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 purposeTuition reimbursementExceptional work-life balance with a hybrid work schedule optionOpportunities for growth and development within Maricopa CountyLow-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependentsChild care benefits, including access to the Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County familiesPaid vacation, sick time, and parental leaveExtensive wellness program, including an incentiveEnrollment 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 1Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ We Require Two years of planning-related work experienceBachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Urban Studies, Architecture, or a related fieldPostgraduate 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 interpretationAICP certification; GIS softwareExperience in the delivery of speeches, professional presentations, or training eventsMaster's degree in Planning or a related fieldKnowledge 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 regulationsMust possess strong organizational and time management skills, ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demandsResearch and organizational skills; management of application case filesSkill in reviewing and evaluating technical site plansSkill in establishing effective working relationships with othersSkill in effective communication, including presentations, customer service, and public relations methods and practicesSkill in operating a personal computer, utilizing a variety of software applicationsDemonstrated effective, clear, and concise communication skills, both written and verbal; public speaking and technical writingDemonstrated ability to make effective verbal and multi-media presentations at various types of public hearings and public meeting settingsDemonstrated ability to evaluate and analyze development applicationsDemonstrated ability to use creative problem-solving to address and resolve difficult planning issuesAbility 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 reportsPerform technical review of projects, ensuring plans are in complianceAct 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 costsProvide technical assistance to the public and applicants related to planning, zoning, and land development issuesCoordinate with other departments and jurisdictions concerning land development mattersParticipate 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 designPrepare and deliver planning presentations to neighborhood and community groupsConfer with and advise architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and the public regarding County development policies and standardsOther job duties as assigned Working Conditions This position is eligible for hybrid flexibility after a brief training periodExerting up to 10 pounds occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the timePosition 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 applicationsCandidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profileMust 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 MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process. Apply Now!