Professional Planning Jobs

The City of Saginaw is accepting applications for a full-time Community Development Specialist to provide administrative and planning support to the Director of Planning & Economic Development.  Primary duties include administering economic development and planning initiatives, budget preparation, neighborhood planning, marketing priority sites, grant writing, capital improvement planning, master planning, community outreach and general project management activities.  Additionally, the position will collaborate with the Urban Planner to prepare recommendations and reports for the Planning Commission, Board of Appeals on Zoning, Historic District Commission, and City Council regarding planning, development review, and other related issues.  Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree with major course work in Urban Planning or related field and 2 to 5 years of experience in municipal planning or a related field.  Good communications and writing ability a must.  This full-time position includes the City’s full benefit package for newly hired employees and a salary range of $60,923.20 - $66,456.00 annually dependent upon demonstrated abilities and qualifications.

Interested parties should visit the City of Saginaw Job Opportunities web page and apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/saginawmi.  The position is open until filled.

Posted May 10, 2024

Staff Planner

Charter Township of White Lake

The Charter Township of White Lake is accepting applications for a full-time Staff Planner.  A bachelor’s degree in urban planning and a minimum of three to five years experience in a municipal planning department is required.  AICP certification and site plan review experience are a plus.

The Staff Planner will play a vital role in the daily operation of the Community Development Department and will have the unique opportunity to provide input on, and participate in, the development of both the Township’s new Civic Center Complex and the adjacent 58-acre lakefront park (Stanley Park).  The Staff Planner will represent the department at various meetings of White Lake’s boards, commissions, and committees including attendance at the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Parks & Recreation Committee.

This person is responsible for responding to the public regarding planning policies and processes.  They will also answer inquiries from the public and township employees regarding ordinances, planning project status, and other matters related to planning and zoning.  The Staff Planner will also update maps and records as established by the Planning Director, review zoning violations related to site plan management and the development process and coordinate private road application and review process. 

The salary range is from $77,365 - $84,404 and includes generous paid time off and holidays, plus comprehensive health insurance benefits. Insurance benefits include optical, dental and life insurance.  The Township also belongs to the MERS defined benefit pension plan. 

Please submit a cover letter, and resume with an application.  Applications and the complete job description can be located on the White Lake Township website at  https://www.whitelaketwp.com/jobs .

The application deadline is 4 P.M. Monday, May 20, 2024.  Please submit to:

White Lake Township Human Resources Office

7525 Highland Rd., White Lake, MI 48383

White Lake is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/D/V.

Posted May 3, 2024

Project Manager

Wayne County's Sustainability & Innovation Division

Wayne County's Sustainability & Innovation Division is hiring for two project managers.

The Sustainability Project Manager reports directly to the Director of Sustainability & Innovation. This is a new Division at Wayne County and the Project Manager will have the opportunity to influence and shape the work of this Division. The Project Manager works within Sustainability & Innovation to coordinate programs and initiatives for the County. This role will work independently and in a highly collaborative team-based setting on open-ended and resource-constrained projects. Applicants for this role will possess a demonstrated interest in, or experience with, resilience planning and knowledge building around topics of resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainability planning. An ideal candidate for this role either has prior experience with one of the following: (1) fleet electrification, building energy efficiency, building decarbonization, resilience planning or (2) is an organized generalist with a track record of operating from a position of curiosity. The Project Manager will effectively lead, support, and partner with others to realize the goals of the Division. This mode of working requires high emotional intelligence, a learning orientation, and the ability to translate and/or direct the preparation of technical information and analyses into widely accessible reports, policies, and graphics.

Complete job description and how to apply here. 

Posted April 17, 2024

Director of Parks, Preserves & Pathways

Scio Township

The Scio Township Director of Parks, Preserves & Pathways will be responsible for the daily operation and land stewardship of the township’s current system of nature preserves, parks, and pathways as well as planning for the development and funding of future preserves, parks, and pathways.

Scio Township owns and operates a growing network of nature preserves, parks, and pathways.  Three Scio parks and four Scio nature preserves are currently open to the public: Sloan Preserve, Marshall Park, West Scio Preserve, Scio Farms Trails, Liberty Pond Nature Area, Van Curler Preserve and Township Hall Park.  Scio Township also owns and operates the Zeeb Road Pathway.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in natural sciences, environmental sciences, conservation biology, forestry or related field.
• Related work experience in the natural science and related fields.
• Knowledge of terrestrial and aquatic systems including forest and wetland ecology, botany, ornithology, herpetology, invertebrate biology and field techniques.
• Exhibits strong leadership skills.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Competency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Physical stamina and ability to perform all duties.
• Valid driver’s license.

Salaried/Full Time: $62,000 - $75,000

Benefits offered: Scio Township is a participating member of MERS offering a defined contribution retirement, Township paid health insurance, short-term & long-term disability, life insurance, and a generous time off package.

Interested applicants, please complete an application, submit a cover letter and resume to anorthrup@sciotownship.org.

For complete job description and application click on: Township Employment Opportunities | Township of Scio, MI (govaccess.org)

Posted April 1, 2024

Community Planner

Beckett & Raeder, Inc.

Beckett & Raeder has an opening for a full-time community planner in our Ann Arbor office with specialization in urban design and telling a story in a visual way. The Planner will work directly with client communities assisting on planning and zoning related matters including drafting master plans and zoning ordinances. As well as providing graphic and illustrative support to the team for development of master plans, park & recreation plans, and zoning ordinance. If you are interested in joining an award winning, fun loving group of collaborative professionals, please apply! Click the link for more information!

Posted March 28, 2024

Zoning Administrator/Ordinance Enforcement Assistant

Township of Grosse Ile

This position performs in an administrative capacity within the Department of Community Development and works with its staff including the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Commission. The position also reviews site plan submittal, zoning permit requests, conducts site visits and meets with individuals regarding zoning questions. The Zoning Administrator/ Ordinance Enforcement Assistant works with the Township’s Planning Consultant as necessary to review and comment on submittal. The position will also provide assistance with ordinance enforcement activities as it relates to clerical, administrative and office support functions.

Salary: $48,526.40 with annual increase in salary.

Benefits: Full benefit package including paid leave, healthcare and defined benefit retirement program.

Deadline: Posting will be open until filled.

Interested parties shall file a letter of interest and resume with the Community Development Director via email at rossq@grosseile.com

A complete job description for the Zoning Administrator/Ordinance Enforcement Assistant position is available here. Candidates must have the necessary qualifications listed within the attached job description to qualify. Prior work performance will be reviewed during analysis of internal candidate’s application.

Posted March 27, 2024

Senior Project Development Manager – Real Estate (hybrid)

Detroit Regional Partnership

With your effective communication and relationship management skills, you will engage a broad swath of the Region’s real estate community, public county and municipal partners, site owners, civil engineers, brokers, and real estate developers to promote awareness of our VIP Program and secure the participation of new agricultural sites for rezoning and readying for industrial users.

To be successful in this role, you must have passion for the Detroit Region, and familiarity with the region’s real estate market and industrial development.

About the Role (extract):

• Daily execution of work related to site readiness, including meeting with owners, developers, commercial real estate brokers, county partners and municipalities.
• Develop a process and timeline for readying agricultural sites for re-zoning and industrial development.
• Ability to develop a pipeline of sites and effectively manage the sites through the process.
• Identify project risks and mitigations with the project team and drive for resolution of project issues.
• Represent DRP at events and trade organizations.

About You:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in real estate development, civil engineering, business, urban planning or related field, or a combination of experience and education.
• 5-7 years of professional experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of real estate development, municipal permitting, planning, zoning, and/or economic development.
• Experience with community engagement a plus.

Ready to do what you love with us? Submit your resume and any relevant supporting materials for consideration to Darrell Maurer, Human Resources Manager at Darrell.Maurer@detroitregionalpartnership.com or use the link below:

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/3863611425

Posted March 25, 2024

Director of Community Development (Planning/Zoning)

Charter Township of Comstock

The Charter Township of Comstock is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as their next Community Development Director. The Community Development Director is responsible for site plan review, ordinance interpretation, implementation of the recommendations of the Master Plan, long-term planning, preparation of staff reports, and advising the public on planning projects and procedures.  The Director is a full-time administrative employee. The Director will report to the Township Superintendent for work assignments and other guidance. This position will serve as staff to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Township administration regarding land use reviews and approvals. Salary range $85,000 to $90,000 with benefits. 

For full job description, click the link here.  Visit Charter Township of Comstock website.  For inquiries contact Scott Hess, Charter Township of Comstock Superintendent superintendent@comstockmi.gov

The Charter Township of Comstock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Posted March 21, 2024

Associate or Senior Planner

Spalding DeDecker

Spalding DeDecker is seeking an Associate or Senior Planner to join our growing Planning and GIS Team. In this position, the Associate or Senior Planner leads the production of written technical reports, presentation materials, and other planning and planning-related project deliverables for our community, developer, and other clients. This position reports directly to the Planning Manager.

This is a great opportunity for an ambitious planning professional with a high technical competency and understanding of best planning practices. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, has a growth mindset, is passionate about community and economic development, experienced with the requirements of planning, design, and permitting within many contexts, and demonstrates exceptional leadership and communication skills.

Spalding DeDecker, an employee-owned firm, is celebrating 68 years in business – because of our employees. We look to hire skilled, professional, and innovative individuals who will add expertise and integrity to our team, and we provide an exemplary place to work. We are a dynamic organization that believes in rewarding strong performance; each member of our team can grow as far each of their abilities will take them!

See the full job description and apply online here.

Posted March 8, 2024

Planner 2 – Central Region

City of Detroit

Detroit’s Planning and Development Department seeks to fill a Planner 2-Urban Design position supporting the City’s Central Region and citywide initiatives including the Master Plan of Policies.

A Planner 2 works closely with senior planners to carry out community engagement and co-planning activities. Planner 2s who are strong in mapping and analytics may conduct spatial analysis in ArcGIS.

Required:  A bachelor's degree in urban design, city planning or a related field from an accredited school (master's degree preferred) plus two years of professional experience. A combination of education and professional experience that meets job requirements will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume – and encouraged to submit an optional portfolio of work via attachment, download link, or hyperlink with their application.

To apply before 3/23/24 and view details, visit the City Portal. 

Posted March 6, 2024

Community Planner

Spicer Group

Job Reponsibilities:

This position includes project management and client representation responsibilities. The right candidate for this position understands Michigan laws and ordinances and can navigate them within the planning and land use field correctly. Working with our team of planners, landscape architects, architects, engineers, surveyors, and other professionals, this position will be responsible for producing planning documents, presentations, letters, technical plans, and other material for our clients.  

The wide range of responsibilities this job entails means each day is exciting. Additional tasks associated with this position include:

• Preparation of agendas and legal notices
• Reviewing site plans, special use permits, and variance requests for clients
• Providing written reports
• Research
• Coordination of and participation in community engagement workshops

An ideal fit for this position is someone who wants to make an impact on local communities. This position involves in-state travel, and the candidate should anticipate attendance at community meetings.

Preferred Experience

For this position, we want a motivated individual who is well-organized, detail-oriented, personable, and ready to step into working on community planning projects for cities, townships, villages, and counties throughout Michigan. 

Our ideal candidate is someone with a hands-on knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal planning, experience in the techniques of writing and research in community planning, and the ability to apply those when working with clients.

We want someone who can work well within a team environment, has excellent written and verbal skills, and is familiar with Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit.

Details here

Posted March 6, 2024

Community Development Director

City of Northville

Salary $85,000-$100,000 + excellent benefit package

The City of Northville (population 6,119) is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as their next Community Development Director. The next Community Development Director of Northville will be a strategic planner, with experience in expanding community capacity to support sustainable and planned growth. The candidate selected will understand the value of stakeholder relations and evidence the ability to leverage regional partnerships to expand economic opportunity. Necessarily, the next Community Development Director of Northville will have advanced skills in effectively communicating and messaging to a wide range of community partners. The ideal candidate will hold an American Institute Certified Planner accreditation or equivalent experience.  

Please visit Pivot Group Municipal Services for the full job posting: https://pivotgroupmunicipalservices.com/career-opportunities

Posted March 1, 2024

Planner I

City of Grand Rapids

The purpose of this job is to assist the public at counter and over the phone to interpret and administer the zoning ordinance. Works with developers and prepares cases for review by the Planning Commission. Performs various outreach efforts regarding planning and zoning, including plan and permit review and approval and other tasks as necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Provides counter and phone assistance to respond to public inquiries regarding applications and interpretations of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Use and Development Regulations and Ordinances

Performs research on zoning regulations which impact various neighborhoods within the City; assists in drafting responses to developers' questions concerning zoning matters; participates in meetings with property owners and developers; reviews plans for conformance with regulations

Assists in the preparation of supporting materials for presentation at various planning and/or zoning meetings; responds to questions from meeting participants and researches answers for later presentation; prepares documentation to support departmental position on diverse matters

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in City Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field and some related work experience which could be satisfied through the completion of an internship or directly related project, or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

To read more about the job, click here.

Posted February 23, 2024