JOB DESCRIPTION

Planning Department

The City of Opelika is seeking a talented, innovative, and motivated Principal Planner to join our Planning Department. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning professional to play a key role in guiding growth, shaping land use policy, and advancing the City's long-term vision.

As Principal Planner, you'll help lead comprehensive planning initiatives, manage complex planning projects, evaluate development proposals, and develop forward-thinking policies that support Opelika's continued growth and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead long-range and comprehensive planning initiatives.
• Manage complex planning projects, studies, and consultant activities.
• Review development proposals, zoning applications, and land use regulations.
• Research and draft zoning ordinance amendments and planning policies.
• Present recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Collaborate with developers, residents, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Provide professional guidance and supervision to planning staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning or a closely related field with three years of professional planning experience; or
• Master's degree in urban planning or a closely related field with two years of professional planning experience.
• Strong communication, analytical, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• AICP certification highly preferred.

Equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training may be considered.

Build Your Career. Shape Our Community.

Opelika offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing Alabama community. Join a collaborative team where your expertise and ideas can help shape the future of our city.

The City of Opelika offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Employees Health Clinic
• Alabama State Retirement System
• Generous paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation leave

Additional information about all available benefits can be found in the City's Benefits Statement.

Position: Full-Time | Exempt

Salary: $83,914.66 – $92,306.13 annually

Application Deadline: November 20, 2026

APPLY ONLINE – PRINCIPAL PLANNER