Senior Planner

City of The Dalles • The Dalles, OR

22d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Planner plays a key role in shaping the future of The Dalles. The position leads complex planning and housing initiatives, including implementation of the City's Housing Production Strategy; manages long‑range planning and code update projects; and serves as a technical resource to staff, consultants, and community partners. This position offers significant autonomy, a diverse portfolio of projects, and the opportunity to influence meaningful community outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in planning, geogr aphy, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental design, law, public administration, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including:
• Experience in both current planning (development review) and long‑range planning (legislative/policy work).
• Experience reviewing and analyzing complex land‑use applications, including zoning changes, subdivisions, conditional use permits, residential development proposals, and applying housing-related land-use regulations.
• Experience with legislative planning processes, including drafting, analyzing, updating, and interpreting development codes, land use polices, and housing implementation strategies.
• Experience serving as staff to a public board or commission, including meeting coordination and facilitation, or equivalent transferable experience performing similar functions.
• Demonstrated experience managing project timelines, coordinating with consultants, and delivering long‑range planning outcomes.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of hire.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in planning, geography, or a related field
• Experience with grant‑funded planning projects
• Experience collaborating with City Council or similar elected bodies, including participation in public meetings or policy discussions
• Experience administering or interpreting Oregon Statewide Planning Goals and Oregon land use law
• Experience implementing Comprehensive Plan policies, Housing Production Strategy initiatives, or other long-range planning projects
• Experience with historic preservation planning, historic resource review, or staffing a historic preservation commission or similar public board
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification
• Written and/or Oral Spanish language proficiency

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex planning analyses and prepare clear, well-supported staff reports and policy recommendations.
• Independently manage long‑range planning, housing, and code amendment projects from initiation through adoption.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Historic Landmarks Commission and coordinate historic preservation reviews, policy initiatives, and related programs.
• Provide day‑to‑day technical guidance to planning staff and respond to complex planning questions.
• Serve as a lead for planning staff and perform delegated supervisory responsibilities as assigned.
• Interpret and apply complex planning regulations, development codes, and land use policies.
• Develop and recommend policy, code, and process improvements that advance City Council goals and department objectives.
• Coordinate agendas, staff reports, presentations, findings, and follow-up actions for the Planning Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Hearings Officer, and other advisory bodies.
• Present complex planning projects and policy recommendations to the Planning Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Hearings Officer, City Council, and the public, while responding professionally to challenging questions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• FSA and HRA‑VEBA
• Long‑term disability, AD&D, and Employee Assistance Program
• City‑paid retirement contributions (13.5% of base salary after one year of service)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior