Planner I or II (Community Development)

About

The City of Cedar Rapids is hiring a Planner I or Planner II to join our Community Development team! This position will be primarily focused on supporting the development of an effective, regional, multi-modal transportation system—including efforts to enhance connectivity and provide choices for all transportation users.

In this role, you’ll contribute to long-range planning, GIS-based analysis, and community development initiatives that shape the future of Cedar Rapids. Whether you're early in your planning career or bringing advanced experience to the table, you'll help guide infrastructure investment and policies that improve quality of life across the region.

If you’re passionate about multi-modal planning, urban design, and building vibrant, inclusive communities—we encourage you to apply and be part of our forward-thinking team!

Position Functions

Job Duties & Responsibilities
Planner I:

• Coordinates the development and implementation of long-range planning activities.
• Develops and maintains GIS-based projects for data analysis related to long-range planning, annexations, and infrastructure investment.
• Research best practices and innovative strategies related to long-range planning activities and other planning principles, projects, and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Prepares reports, open house display materials and documentation related to planning projects.
• Provides information and responds to internal requests and questions from the public, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Analyzes and prepares recommendations for ordinance and policy amendments for consideration.
• Participates in the administration of the Neighborhood Services Program including work plans and budgets, and other related activates.
• Researches best practices and innovative strategies for increasing quality of life and social offerings for the purposes of workforce retention and attraction.
• Performs related work as required.

• Coordinates the development and implementation of long-range planning activities.
• Develops and maintains GIS-based projects for data analysis related to long-range planning, annexations, and infrastructure investment.
• Research best practices and innovative strategies related to long-range planning activities and other planning principles, projects, and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Prepares reports, open house display materials, and documentation related to planning projects.
• Provides information and responds to internal requests and questions from the public, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Analyzes and prepares recommendations for ordinance and policy amendments for consideration.
• Participates in the administration of programs and initiatives including:
  • Financial management;
  • Marketing, promotion, and education; and
  • Performance monitoring and evaluation.
• Researches best practices and innovative strategies for increasing quality of life and social offerings for the purposes of workforce retention and attraction.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience
Planner I:

• Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, architecture, public administration, or related field, and up to 1 year of related experience in planning, urban design, or public administration.

• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience. (i.e., one year of relevant work experience may substitute for one year of education.)
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, architecture, public administration, or related field, and 3 to 5 years of experience in planning, urban design, or public administration.

• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience. (i.e., one year of relevant work experience may substitute for one year of education.)
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants with Disabilities
We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!

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• Expansive Wellness Program and low cost onsite exercise facilities
• Dental Insurance with Delta Dental of Iowa
• 100% city paid basic life insurance
• Other voluntary benefits offered including vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• IPERS Retirement - Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, with contributions of 6.29% employee/ 9.44% City (IPERS)
• Deferred Compensation (IRS Section 457) retirement programs
• Generous paid time off AND 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave program with 4 weeks of paid time off
• Annual salary increases, AND an annual across-the-board increase (determined by available budget)
• Longevity Pay for years of service
• Educational assistance up to $3,000 per year
• A culture that is supportive and committed to professional development opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Employees may qualify for the PSLF program which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer.