Planning Manager (Principal Planner)

The City of Grants Pass seeks a Planning Manager (classification title:  Principal Planner) to lead the Planning Division within the Community Development Department.  This position will oversee the planning division budget, five staff, and current and long-range planning in the City, including development and updates for all land use programs, complex planning projects, the Comprehensive Plan, and Development Code.  The Planning Manager will serve as staff liaison to the Urban Area Planning Commission and Historical Buildings and Sites Commission. Additionally, this position will direct consultants and oversee their projects, review and present staff reports, connect with other regional partners, and keep informed of legislative changes that may impact planning and land use in the State of Oregon.  The ideal candidate will demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence and political savvy, effectively lead and develop staff, breakdown silos and work effectively across other departments and divisions, keep informed of and apply for appropriate grants, leverage resources and technology to continue to improve processes and efficiencies, and engage the community to ensure they are informed on what is happening within their community and neighborhoods.  This is an excellent opportunity to apply your experience and knowledge to support an engaged community with gorgeous natural resources and an urban center.

THE DEPARTMENT & THE DIVISION
The City of Grants Pass uses an integrated approach to providing development services that coordinate the functions of planning, building, economic development, and parks into one department.  The Planning Division supports the City Council and various committees to ensure the Comprehensive Plan, codes and other regulations are up to date and reflect the community’s vision for long-term quality of life through growth management, conservation, and development.  The Planning Division provides quality of life with lands designated for high caliber neighborhoods with a range of housing, commerce and employment, and economic development opportunities. The division strives to be flexible and accommodating to the varying planning needs and community values.

BENEFITS
 - City sponsored/funded retirement plan through Oregon PERS/OPRSP
 - Full family medical, dental & vision insurance with the City contributing to the monthly premium and the employee contributing 7.5%
 - Health reimbursement account (HRA VEBA) employer contribution of $234 per month ($2,808 annually) to offset out-of-pocket healthcare expenses
 - Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment policies at one-time the annual salary and long term disability (LTD)
 - Relocation reimbursement of up to $3,000 if moving into the city limits or the urban growth boundary of Grants Pass at the time of hire
 
Minimum Qualifications:
Our ideal candidate will be excellent at customer service and a public speaker who is , effective and proactive at engaging the community, and who uses their expertise to fulfill the needs of a diverse community.  The Planning Manager will be flexible and adaptable, and effectively communicate, collaborate and advise others with competing needs.  The ideal candidate will demonstrate emotional intelligence and political savvy, be well versed in a wide variety of planning principles, and bring experience overseeing complex planning projects.  We are seeking an effective leader and mentor for staff who works towards breaking down silos and collaborates well with other departments and divisions.  This candidate will keep informed of and apply for appropriate grants, leverage resources and technology to continue to improve processes and efficiencies, and regularly engage with the public to ensure they are informed about planning projects and policies that could impact their neighborhoods.  Our candidate will be strategic, develop and execute a vision, and be an excellent project manager and creative problem solver.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning or a related field, and
• Five years of directly related experience including two years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job
• Valid Driver’s License—Class C with an acceptable driving record

 
Desired Qualifications:

• Oregon planning experience
• Master’s Degree in a related field
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certificate

 
The City provides education equivalency at the rate of 2 years of directly related experience equaling 1 year of required education. (i.e. an Associate's degree is equal to 4 years of directly related experience.)
 
More information is available here:  Job Opportunities | Sorted by Posting Date descending | Join our team!

Questions regarding this recruitment can be addressed to humanresources@grantspassoregon.gov or 541.450.6050.