Principal Planner

Posting Close Date
Applicants must submit their completed application by 10-18-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST Application and Special Instructions
As part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a chronological resume and writing sample at the time of application.

Please submit a minimum of 1 professional writing sample with a minimum length of 2 pages which demonstrates your background and experience in long range community planning or policy development. Writing samples may include reports, memos, policy documents, or other relevant items. No new work is required and materials may be redacted as needed.

Applications that do not include both documents by the closing date of the recruitment will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration for this recruitment.

INTERVIEW INFORMATION:
The highest scoring applicants will be invited to participate in interviews on October 30, 2026. Local candidates will participate in-person, while out-of-state candidates will have the option to participate virtually via Microsoft Teams.

In-person hiring interviews may be conducted on TBD.


The City of Tucson does not provide VISA sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Relocation expenses will not be provided for this position. Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with relocating to the Tucson area, if applicable.

Recruiter contact information: If you have any questions, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io Position Specific Summary

The Principal Planner position at the City of Tucson's Planning and Development Services Department leads community planning, land use, and code development initiatives. The position develops and implements amendments to the Unified Development Code, land use plans, and related policies; researches best practices and develops regulatory and policy recommendations and presents recommendations to the public, boards and commissions, and Mayor and Council.

The Principal Planner also provides technical and program leadership and supervises Long Range Planning Team personnel.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Long Range Planning Section Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Researches best practices and develops amendments, revisions, and new sections of the Unified Development Code and related regulations.

• Reviews, annexations, rezonings, and zoning modifications on a limited basis, with emphasis on cases that inform code and policy development.

• Manages special projects and initiatives, including zoning code updates, or planning initiatives and prepares electronic documents and presentations to communicate complex planning, regulatory, and policy information.

• Conducts technical analysis of housing, land use, transportation, economic and demographic data to inform code updates, policy recommendations, and long range planning initiatives.

• Develops and implements public outreach and community engagement strategies to support code amendments and long range planning initiatives, and incorporates community input into recommendations.

• Supervises Lead Planners and Planners on the Long Range Planning Team, including assigning work, reviewing performance, providing guidance, and fostering opportunities for professional growth.

• Visits sites periodically to conduct site analysis for proposed or ongoing development.

• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

This position may require working after normal business hours to attend public meetings, community meetings, and Planning Commission or Council hearings, and may require traveling off site to attend informational meetings and community events.
All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Bachelor's degree Experience
Three (3) years of relevant experience Equivalency

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
License/Certifications
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Urban Planning or closely related field, such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, or Public Policy.

Experience in Planning, Zoning, and Public Policy Development.

American Planning Association: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

License:
A valid and unrestricted driver's license with two (2) years of licensed driving is required. POSITION DETAILS
Job Profile
J2615 - Principal Planner
View full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands at
Compensation Grade
G109 Hourly Range
$32.15 - 48.23 USD
The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Exempt Position Type
Regular Time Type
Full time Department
Planning and Development Services Center Department Link
Background Check

This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.
ABOUT US
Benefits

The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at
Citizenship

The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.
The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

The city does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).


ADA Accessibility Compliant Form

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io.
Recruiter Name
Liliana Almeraz Recruiter Email
View email address on click.appcast.io
For general Human Resources questions please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io.