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Job Description
Role
Shape the future at Yavapai County!
Yavapai County Development Services is seeking a visionary Senior Planner to lead innovative long-range planning projects, craft and refine zoning ordinances, and guide comprehensive plan updates. The ideal candidate will have a master’s degree in professional planning or hold an AICP certification, with proven expertise in planning, policy analysis, and grant writing. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on our growing communities.
The Senior Planner plays a key role in shaping the County’s future through strategic long-range planning initiatives, policy development, and ordinance updates. This position leads and coordinates the complex planning projects, including the preparation, drafting, analysis, and presentation of zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan amendments. This role also involves engaging with diverse stakeholders, conducting in-depth research, and preparing clear and compelling reports and presentations for boards, commissions, and the public.
Review complete class specification for Senior Planner here.
Major Duties, Responsibilities- Performs planning, site plan and complex development application review; prepares and presents planning cases for public hearings.
- Reviews and develops recommended departmental positions on zoning reclassifications, exceptions, variances, and drafts administrative decisions.
- Conducts or directly assists key staff and planning firms in the review and formulation of special studies, proposals, planning or zoning code policies, updates, and amendments.
- Supports county boards, commissions, and committees; leads and/or participates in inter-agency planning teams, and processes.
- Gathers, analyzes, and interprets data relating to local social, economic, population, housing, industrial development, zoning, and land uses.
- Reviews and analyzes legislative provisions; prepares revised drafts of laws or regulations.
- Assists in the preparation of graphic materials concerned with planning cases, planning problems and elements of the comprehensive plan.
- Assists with the design and implementation of public involvement, information, and communication processes.
- Provides customer service, responding to public inquiries, explaining regulations, procedures, and plans.
- Reviews and processes applications for development, including use permits, rezonings, subdivision plats, replats, Planned Area Development rezoning cases, variances, building permits, etc., including the preparation and presentation of planning cases before the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Supervisors and Board of Adjustment.
- Conducts and participates in periodic reviews, preparation, updates, and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, Planning & Zoning Ordinance, and Subdivision Regulations.
- Conducts research, preparation, application submission, and administration of technical grant applications.
- Researches planning/land use-related issues, gathers and analyzes data, compiles information, prepares reports and presentations.
- Performs related planning work and assists Planning Unit Manager and other Units of Development Services as needed.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field.
Experience:
Five (5) or more years of experience in professional planning, public administration, and public policy.
An equivalent combination of directly related work experience and education may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-per-year basis.
Additional Requirements:
Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Yavapai County Government offers a comprehensive employee benefits package to
Full-Time employees working 30 or more hours per week that includes but is not limited to:
• 10 Paid Holidays Per Year
• Annual Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Care Insurance - Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
• Retirement Plans
• Sick Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
ELECTIVE COVERAGE
• 457 Deferred Compensation Program
• Dependent Health Care Insurance - Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short-Term Disability
• Supplemental Life (for employees & dependents)
PLEASE NOTE
• Part-Time , Temporary and Seasonal employees accrue Sick Leave based on hours worked.
• Part-Time employees have limited benefits available.
• Temporary and Seasonal employees are not eligible to accrue Annual Leave.
Click here to view our benefits summary.
Closing Date/Time: 8/27/2025 5:00 PM Arizona -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Yavapai County
Show moreYavapai County reflects the history of the old west and the future of the new. At Yavapai County Government, we care for our community while building upon our legacy. Guided by our core values of Compassion, Integrity, Collaboration, and Innovation we uphold these values in our everyday endeavors.
Yavapai County is in northcentral Arizona, just north of Phoenix, and is one of the four original Arizona counties formed in 1864. The County, with approximately 246,191 residents, includes eight incorporated towns and cities: Prescott (county seat), Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Jerome, Clarkdale, Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and the newest municipality Dewey-Humboldt. The County features some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the American West with a mild climate, four beautiful and distinct seasons, and breathtaking landscapes complete with granite mountains, lakes, and rolling meadows.
As a Yavapai County Government employee, you will have the chance to work in one of 37 unique departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
We have a workforce of over 1,800 employees who are committed to enhancing the well-being of its residents and cultivating a thriving and vibrant community, making Yavapai County a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge and aspire to be part of a vibrant team that values each member, we welcome you to join us in furthering our legacy and making a difference in your community. Why… because people matter!
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