Planner I

About the Role

Performs professional work in the areas of urban planning, zoning administration, subdivision administration, and community development.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the preparation of comprehensive plan elements, neighborhood specific plans, topical plans and studies, and special planning projects, such as housing needs assessments or transportation studies.
• Assists in research and surveys regarding demographics, economic conditions, land use trends, property values and ownership, housing conditions, infrastructure condition and capacity, and other subjects related to city planning.
• Utilizes department computer assets, including Geographic Information System technology, for research and analysis.
• Assists in organizing and facilitating public meetings and workshops for the general public, special interest groups, and City boards, committees, and commissions as part of the planning process.
• Prepares staff reports for, and participates in, public hearings regarding community development issues.
• Assists in drafting developmental policies and ordinances in furtherance of adopted plans.
• Reviews and analyzes development proposals, including environmental reviews and applications for land use actions and development permits.
• Supervises and participates in the preparation and maintenance of planning base maps and zoning maps.
• Designs, organizes, and illustrates the text of planning reports.
• Prepares graphic interpretations of planning principles and objectives.
• Prepares and presents staff reports and recommendations on land use actions and development applications.
• Records appropriate entries in the computerized property management system.

Qualifications

Certification Path:

• Successful completion of the AICP Certification Examination (American Institute of Certified Planners).

Education/Experience Path:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university with a major in city, urban, regional, or environmental planning from a degree program accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). Applicants enrolled in the final year of a qualifying program may apply but must obtain their bachelor’s degree prior to hire.
• One year of professional urban/regional planning experience along with possession of a closely related or non-PAB accredited bachelor’s degree may also be qualifying.

Licenses:

• A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is required.

Examination Details

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. The examination will consist of multiple-choice questions covering the following subjects:

• Planning
• Zoning
• Subdivisions
• Statistics
• Mathematics
• Public Relations
• Professional Conduct/Ethics

The online examination will take place from October 15th, 2026, to October 19th, 2026. Instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on October 14th, 2026.

Benefits

The City of Spokane provides a generous benefits package valued between $31,097 - $38,667, including:

• Insurance Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account: Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA.
• Retirement Benefits: Spokane Employees' Retirement System (SERS), Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Paid Time Off: Official Holidays, Floating Holidays, Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, and other leaves such as bereavement, Family and Medical Leave, maternity leave, jury duty, and military duty leave.
• Work/Life Programs: Employee Assistance Program (EAP).