Planner

Maricopa County

. Work directly on current and long-range planning projects .

Posted 10/14/2026full-timePhoenix • Arizona • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $66,000 - $107,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in planning and zoning processes, including managing development applications and conducting technical reviews. Proficient in utilizing GIS software and delivering effective presentations to diverse audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

AICP CertificationGIS SoftwarePlanning Theory and PrinciplesTechnical Project ReviewPublic Speaking

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Air-Photo InterpretationResearch and AnalysisSite Plan EvaluationProject Compliance EvaluationCase File Management

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsTime ManagementEffective CommunicationCustomer ServiceRelationship Building

Tools & Technologies

Geographic Information SystemsElectronic Filing SystemsCase Tracking SystemsAerial Photography Software

Certifications & Qualifications

AICP Certification

Industry Keywords

Comprehensive PlanningZoning RegulationsLand Use PlanningDevelopment ApplicationsPublic Relations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work directly on current and long-range planning projects
Manage rezoning cases, special use permits, comprehensive planning cases, variances, administrative applications, and military compatibility permits
Process development applications and coordinate reviews and comments between County and external agencies
Research, review plans, conduct analyses, and prepare recommendations in staff reports
Evaluate project compliance with comprehensive plans, area plans, zoning district standards, and regulations
Present evaluations and recommendations to the Planning & Zoning Commission and/or Board of Adjustment
Conduct specialized studies and projects
Serve as liaison to the public and development community for planning and development applications and complex projects
Conduct research on land use, zoning, and planning issues; compile data and generate reports
Perform technical project reviews to ensure compliance
Manage comprehensive plan amendments, zone changes, plans of development, plats, use permits, variances, and related applications
Participate in analysis, development, and documentation of project needs and costs
Provide technical assistance to the public and applicants
Coordinate with other departments and jurisdictions on land development matters
Participate in public and agency meetings with state and regional planning groups
Prepare and deliver planning presentations to neighborhood and community groups
Advise architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and the public regarding County development policies and standards
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
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
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 and utilizing a variety of software applications
Demonstrated effective, clear, and concise written and verbal communication skills; public speaking and technical writing
Demonstrated ability to make effective verbal and multimedia presentations at public hearings and public meetings
Demonstrated ability to evaluate and analyze development applications
Demonstrated ability to use creative problem-solving to address and resolve difficult planning issues
Ability to utilize technology related to community planning and land development, including aerial photography, Geographic Information Systems, electronic filing, and case tracking systems
Must submit an online application
Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive positions

Benefits

Comp & perks

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, 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