City Planner Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Posting Expires: 7/7/2026
Salary Range: $68,156.41- $79,254.00
The Project Manager I is an individual contributor in the Neighborhood Planning Units division of the Department of City Planning. This role will include managing special projects from inception to completion, including the scope, schedule, budget, procurement, risk, quality and resources in accordance with standard operating procedures and department and city policy. Other duties may include administrative tasks, such as scheduling meetings, managing a robust calendar, web and publication updates, record-keeping, written correspondence, and preparing public notices.
This role requires knowledge of the project life cycle, practices, policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities. The Project Manager I is responsible for planning, organizing, managing and executing projects from beginning to end. The PM will build realistic project plans, deliver outcomes on time, schedule tasks, coordinate with stakeholders and team members, track project progress and hold teams accountable for deliverables and deadlines. The Project Manager I will implement practices that promote effectiveness and efficiency, and advance the Division's goals. The Project Manager I keeps abreast of any changes in policy as it pertains to departmental operations and NPU support, and is able to assemble information to curate and deliver written project reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.
Responsibilities
General Description and Classification Standards
The Department of City Planning (DCP) provides the leadership role in creating opportunities for our City to continue to grow and sustain our diverse communities that define and give Atlanta its unique character. The Department's objective is to guide the development of the City through planning, design review, plan approval, code compliance, and housing assistance.
The Department's Neighborhood Planning Division provides support and oversight to the twenty-five Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs) to promote the planned and equitable growth of Atlanta's neighborhoods and effective citizen participation. The Project Manager I effectively communicates and interacts with NPU leaders, department staff and other city departments and partners, and members of the public to coordinate key projects involving multiple stakeholders. The NPU Division is a collaborative group that focuses heavily on its guiding principles and prioritizes outcomes.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.
The Project Manager I is an individual contributor in the Neighborhood Planning Units division of the Department of City Planning. This role will include managing special projects from inception to completion, including the scope, schedule, budget, procurement, risk, quality and resources in accordance with standard operating procedures and department and city policy. Other duties may include administrative tasks, such as scheduling meetings, managing a robust calendar, web and publication updates, record-keeping, written correspondence, and preparing public notices.
This role requires knowledge of the project life cycle, practices, policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities. The Project Manager I is responsible for planning, organizing, managing and executing projects from beginning to end. The PM will build realistic project plans, deliver outcomes on time, schedule tasks, coordinate with stakeholders and team members, track project progress and hold teams accountable for deliverables and deadlines. The Project Manager I will implement practices that promote effectiveness and efficiency, and advance the Division's goals. The Project Manager I keeps abreast of any changes in policy as it pertains to departmental operations and NPU support, and is able to assemble information to curate and deliver written project reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an experienced project manager who is a highly organized team player, thorough, self-directed, and exceptionally attentive to detail. The successful candidate is a critical thinker who is naturally curious, enjoys researching information and identifying solutions, and can effectively complete multiple tasks simultaneously while managing competing priorities and producing precise deliverables under critical time constraints. The selected candidate takes ownership of projects from conception through completion and is capable of managing complex initiatives with limited guidance or oversight.
The candidate uses independent judgment and discretion in handling difficult situations, determining and implementing procedures, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems. They can comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. The ideal candidate is technologically proficient, comfortable learning and leveraging new tools and systems, and brings creativity and innovation to their work.
The preferred candidate loves Atlanta and its diverse neighborhoods and has:

• Exceptional organizational and accounting skills;
• Experience coordinating special projects;
• Passion for excellence, respect for public participation processes, and a proven commitment to public service;
• Superior written and verbal communication skills;
• Deep appreciation and respect for Atlanta's varied neighborhoods and the diverse people who live and do business here;
• A demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups of people and a commitment to providing superior customer service to every member of the community and stakeholder;
• A clear understanding of civic responsibility and the community's role in neighborhood planning;
• Strong problem-solving skills and a curiosity-driven approach to identifying opportunities for improvement;
• A track record of taking initiative and successfully leading projects from start to finish;
• Advanced proficiency with technology, digital tools, and project management systems;
• Creativity and the ability to develop solutions to challenges.
• Experience administering and managing grant programs, including application review, compliance monitoring, contract administration, reporting, and stewardship of public funds.

Supervision Received
The Project Manager I is an individual contributor. Direction received is general and focuses more on long-term and short-term operating objectives, organizational effectiveness, and operating results.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in public administration, public policy, urban planning, human services, sociology, psychology, marketing, communications or related field (equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree as an exception).
3-5 years of project management experience, preferably in the public sector.
Essential Capabilities and Work Environment
Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job. Position will require occasional evening and weekend availability and local travel.