Job Posting: Senior Planner – City of Columbia, Missouri

Position Title: Senior Planner
Department: Community Development – Planning Division
Starting Salary: $30.72/hour (minimum) to $37.79/hour (midpoint), commensurate with experience
Pay Grade: 110
Job Type: Full-Time
Number of Positions Available: 1
Deadline to Apply: December 13, 2024

Job Description Summary:
The City of Columbia is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Planner to lead and manage comprehensive city planning initiatives. This pivotal role involves overseeing planning and development applications, administering zoning and subdivision processes, and managing transportation-related grants. If you’re passionate about shaping community growth and development through innovative planning strategies, this is the opportunity for you!

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful Impact: Influence Columbia’s growth and development through dynamic city planning.
• Leadership Role: Act as a lead planner on key policy and regulatory initiatives.
• Professional Growth: Expand your skills in transportation planning, public engagement, and project management.
• Collaborative Environment: Build strong relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive city plan management, including updates to plans, agreements, and grants.
• Review and process planning and development applications, building permits, and business licenses.
• Administer and revise the Unified Development Code (UDC).
• Oversee federal and state transportation planning requirements and grants.
• Prepare reports and agendas for the Columbia Area Transportation Study Organization (CATSO) and other planning bodies.
• Engage with diverse audiences through effective public outreach strategies.
• Provide training and guidance to staff as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in city planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public policy, environmental studies, geography, construction science, or a related field.
• Experience: 3–5 years in planning, development, or a related field.
• Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license.

Preferred:

• Experience serving as a lead planner on policy or regulatory initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in public engagement and outreach with diverse communities.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of capital planning, zoning, and urban planning processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, GIS, and permitting software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex data, read architectural designs, and prepare detailed reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills to manage challenging interactions and build relationships.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Environment: Primarily an office setting with occasional outdoor work, including construction sites and right-of-way areas.
• Physical Requirements: Sedentary work with occasional lifting (up to 10 pounds) and exposure to environmental elements such as extreme heat or cold.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) with occasional evening meetings.

How to Apply:

Applications are open until December 13, 2024. Submit your application through the City of Columbia’s official website. For assistance, call 573.874.CITY (2489).

Special Notice:
This position requires pre-employment drug testing and participation in the federal E-Verify program. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

Come Work for the City that Works for You!

Join the City of Columbia as a Senior Planner and play a key role in building a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking community. Apply today to make a lasting impact on Columbia’s growth and development!