Planner I

Salary : $59,253.00 - $71,993.00 Annually
Location : Duluth, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: L26058
Department: Planning & Economic Development
Division: Planning & Development
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/29/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Basic
Probation Period: 12 months
Eligible List Duration: 7 months


Job Posting Information


SUMMARY/PURPOSE
To assist with various planning studies and projects in such fields as community and business development, housing, zoning and land use, preservation, and environmental planning.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
Employees at this level are distinguished from the Planner II level by the amount of guidance and instruction needed to perform duties as assigned, and are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge, proficiency, or skill level as the Planner II. Positions at this level exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Supervision is provided more frequently before, during, and after project completion and fits an established structure or pattern.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
For both one-of-a-kind and repetitive tasks, the supervisor makes specific assignments that are accompanied by clear, detailed, and specific instructions. Incumbents work as instructed and consult with the supervisor.

SUPERVISION GIVEN
Does not supervise.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)


1. Assist with, coordinate, and conduct various planning studies and projects.
2. Participate in the design of survey questionnaires.
3. Collect, process, and interpret basic field data.
4. Prepare reports to present findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
5. Ensure compliance with applicable codes, laws, and regulations by conducting documentation review, record research, and site visits/inspections related to assigned projects.
6. Provide technical assistance on planning-related issues.
7. Assist senior staff members in technical phases of planning.
8. Assist in evaluating projects and proposals, including the review of site plans, architectural drawings, planning and permit applications, funding applications, and reports.
9. Create graphic material for the website, informational materials, and presentations.
10. Attend meetings and assist various groups, citizen committees, community groups, state agencies, private industry, and City departments with their planning and development needs as assigned.
11. Respond to routine questions from the public.
12. Participate in the research of grant opportunities and the development of grant applications by assisting with research, project definition, and budget development.
13. Review, organize, and confirm documentation meets expectations for applications and payment requests.
14. Be an effective team member by exhibiting self-motivation, supporting other employees in handling tasks, interacting effectively and respectfully with others, showing a desire to contribute to the team effort, accepting assignments willingly, and completing tasks within agreed upon timelines.
15. Other duties may be assigned.

Job Requirements


Education & Experience Requirements
A. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Planning, Urban Development, Social Science, or a related professional field, and one (1) year of related professional experience; OR a minimum of five (5) years of related education and/or full-time, verifiable professional experience in a planning or community based field.

License Requirements
A. No specific licenses required.


Non-Discrimination
The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Alternative Exam Process (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io, as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Work Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.

Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education & Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to .
VETERANS PREFERENCE
Does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, seasonal, temporary, or part-time non-union selections

To apply for Veterans Preference, the applicant must attach the required documents when submitting their application.

• Scan and combine all documents into one file before uploading it to the Attachments section of the application.
• Submitting this information is optional, but preference points cannot be awarded without it.
• Points are only awarded if the applicant passes all exams and submits all required documents to Human Resources.

OPEN SELECTIONS

Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge.

Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Spouse of Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must currently be married to the veteran;
• The veteran must meet the minimum qualifications for the position but be unable to use the preference because of a service-connected disability. The applicant must explain this in their response to the related question in the Agency Questions section of the application.

Spouse of Deceased Veteran

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• Death certificate;
• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must not have remarried;
• The veteran must have died during active duty or as a result of an injury received during active duty.

PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS

Points are only awarded to Disabled Veteran's score one time, on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment.

Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Please refer to for additional information about Veterans' Preference.
Eligible City of Duluth employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Benefits
• Deferred Compensation
• Training and Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Benefits are prorated for part-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan.
01


Which best describes how you meet the minimum Education & Experience Requirements for Planner I?

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Planning, Urban Development, Social Science, or a related professional field, and one year of related professional experience
• A minimum of five years of related education and/or full-time, verifiable professional experience in a planning or community based field.
• I do not meet the requirements for Planner I

02


Describe how you meet the Education & Experience Requirements for this position as indicated above (be specific).
03


Which best describes your driver's license status?

• Valid MN Class D or equivalent
• Valid MN Commercial Class C or equivalent
• Valid MN Commercial Class B or equivalent
• Valid MN Commercial Class A or equivalent
• No valid driver's license

04


Describe your knowledge of and experience with researching and assembling information related to community needs and issues.
05


Describe your knowledge of and experience with researching and writing grant applications or funding proposals.
06


Describe your knowledge of and experience with statistical or survey methods used for citizen groups or communities.
07


Describe your experience working in a team oriented environment.
08


Describe your experience working with boards and commissions.
09


Describe your experience working with community groups and organizations.
Required Question