The current vacancy is for Long-Range Planning. Please refer to the Long-Range Planning job functions in the posting below.

This recruitment will also establish a list for any Current Planning vacancies that may occur in the future.

A Principal Planner performs advanced-level professional planning and supervisory work. A Principal Planner is responsible for administrative functions, and for managing/supervising professional planners, architects, landscape architects, engineers, and/or paraprofessional/technical staff either directly, or through subordinate supervisors. This class is responsible for directing, overseeing, and assigning work activities and projects, monitoring workflow, and reviewing and evaluating reports, documents, and recommendations. Work assignments are done with considerable independence. Employees in this class may perform any combination of Current or Long-Range Planning duties as assigned. This class performs related duties as required.

Current Planning duties include: developing and implementing policies and procedures related to planning, development, and administration of current planning functions for the City including subdivision of land, design review, zoning entitlements, and planning; interpreting planning codes; coordinating the development review process, including meetings with the general public, applicants, architects, engineers, attorneys, and other City staff, to advise and prepare recommendations for the Design Review Board, Planning and Zoning Board, Subdivision Technical Review Committee, General Plan Update Committee, ad hoc committees, citizen groups, City management, and the City Council; setting up and conducting regular staff meetings to review current planning cases and assigning research and case management to the planning staff; overseeing staff to prepare board, committee and Council packets, citizen participation plans and reports, legal advertisements, notifications, and maps; reviewing reports and assisting in the development of technical and revenue projects including the City’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Program etc., as requested by the Development and Sustainability Department Director or Planning Director; developing and implementing planning unit and department strategic plan through management of staff; and representing the City as a planning expert in various legal issues, and on various regional planning committees.

Long-Range Planning duties include: preparing and coordinating the implementation of various projects such as the General Plan Update with the Current Planning unit; coordinating area and neighborhood plans and special planning projects and developments; overseeing compilation of the City’s demographic data and works with other City departments providing demographic information and projections; overseeing the creation and revision of complex computerized mapping projects; overseeing the City census program; and assigning annexation projects and reviewing work in progress for compliance with state laws.

Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.

Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, GIS (Geographic Information System), Civil Engineering, or a related field. Extensive (5+ years) professional experience in urban planning (example: Current or Long-Range Planning), including good (1 - 3 years) supervisory experience.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in an appropriate field, and certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners are preferred.