Principal Planner

City of Goodyear•Goodyear, AZ

About The Position

Performs complex, high-profile professional urban planning work supporting community planning, development review, and long-range policy implementation. Manages sensitive cases—including rezones, ordinance amendments, plats, and use permits—through detailed analysis and defensible recommendations aligned with adopted plans and community goals. Represents the City in committees, task forces, and interjurisdictional planning efforts, and prepares and delivers presentations to the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, and stakeholder groups. Engages applicants and property owners throughout the project lifecycle, conducts site visits and field assessments, and provides subject matter guidance to associate and journey-level planners. Contributes to updates of planning policies, codes, and guidelines. The role is distinguished by the complexity, visibility, and community impact of its cases, as well as the independence exercised in coordinating stakeholders and shaping recommendations. The City of Goodyear’s Development Services Department emphasizes continuous improvement, employee development, and innovation. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, respectful, and high-performing, and demonstrates empathy, optimism, integrity, innovation, adaptability, and initiative. The position provides lead-worker guidance, including coaching, training, and review of other planners’ work. The role has no budgetary responsibility. During the first three months, the planner will create a work plan with one to three goals, assist with training new contract and assistant planners, support the creation and review of standard work and project and review checklists, and begin implementing the work plan. Within six months, the planner will support Planning Commission and Council processes, mentor junior staff, assist the Planning Manager with division work-plan and Q12 goal implementation, and become familiar with relevant City processes and opportunities for collaboration. Within 12 months, the planner will create a My Growth Plan and pursue professional development through conferences, workshops, and training. If not already AICP-certified, the plan should include obtaining certification. Only a limited number of the most highly qualified applicants who meet City requirements will be invited to interview. The examination process includes a panel interview and may include a written assessment. Application-status and interview communications will be sent by email.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Planning or a related field, or equivalent education consistent with the stated formal education requirement.
At least five years of experience in a related field; the ideal candidate has municipal or equivalent experience conducting plan review, writing professional reports, and making public presentations.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to read correspondence, plans, zoning ordinances, codes, guidelines, state statutes, policies, trade journals, and reports.
Ability to perform general mathematical calculations and college-level algebraic and statistical calculations.
Ability to write correspondence, reports, letters, and memorandums.
Ability to function as a lead worker, oversee work quality, train and instruct others, and schedule work.
Comprehensive practical knowledge of a technical field, with analytical judgment and decision-making appropriate to the work environment.
Strong interpersonal skills, tact, and ability to discuss policy implementation, support controversial positions, negotiate sensitive issues, deliver important presentations, and respond to stressful or aggressive interactions.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Planning or a related field.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification; desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Manage complex and sensitive planning cases, including rezones, ordinance amendments, plats, and use permits, and develop clear, defensible recommendations consistent with long-range planning objectives.
Represent the City on committees and task forces, communicate City policies, coordinate interjurisdictional planning matters, and advance community goals.
Coach and train associate- and journey-level planners, provide subject matter guidance, review work, and support skill development.
Prepare and deliver formal presentations to the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, and stakeholder groups, supported by staff reports.
Conduct site visits and field assessments to verify conditions, ensure consistency with approvals, and inform review findings.
Engage applicants and property owners to explain requirements, resolve issues, and maintain transparent communication throughout the process.
Contribute to refinement of planning policies, codes, guidelines, and practices to improve development outcomes.
Create a work plan of one to three goals and assist with training new contract and assistant planners and with standard work and checklist development.
Support Planning Commission and Council processes, including reviewing junior staff reports and Council Action Reports, attending Commission meetings when needed, and providing support at Legal Office Hours.
Mentor junior planning staff and assist the Planning Manager with division work-plan and Q12 goal implementation and identified improvements.
Become familiar with zoning and code issues affecting Goodyear residents, Council, and staff, and identify areas for improvement.
Become familiar with the Hello to C of O process and build working relationships with Code Division and Neighborhood Services Division colleagues to identify collaboration opportunities.
Create a My Growth Plan and pursue professional development, mentorship, and skill development; include a plan to obtain AICP certification if not already certified.
Participate in wellness events and activities.