JOB TITLE: City Planner I/II- Planning Focus
PAY RANGE: $50,000 - $63,000 Based on Education and Experience
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
FLSA: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Community Development Director
REVISED: 07/16/2026
SAFETY SENSITIVE: YES
This classification is a safety-sensitive position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations and/or the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act. As a safety-sensitive classification, you will be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing. Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening. Possession of a medical marijuana certification will not excuse you from the testing process, or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION:The position conducts various activities related to current planning and development reviews. Planning responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing staff support to the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Arts Commission, researching and applying local ordinances, assisting in the development of current and long-range planning activities, assisting with the development review process, and participating in periodic reviews and updates of the City Ordinances and Plans. This position operates under the direction of the Community Development Director.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Assists in gathering, analyzing and interpreting planning data.
- Assists in preparing staff reports and/or segments of staff reports on permit applications for the City of Shawnee Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Arts and Cultural Commission and City Commission concerning planning projects containing findings and recommendations for approval or denial.
- Perform surveys and gather information relating to land usage, spatial changes, community needs assessments and other community problems.
- Assists property owners and stakeholders with various planning and zoning questions.
- Assists with various long range planning studies and projects.
- Utilizes the computerized Geographic Information System (GIS) to generate and analyze existing and future land use, zoning, population demographics, and development maps for use by City departments and members of the general public.
- Accepts planning-related applications, conducts completeness checks, processes applications, reviews plans, maintains case files, and updates file database for the Arts and Cultural Commission.
- Must create a positive and professional public image as a representative of the city.
- Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Indoor office work environment; routinely exposed to outdoor environment for limited periods for field visits.
- Writes and presents information and reports to committees, commissions, the City Commission, and other agencies, consultants, civic groups, and nonprofit organizations.
- Searches for additional grant opportunities that may address related projects and programs; prepares grant applications, controls expenditures, and prepares required reports;
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge :
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of city planning.
- Knowledge of land use, physical design, demographic, environmental and socioeconomic concepts as applied to the planning process
- Knowledge and understanding of land-use principles and applicable redevelopment responsibilities, methods and practices of negotiations.
- Knowledge and understanding of administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, meeting strict timelines, program development, implementation and evaluation.
Required Abilities:
- Ability to function in a busy environment with competing deadlines.
- Ability to coordinate multiple tasks within projects and/or multiple groups involved in projects.
- Ability to research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
- Ability to interpret and apply applicable federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
- Ability to analyze zoning requirements and policies and make recommendations for needed revisions.
- Ability to work cooperatively and maintain a professional manner when dealing with city officials, staff, and the general public.
- Ability to provide expert advice without formal supervisory responsibility.
- Ability to respond to complaints and grievances in a professional and courteous manner.
- Advanced ability to prepare reports for publication and presentation.
- Ability to work independently, and with a team, coordinate with various departments, and outside agencies to ensure appropriate approvals have been granted and compliance is achieved.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of materials and approach work in a highly organized and self-motivated fashion.
- Prepares, types and edits a variety of correspondence.
- Adheres to work schedule, attendance requirements, and safety rules/regulations.
- Operate standard office equipment and utilize word processing, spreadsheet programs, database management, e-mail and other software applications as required to perform essential job duties.
- Performs other duties as directed and required.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with major coursework in city planning, urban design, or related field required. Master's degree is preferred
- One or more years of experience in city planning preferred but not required.
- Valid Oklahoma Driver's License, acceptable driving record and ability to be insured.
- GIS experience is preferred.
- AICP certification is preferred. If not possessed at the time of hiring it is strongly encouraged to be obtained within two years of employment with the City of Shawnee.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the non-essential functions.
Contact:City of Shawnee- HR
personnel@shawneeok.org
(405) 878-1627