Principal Planner

Performs complex and high-profile professional urban planning work that supports community planning, development review, and long-range policy implementation. Manages sensitive cases such as rezones, ordinance amendments, plats, and use permits through detailed analysis and clear, defensible recommendations that align with adopted plans and community goals. Represents the City on committees, task forces, and interjurisdictional planning efforts by communicating policies and coordinating shared planning matters. Prepares and delivers formal presentations to the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, and stakeholder groups supported by thorough staff reports. Engages applicants and property owners throughout the project lifecycle to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and maintain transparent communication. Conducts site visits and field assessments to verify conditions and inform recommendations. Provides subject matter guidance to associate and journey-level planners through coaching, training, and work review. Contributes to updates of planning policies, codes, and guidelines by identifying needed refinements and advising on practices that improve development outcomes. Work is distinguished by the complexity, visibility, and community impact of assigned cases and the high level of independence exercised in coordinating stakeholders and shaping recommendations. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated, respectful, high-performing individual who possesses a bachelor’s degree in Planning (or related field). The ideal candidate will also possess at least five years of experience in a municipal environment or equivalent, conducting plan review, writing professional reports, and making public presentations. Goodyear is a fast growing community and the Development Services Department is committed to continuously improving the way we work to achieve the highest quality results. The ideal candidate will exhibit the values of empathy, optimism, integrity, innovation, adaptability and initiative. A master’s degree in Planning or a related field and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification are desirable but not required. At the City of Goodyear, you will be a part of an organization that values its employees as its greatest asset. You will become part of a dedicated team of professionals that will be challenged to learn and grow in an environment that values employee development and career-building. You will thrive in a culture of innovation. We believe that successful employees are those that possess six core values: Integrity - Initiative - Empathy - Optimism - Innovation - Adaptability

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Only a limited number of the most highly qualified applicants meeting the City's requirements will be invited for an interview. The examination process for this position will include a panel Interview and may include a written assessment. All communication regarding application status and interview notifications will be sent via email- please monitor your junk/spam email for communication as messages will come from a system generated source. This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The following functions do not identify all duties performed by the incumbent. Other duties and responsibilities will be performed as assigned. Manages complex and sensitive cases (e.g., rezones, ordinance amendments, plats, use permits) to deliver clear, defensible recommendations consistent with long range planning objectives. Represents the City on committees and task forces by conveying policies, coordinating interjurisdictional planning matters, and advancing community goals. Coaches and trains associate and journey level planners by providing subject matter guidance, reviewing work, and supporting skill development. Prepares and delivers formal presentations to the Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, and stakeholder groups, supported by clear staff reports. Conducts site visits and field assessments to verify conditions, ensure consistency with approvals, and inform review findings. Engages applicants and property owners to convey requirements, resolve issues, and maintain transparent communication throughout the process. Contributes to policy and guideline refinement by identifying needed updates and advising on planning practices that improve development outcomes. Formal Education/Knowledge: Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Experience: Minimum five years of experience in a related field. Certifications and Other Requirements: Valid Driver’s License Reading: Work requires the ability to read general correspondence, plans, zoning ordinances, codes, guidelines, state statutes, policies, trade journals, and reports. Math: Work requires the ability to perform general math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and to conduct college-level algebraic and statistical calculations. Writing: Work requires the ability to write general correspondence, various reports, letters, and memorandums. Managerial: Complex - Work requires functioning as a lead worker performing essentially the same work as those directed, and includes overseeing work quality, training, instructing, and scheduling work. Budget Responsibility: Has no budgetary responsibility. Policy/Decision Making: Significant - The employee normally performs the job by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. More complex work as well as decisions with more significant impacts are typically reviewed prior to being finalized. Technical Skills: Comprehensive Application - Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization Interpersonal/Human Relations Skills: High - Interactions at this level usually impact the implementation of policies. Contacts may involve interpretation of how policies are implemented and may require discussion and the support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. During interactions on policy implementation, contacts may also involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Within the first 3 Months: Create a Work Plan of 1-3 goals establishing assignments and goals for the Principal Planner role. Assist with the training and development of new Contract and Assistant Planner positions. Assist in the creation and review of needed and existing Standard Work, Project Checklists and Review Checklists. Begin implementation of Work Plan. Within the first 6 Months: Provide support to the Planning Commission and Council process by: Assisting in the review staff reports and Council Action Reports created by junior staff. Attending Planning and Zoning Commission in a support role, when needed. Providing support at Legal Office Hours. Mentor junior Planning staff to ensure their professional development. Assist the Planning Manager with the implementation of the Division Work Plan and Q12 Goals as well as identified needed improvements. If new to the organization, become familiar with zoning and code issues impacting Goodyear residents, Council and staff and suggest areas for improvement. Become familiar with the Hello to C of O process and become acquainted with colleagues in the Code Division and Neighborhood Services Division as well as areas/opportunities for future collaboration. Within the first 12 Months: Create a My Growth Plan (MGP). Invest in your own professional development by attending conferences, workshops, and training sessions related to urban planning, leadership, and management. Stay connected with professional networks and seek opportunities for mentorship and skill development. Take part in wellness events and activities. As a mentor, seek opportunities to help junior Planning staff learn, grow and develop. If the Planner does not have AICP certification, then the MGP should include plan to obtain such certification. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Goodyear