications and complex projects. Incumbents are responsible for assignments requiring technical knowledge, exercise of independent judgment, creative problem solving, and conflict mediation skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are critical to the job function.

About Us

Maricopa County is GROWING. At the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department, we want you to join us in making that growth possible! With our wide range of services, from land-use planning to building inspections and permit review, we have positions that allow professionals in the planning, construction, engineering, and trade fields to shape the future of the built environment.

Proud to Offer

- Work with a greater purpose
- Tuition reimbursement
- Exceptional work-life balance with a hybrid work schedule option
- Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
- Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
- Child care benefits, including access to the Maricopa County Kids Club (https://www.maricopa.gov/6007/Other-Benefits#:~:text=Even%20though%20MCKids%20Club%20isn,facilities%20starting%20November%201%2C%202023.), dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
- Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
- Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
- Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring an 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
- Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ (https://www.maricopa.gov/5954/Love-What-You-Do)

We Require

- Two years of planning-related work experience

- Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Urban Studies, Architecture, or a related field
- Postgraduate degrees or professional-level-related experience may substitute for education or experience on a year-for-year basis

We Also Value

- Experience with Air-photo interpretation
- AICP certification; GIS software
- Experience in the delivery of speeches, professional presentations, or training events
- Master's degree in Planning or a related field
- Knowledge of planning theory, principles, and practices of community long-range and current planning, environmental issues, construction methods, economics, etc.
- In-depth knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, and regulations
- Must possess strong organizational and time management skills, ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands
- Research and organizational skills; management of application case files
- Skill in reviewing and evaluating technical site plans
- Skill in establishing effective working relationships with others
- Skill in effective communication, including presentations, customer service, and public relations methods and practices
- Skill in operating a personal computer, utilizing a variety of software applications
- Demonstrated effective, clear, and concise communication skills, both written and verbal; public speaking and technical writing
- Demonstrated ability to make effective verbal and multi-media presentations at various types of public hearings and public meeting settings
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate and analyze development applications
- Demonstrated ability to use creative problem-solving to address and resolve difficult planning issues
- Ability to effectively utilize technology in relation to community planning and land development, such as interpretation of aerial photography, Geographic Information Systems, electronic filing and case tracking systems, etc.

Job Contributions

- Conduct research on land use, zoning, and other planning issues; compile data and generate a variety of reports
- Perform technical review of projects, ensuring plans are in compliance
- Act as project manager for development applications, including comprehensive plan amendments, zone changes, plans of development, preliminary and final plats, use permits, variances, and other related applications.
- Participate in the analysis, development, and documentation of project needs and costs
- Provide technical assistance to the public and applicants related to planning, zoning, and land development issues
- Coordinate with other departments and jurisdictions concerning land development matters
- Participate in public and agency meetings with state and regional planning groups to explain planning proposals, to gather feedback from those affected by projects, or to achieve consensus on project design
- Prepare and deliver planning presentations to neighborhood and community groups
- Confer with and advise architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and the public regarding County development policies and standards
- Other job duties as assigned

Working Conditions

- This position is eligible for hybrid flexibility after a brief training period
- Exerting up to 10 pounds occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time
- Position is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software, and Hardware

Geographic Information Systems, electronic filing and case tracking systems, etc.

Selection Procedure

- Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
- Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
- Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact [email protected] to initiate the interactive process.

Apply Now!