Senior Planner at City of Wilsonville – Wilsonville, Oregon

Who We Are

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.

We are committed to sustainable growth and long-term livability. By partnering with city leaders, community organizations, and residents, we help ensure Wilsonville remains a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Whether we’re reviewing development proposals or planning for the decades ahead, our focus stays on what matters most - building a strong and connected community.

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 are confident managing complex projects, balancing priorities, and communicating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

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. Submit your application along with a cover letter that shares why this opportunity excites you and how your background can support Wilsonville’s continued growth and success.

Additional information regarding this position, including minimum qualifications and essential job functions, can be found below.

Performs complex professional and technical planning projects in the areas of long range planning, development review, transportation planning, CIP planning, land use planning, and policy development; may serve as a lead on large projects, coordinating and managing the work of consultants, and professional and technical staff. Provides information and assistance to developers, business community and the public on planning and development related matters.

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.

The Senior Planner is the advanced journey level class in the planning series. It is distinguished from the Associate Planner by the greater degree of responsibility for large, complex and sensitive projects. The Senior Planner exhibits a high level of independence and minimal need for direct supervision. In addition the Senior Planner will generally have an Advanced degree in a related subject area (MUP, MURP, MPA or MS in Geography or Architecture) and an AICP or LEED certification is preferred.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The following tasks are representative and no to be considered all inclusive.

• 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. May be assigned specific duties to lead the work of other staff.
• 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.
• Completes other tasks as assigned.

Customer Service Standards for Employees
These standards are to ensure the organization is focused on providing high quality service to the public and other employees. Employees are expected to meet these standards as part of their job responsibilities.

Communication

• Acknowledge customers when they enter a city facility by greeting them with a smile and positive tone of voice whether in person, on the phone or in email.
• Gather necessary information to assist the customer. Where possible, handle issues/questions/requests without transferring customer to someone else.
• Seek out answers to questions first; if unsuccessful provide name/contact information of someone who can assist.
• Listen, understand, and clarify to gain in depth understanding of the needs to ensure they are being met.
• Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner.
• Be positive and enthusiastic when speaking with customers.

Respect

• Be courteous and polite.
• Treat customers with dignity and respect.
• Understand customer's expectations and treat them as a priority.
• Actively listen and give customer undivided attention.
• Appreciate differing perspectives, opinions, and needs.
• Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior.

Responsiveness

• Provide prompt and reliable service.
• Respond to phone/email as soon as possible.
• Follow through in a timely manner on commitments made to customers and provide estimated timeline for completion.
• Change voicemail and email when out of office/unavailable and provide alternate contact person for customers.
• Demonstrate a "can-do" approach.
• Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions.

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.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures related to urban and regional planning, development, and zoning administration.
• Knowledge of geographic, socioeconomic, transportation, political, and other elements related to urban planning.
• Knowledge of comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process.
• Knowledge of site planning, architectural design principles, and the practice of sustainable principles and/or urban design.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, as well as community development program rules and requirements.
• Knowledge of project management and contract administration principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Knowledge of recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning and zoning.
• Knowledge of basic principles of supervision and training.
• Knowledge of modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment, including computer hardware and software necessary for graphic presentation, mapping, and database management, such as Microsoft Office, City permitting software, and basic GIS concepts and applications.
• Knowledge of practices of assisting in researching planning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Knowledge of modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding planning.
• Knowledge of principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Knowledge of English language, including grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Ability to interpret planning and zoning programs for the general public.
• Ability to read plans and specifications and make effective site visits.
• Ability to identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain applicable Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform analysis of site design, terrain constraints, circulation, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
• Ability to conduct research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain technical written material and complex laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, and City planning policies and procedures.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Ability to perform mathematical and planning computations with precision.
• Ability to respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Ability to make effective public presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
• Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer and related word processing, database, and spreadsheet software and applications.
• Ability to make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Ability to comprehend and use English effectively including producing all forms of communication in a clear, concise, and understandable manner to intended audiences.
• Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent sound judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive working relationships.
• Exceptional active listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Excellent reading comprehension skills, understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Skilled in critical thinking, using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Excellent judgment and decision making skills, considering the impacts of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Work Environment: Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. May be required to work outside of normal work hours such as evenings, early mornings, and/or weekends.

Physical Requirements: Performs work of a sedentary to moderately active nature. Requires sufficient ambulatory ability to sit for extended periods of time, move to project locations, to stand for intermittent periods of time, and to bend, stoop, and reach for limited periods of time to retrieve work materials. Requires sufficient arm-hand-eye coordination to operate a computer keyboard, drawing equipment, and pointing devices to produce intricately detailed drawings, diagrams, and illustrations. Requires visual acuity to create and read three-dimensional and detailed drawings and observe structural work-in progress.
Requires verbal and auditory ability sufficient to carry on conversations with others and make presentations to groups. Frequent repetitive motions including but not limited to: hand, wrist, and finger movements; exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently.

Cognitive Functions: The position incumbent works in a fast-paced office environment characterized by frequent deadlines, interruptions, and highly complex decisions. The incumbent must be capable of working effectively with members of the public with diverse positions on city issues. Work is performed independently and often requires compliance with policies and procedures. Most problems are difficult with precedent occasionally available. An incumbent has significant control over the planning and performance of the work. Creativity and problem solving are required to solve problems which have a considerable complexity and where precedent is limited.

Tools/Equipment Used: Desktop computer, printer, photocopier, fax machine, telephone, city vehicle, and audiovisual equipment.