JOB DESCRIPTION

Application Deadline: 10/22/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

At the City of Wilsonville, we believe planning is about people. It's about creating spaces where residents feel connected, supported, and proud to call this community home. Our work goes beyond maps and codes. It is rooted in building a city that grows with intention and care.

When you join our team, you become part of a workplace that values professionalism, collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. We call this approach #thewilsonvilleway. It guides how we work together, how we engage with the public, and how we shape the future of our city.

Who We're Looking For

You are a skilled planning professional with a passion for shaping communities and a strong record of delivering results. You bring at least five years of planning experience, along with a bachelor's and master's degree in planning, architecture, public administration, or a related field.

You have a solid foundation in both current and long-range planning, and you know how to turn technical concepts into practical, community-focused solutions. You write clear, thoughtful reports and present ideas in ways that build understanding and trust. Experience with AICP certification or LEED accreditation is a plus, though not required.

You are a collaborative leader who enjoys supporting others and helping teams succeed. You are ready to take on a team lead role, coordinating work across planning functions, fostering a positive and inclusive team culture, and contributing to the strategic direction of the department. You bring a proactive mindset and a commitment to public service, and you're excited to help shape the future of Wilsonville.

Why Join Us

If you're passionate about shaping the future of a growing city and want to be part of a team that values collaboration, creativity, and public service, we invite you to apply.
The Senior Planner reports to the Planning Director. This position does not exercise direct supervision of staff, but serves as a team leader, project coordinator, and/or primary resource for a variety of specialized planning functions including Development Review Board and/or Planning Commission reports and meetings. Will provide technical direction and training to lower level staff, help assign and track tasks, and will be assigned as lead worker on special projects.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, public administration or a closely related field of study and a Master's degree in planning, architecture, public administration, or a closely related field of study is required.
• Experience: A minimum of five years' experience in land use planning, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certifications/Licenses: A valid driver's license is required. Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and/or LEED accreditation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops short and long range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates division activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Assists in the development and updating of the City's Comprehensive Plan and Development Code; may be assigned a particular functional area such as transportation or natural resources for ongoing monitoring, update and technical assistance.
• Manage planning projects involving the development and implementation of growth management, land use, economic development, utility, housing, transportation, facilities, solid waste or other plans and codes to meet the City's needs and any intergovernmental agreements or requirements; monitor progress; coordinate activities and operations with staff and other agencies.
• Meet with and explain to the public and members of the development community specific planning, zoning, and development activities, projects, regulations and standards; research information; interpret data, answer questions and explain requirements, regulations, and procedures.
• Prepares a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes both for internal staff decisions and elected board decisions.
• Performs the role of lead worker on developing work plans and project schedules for assigned projects and areas of assigned responsibility; coordinating activities and projects of other professionals; assigning, guiding, and reviewing work products, including staff reports; attending Planning Commission and Development Review Board meetings and processing Administrative Reviews as assigned to accomplish a variety of planning projects.
• Determines the application of city policies, code, and regulations in complex situations. Writes, edits, and recommends city codes and regulations related to planning issues.
• Develops, administers and coordinates planning programs to meet City needs.
• Conducts technical research studies and prepares statistical reports and recommendations for drafting or revising local legislation and plans, projecting trends, monitoring socioeconomic data, etc.
• Coordinates planning activities and priorities with private and governmental agencies as assigned; serves when assigned as a member of a Planning task force composed of City, County or state groups. Services on intergovernmental policy groups and committees as assigned.
• Researches grant and other funding opportunities to support the planning work program and develops grant proposals and obtains funding sources for projects as assigned; prepares requests for proposals, analyzes responses and assists with the management of contracts for a variety of contractual professional services.
• Evaluates land use proposals for conformity to established plans and ordinances; evaluates proposals' development impact as they relate to the adopted plans of the City and makes recommendations.
• Evaluates land use applications and site plans for compliance with applicable local, State, or Federal laws. Monitors assigned land use applications through the approval status, and prepares reports, presentations, and related data as required.
• Provides staff support to the Development Review Board, Planning Commission, and City Council as needed and assigned. Prepares planning reports and supporting data, including recommendations or various land use proposals.
• Evaluates environmental information and recommends mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts of development.
• Assists in designs and project management for parks, streetscapes, landscapes and other municipal projects.
• Updates a variety of maps. Prepares graphics and maps for a variety of reports, plans, grant applications, publications or meetings.
• Attend public meetings of various City boards, commissions, and committees; attend meetings of neighborhood or civic organizations; present reports and answer questions.
• Prepares and writes grant application components relating to geographies, maps, plats, site plans, etc.
• Coordinates and manages planning consultant contracts, as assigned.

More details on our website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wilsonville/jobs/5103706/senior-planner?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

BENEFITS

The City offers an extensive employee benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and long term disability plans. The City is a member of the Oregon PERS and currently contributes the employee's portion of the retirement system. Employees may also elect to participate in one of two voluntary deferred compensation programs. Based on years of service, full-time employees begin accruing vacation leave at 12 days per year. Full-time employees accrue 8 hours per month.