Planner

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Planner

Salary

$68,975.47 - $103,463.21 Annually

Location

Avondale, AZ

Job Type

Full Time

Department

Development Services

Opening Date

06/17/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Exempt

Job Description

Hiring Range: $68,975.47 - $103,463.21

Salary ranges are the entire compensation range for the position classification and reflect the anticipated FY2026 grade range.

The hiring range is an estimate of the compensation amount for the selected candidate. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, and /or training.



The first review of applications will be on Monday, July 7, 2025.


Performs a variety of duties and assists with current and long-range planning activities including subdivision review, site plan review, building plan review, zoning permit, and application processing. Research and analyze technical data in the field of city planning and assist the public in applying planning and zoning regulations. Review site plans, building design, and signage, and participate in special projects as needed. Project manager for routine land use applications including, but not limited to, Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Rezonings, and Annexations. Conducts plan review, extensive research, and analysis, and prepares background reports on land use, zoning, and other planning-related tasks. Prepares zoning verifications, interpretations, and responds to customer inquiries. Coordinates updates to the General Plan land use map, zoning map, and other informational Geographic Information System data.

Essential Functions

Researches, reviews, and interprets development regulations. Conducts extensive research, analysis and prepares background reports on land use, zoning, and other planning-related issues including zoning verifications, interpretations, variances, and nonconforming rights determinations. Project manager for Conditional Use Permits, Rezonings, Annexations, Variances, interpretations, zoning verifications, design review waivers, site plans, and related applications.

Reviews and processes applications for, but not limited to, business licenses, liquor licenses, special events, minor building permits, construction plans, residential plot plans, swimming pools, landscape plans, and signs to ensure compliance with City zoning, ordinances, and guidelines. 

Provides information, technical assistance, and guidance to the public on ordinance requirements, City policies, and review procedures. Provides public counter coverage and researches and reviews applications and special planning projects. Manages and updates GIS maps, including the General Plan, zoning map, and other data. Meets with property owners, attorneys, developers, and other professionals to discuss planning, zoning, and other related issues. Exercises discretion in problem-solving and negotiation.

Prepares staff reports on land use, zoning, and other planning-related issues. Research and prepare public records requests. 

As project manager, the Planner is responsible for accuracy in preparing public hearing notices, coordinating with applicants on neighborhood meetings and public hearing schedules, and finalization of project documents and exhibits. Coordinate with applicants in preparation for public hearings and present findings and recommendations at public hearings. 

Assists customers with inquiries about land use and zoning, and explains planning documents including the General Plan, Design Manuals, Specific Plans, Zoning Ordinance, and other related planning and development documents. 

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Land Use Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Architecture, Environmental Design, or a closely related field/knowledge of principles and practices of urban planning, municipal ordinances, and research methods. 

Two (2) years of municipal experience is required. 

Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and technical training, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, may qualify, including internships.

Valid Arizona Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one at the time of hire.

Supplemental Information

Work requires the ability to read and interpret city documents, development plans and cases, laws, maps, and agreements.

Work requires the ability to perform general math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and statistics.

Work requires the ability to write reports, amendments, and general correspondence.  Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects.

Planning responsibilities include serving as project manager for development-related projects and coordinating required meetings.

Work requires the occasional direction of helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, volunteers, or temporary employees.

Work is governed by broad instructions, objectives, and policies. Work requires the exercise of considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluative judgment.  Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously and have creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve problems.

The incumbent will be a strategic planner with the interpersonal communication skills to be able to build positive working relationships with external stakeholders, developers, and various county, state and federal agencies.  Incumbents may also be required to host or facilitate public meetings.  Meetings and discussions are routinely conducted with citizens, property owners, developers, and their representatives.  Employee must maintain regular attendance.  Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
 
The incumbents will have daily contact with professional staff in other departments including, but not limited to, Engineering, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, the City Manager's Office, and the City Attorney.  These contacts may involve decision-making or providing approval or decision-making authority for projects. In addition, these incumbents work with individuals outside the City who may belong to professional or peer organizations.




The City of Avondale offers a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding health and wellness benefits, financial perks, work-life balance, and more. Explore our 2025 
Employee Benefit Highlights and Benefits Guide for full details!

For additional information, visit our website.

01
Select from the options below your highest level of completed education.
  • Not completed High School
  • High school or GED
  • Associates or Vocational Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree or higher
02
How many years do you have in municipal experience?
  • No experience
  • 0 - 11 months
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years
  • 6 years
  • 7 years
  • 8 years
  • 9 or more years
03
Do you have a valid Arizona Driver's License or the ability to obtain one at the time of hire?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Employer
City of Avondale
Address
11465 Civic Center Dr.
Human Resources Department
Avondale, Arizona, 85323
Phone
623-333-2200