Planner, Senior

Lane County•Public Works Land Management, OR

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Lane County is seeking an experienced planning professional to join our team as a Senior Planner. This position serves as a lead resource on complex land use planning projects and plays a key key role in shaping the future of our rural communities. The Senior Planner manages multiple high-profile planning initiatives, conducts advanced research and analysis, prepares findings and recommendations, and provides expert interpretation of land use regulations. This position works at the intersection of policy, development, and public service, applying the Lane County Rural Comprehensive Plan, Land Code, and Oregon's statewide land use planning requirements to real-world projects and community needs. Responsibilities include reviewing and approving land use applications, determining regulatory compliance, preparing staff reports and findings, presenting recommendations to decision-makers, and representing the County before advisory committees, public hearings, and community groups. The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem-solver who can navigate complex regulations, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and balance competing interests while advancing thoughtful, legally defensible planning outcomes. If you are passionate about community planning, enjoy solving complex land use challenges, and want to help shape the future of Lane County, we encourage you to apply. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the communities, natural resources, and landscapes that make Lane County unique. About the Division - Land Management & Planning: The Lane County Planning Program is responsible for the administration of land use codes, including zoning and land division regulations. Planning staff are also responsible for the maintenance of the Lane County Rural Comprehensive Plan (RCP) and the formulation and amendment of land use regulations to implement the RCP. In addition to these responsibilities, staff complete projects at the direction of the Board of Commissioners and also coordinate regional planning efforts with local, State, and Federal agencies and organizations. Planning Program staff strive to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations of Lane County residents by planning for places that provide a spectrum of economic, environmental and social benefits through a balanced land use management approach that is consistent with Oregon's Statewide Planning System. Lane County operates one of the premier land use programs in the state. Within Lane County there are 35 rural communities, 12 cities, a large regional metropolitan planning area, and millions of acres of farm and forest-zoned lands. Lane County stretches from the Coast to the Cascades and it is the only jurisdiction in the State of Oregon where all 19 Statewide Planning Goals are implemented. Strong development pressures and organized anti-development interests make Lane County an exciting and dynamic place to practice planning.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in regional or urban planning or a related field
Three years of increasingly responsible experience in city, county or regional planning
One year of lead responsibility in planning

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience working with Oregon Land Conservation and Development Goals & Rules is preferred
Knowledge and Experience processing Comprehensive Plan Amendments is preferred

Responsibilities

Manages multiple high-profile planning initiatives
Conducts advanced research and analysis
Prepares findings and recommendations
Provides expert interpretation of land use regulations
Reviews and approves land use applications
Determines regulatory compliance
Prepares staff reports and findings
Presents recommendations to decision-makers
Represents the County before advisory committees, public hearings, and community groups
Administers land use codes, including zoning and land division regulations
Maintains the Lane County Rural Comprehensive Plan (RCP)
Formulates and amends land use regulations to implement the RCP
Completes projects at the direction of the Board of Commissioners
Coordinates regional planning efforts with local, State, and Federal agencies and organizations