Senior Planner

Salary: $76,585.60 - $114,899.20 Annually
Location : City Hall, 211 W Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time; Exempt; Benefit Eligible
Job Number: 118-26
Division: Planning and Development Services
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 10:00 PM Arizona
Work Week: Monday- Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Post-offer Requirements: Background

MVR
Budgeted Min: $76,585.60
Budgeted Max: $95,742.40


Description
Shape the future of Flagstaff by leading transformative development projects, guiding responsible growth, and helping create a vibrant, sustainable community as our next Senior Planner with the City of Flagstaff!

The Senior Planner serves as a project manager and primary point of contact for complex private development and design review projects, guiding applications from initial concept through final approval while ensuring compliance with the Flagstaff Zoning Code and City policies. This role coordinates multidisciplinary review teams, prepares staff reports and recommendations, presents projects to boards, commissions, and City Council, and provides expert guidance to applicants, stakeholders, and the public. The position requires strong independent judgment, problem-solving, and customer service skills, as well as the ability to manage complex planning issues, mentor staff, and support the City's vision for responsible growth and development. By applying to this position, you are opening yourself to the opportunity to work in a critical division program and make a significant impact on the community we serve, so apply today!

Examples of the Work Performed

• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Serves as a single point of contact to manage project review and resource requirements.
• Coordinates Community Development staff resources and other division staff as required.
• Works to further the City's and division's goals and mission.
• Lead and manage a City staffed development team on the most complex cases including concept and site plan reviews, conditional use permits, re-zonings, land use amendments, subdivisions, major annexations, and development agreements.
• Answers questions regarding requirements of the Flagstaff Zoning Code, and the procedures for submitting development plans or proposals to the Development Review Staff, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and when necessary, to the Board of Adjustments or the City Council.
• Researches and prepares staff background and recommendation reports for site plan reviews, conditional use permits, rezoning, Board of Adjustments, and other related matters, as assigned.
• Tracks and manages assigned projects from initial application or assignment to final occupancy.
• Performs project management utilizing applicable components of the Regional Land Use & Transportation Plan and Flagstaff Zoning Code.
• Assists in the preparation of studies and reports on case management procedures and for changes in the Flagstaff Zoning Code.
• Attends meetings of boards, commissions, and City Council meetings and presents and explains Development Services division recommendations as needed.
• Provides information for field checks by the Code Compliance staff in the enforcement of the Flagstaff Zoning Code.
• Assists clients in proposed development and zoning problems.
• Assists in collecting and analyzing data for future planning, as assigned.
• Participates in discussions and meetings with the public.
• Resolves problems or issues with limited number of variables between the client and various staff involved with the development approval process.
• Provides work direction and assistance to the Code Compliance section, as assigned by the Current Planning Manager.
• Trains/mentors professional and technical staff.
• Reviews site plans, subdivision plats, building permits, and grading and drainage plans, as assigned.
• Develops and maintains project records.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Serves as the Current Planning Manager in an acting capacity, as assigned.

To review the full job description, please click on the following link:
Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, or related field.
• Three (3) years professional level planning experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Any combination of relevant education and relevant experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Minimum requirements such as driver's license and certifications may not be substituted and are required at time of hire.

Desired Experience and Training

• Master's degree in planning, architecture, or related field.
• Experience specifically with zoning and subdivision codes, and project management.
• Experience specifically associated with design review processes related to building and site design.
• Master's degree in planning, architecture, or related field.
• Certification as an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Other Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must possess, or obtain upon employment, a valid Arizona driver's license.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity.

Supplemental Information
CURRENT COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and positive work environment. We offer competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and the chance to work with a committed team making a difference in our community. Located in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff, AZ, you'll enjoy a unique quality of life with outdoor recreation, stunning scenery and a welcoming community.

Our total compensation package includes best-in-class benefits and an annual salary of $76,585.60 - $114,899.20, based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Plus:

• Arizona State Retirement System with 100% Match
• Employees are members of Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) with a mandatory contribution rate of approximately 12%
• Deferred Compensation Options
• Up to 4% Annual Pay for Performance Increase
• Group Insurance including Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• Flexible & Health Savings Accounts
• 13 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Bereavement, Jury Duty
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance
• First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
• Qualified Public Student Loan Forgiveness Employer
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Clinic, Telehealth, Wellness Program & Incentives
• Tobacco Cessation Program
• FOR ASRS POSITIONS: Employer Assistance Program
• FOR PSPRS POSITIONS: Employer Assistance Program - Confidential counseling, including critical incident & peer support
• Recognition including Workiversary, Wonderful Outstanding Worker (WOW), On-the-Spot, 7k Award, and City Manager's Excellence Awards
• Employee Discounts: Mountain Line Bus Eco Pass, Aquaplex, and Recreation Centers

Please note that Compensation and Benefits are subject to change based on future policy change, budgetary impact, and Council changes.
The City of Flagstaff is looking for team members who are passionate about community, innovation, and quality of life. Come be a part of this cool community and see why the City of Flagstaff is a great place to work!
The City belongs to Northern Arizona Public Employees Benefit Trust (NAPEBT), a consortium formed to combine resources and leverage buying power in order to provide comprehensive and cost-effective benefits to employees. NAPEBT currently includes the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, Coconino Community College, Flagstaff Unified School District, Mountain Line, Kachina Village Improvement District, and the Coconino County Accommodation School. NAPEBT continually works to ensure a better benefits package than any of the employers could offer individually, which keeps benefits costs down for employees.

INSURANCE
Benefits include medical, prescription, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability options.

RETIREMENT
Employees are members of Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS), or the Elected Officials Retirement Plan (EORP) based on eligibility requirements.


DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Employees may make pre- or post-tax contributions to a 457 Retirement Plan through Voya, Nationwide, or Mission Square account via Payroll Deduction.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare benefits, Arizona State or Public Safety Retirement, annual vacation, 13 paid holidays, paid Parental Leave, an offsite health clinic, Employee Assistance Program, wellness program and incentives, First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program, Tuition Assistance Program, and so much more. The City of Flagstaff is a Qualified Public Student Loan Forgiveness Employer. To view comprehensive benefits information, click
01


Please indicate your highest level of education.

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate's degree or 60 college credits
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher
• I do not have any educational degrees

02


What is your highest level of education in planning, architecture, or a related field?

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate's degree or 60 college credits
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher
• I do not have a degree in any of the fields listed or in a related field.

03


How many years of professional level planning experience?

• None
• Zero to less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six or more years

04


Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have experience specifically with zoning and subdivision codes, and project management?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have experience specifically associated with design review processes related to building and site design?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you have a certification as an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)?

• Yes
• No

08


This position is posted with the full salary range indicating future potential earnings; however, the actual hiring salary for this position is dependent upon relevant experience and qualifications above minimum requirements and position funding. This position is budgeted for the following hourly range: $36.82 - $46.03. Are you okay with that pay range?

• Yes
• No

Required Question