JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Senior Planner / Principal Planner

SALARY

Senior Planner

• Anticipated Hiring Range: $89,280 - $107,137
• Full Salary Range: $89,280 - $124,993

Principal Planner

• Anticipated Hiring Range: $98,209 - $117,850
• Full Salary Range: $98,209 - $137,492

To see the complete job description, please visit our website. For full consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter by 12:59pm on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for performing a variety of general and specialized professional planning functions, including current and long-range planning; conducting planning studies, analyzing data and preparing reports; coordinating assigned projects with applicants, staff, other departments and agencies; and providing information and assistance to developers, the business community and the public on planning and development matters. Decision-making authority and responsibility increase with classification level.

The Senior Planner and Principal Planner roles are part of a 4-level series consisting of Planner I, Planner II, Senior Planner and Principal Planner. Incumbents are responsible for planning projects, development review, research, data analysis, policy development and reporting, with increasing levels of expertise, independence, decision-making, project responsibility and leadership at each level. Essential job functions and knowledge, skills and abilities remain generally consistent across classifications, with increasing complexity and responsibility at each level.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

Senior Planner

Performs advanced professional planning work and serves as a technical resource within the department. Leads complex development reviews and planning projects, develops short- and long-range plans and programs, policy recommendations, code amendments and other regulations. Presents planning matters to boards, commissions, and the public. Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders and consultants, leads interdepartmental teams, and performs project management responsibilities as assigned.

Principal Planner

Performs highly advanced professional planning work and serves as a planning subject matter expert. Leads the department's most complex planning projects, development applications, comprehensive planning, policy initiatives, and long-range planning efforts. Provides technical guidance and mentorship to planning staff, coordinates consultant and stakeholder activities, and serves as a key advisor to the Planning Director, Town leadership, boards, commissions, and the public. May supervise planning staff and act on behalf of the Planning Director as assigned.

MINUMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Senior Planner:

• Bachelor's Degree in planning, urban design, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in land use, urban planning, and comprehensive planning.
• Valid driver license.

Principal Planner:

• Bachelor's Degree in planning, urban design, or a closely related field.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in land use, urban planning, and comprehensive planning.
• Valid driver license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in planning, urban design, or a closely related field.
• Experience in municipal government planning.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Supervisory, lead-worker, or project management experience.