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Community Planner Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Bay City, MI

Community Development Planner

Bay City, MI

$62K - $71K/yr

City of Bay City Full Time - Community Development Planner Community Development Department - U.W.U.A. Local 541 JOB SUMMARY The following is intended as a brief description of the duties ...

Wade Trim

Entry Level Planner - #2970

Detroit, MI · On-site

We are looking for an Entry Level Planner to join our Community DesignTeam to improve infrastructure in our Flint or Detroit office. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree Planning or a related ...

Spicer Group

Planner

Bingham Farms, MI · On-site

... of community planning, landscape architecture, and recreation planning projects. This role will lead smaller projects or key portions of larger initiatives, prepare and review plans, feasibility ...

Spicer Group

Planner

Saginaw, MI

... of community planning, landscape architecture, and recreation planning projects. This role will lead smaller projects or key portions of larger initiatives, prepare and review plans, feasibility ...

Spicer Group

Planner

Bingham Farms, MI

... of community planning, landscape architecture, and recreation planning projects. This role will lead smaller projects or key portions of larger initiatives, prepare and review plans, feasibility ...

Spicer Group

Planner

Byron Center, MI

... of community planning, landscape architecture, and recreation planning projects. This role will lead smaller projects or key portions of larger initiatives, prepare and review plans, feasibility ...

Oakgov

Associate Planner

Waterford, MI · Hybrid

General Summary $67,241 - $90,090 This is a hybrid position Are you passionate about community planning and development, land use, and creating vibrant places to live and work? As an Associate ...

Wade Trim

Entry Level Planner - #2970

Flint, MI · Hybrid

We are looking for an Entry Level Planner to join our Community Design Team to improve infrastructure in our Flint or Detroit office. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree Planning or a related ...

Wade Trim

Entry Level Planner - #2970

Detroit, MI · Hybrid

We are looking for an Entry Level Planner to join our Community Design Team to improve infrastructure in our Flint or Detroit office. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree Planning or a related ...

Wade Trim

Entry Level Planner - #2970

Detroit, MI · Hybrid

We are looking for an Entry Level Planner to join our Community Design Team to improve infrastructure in our Flint or Detroit office. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree Planning or a related ...

Wade Trim

Entry Level Planner - #2970

Flint, MI · Hybrid

We are looking for an Entry Level Planner to join our Community Design Team to improve infrastructure in our Flint or Detroit office. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree Planning or a related ...

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All JobsCommunity Planner JobsCommunity Planner Jobs in Michigan

Community Planner information

See Michigan salary details

$39.2K

$88K

$119.8K

How much do community planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for community planner in Michigan is $87,953.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,100.00 and $119,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a community planner?

A community planner develops assists in the planning and development of public space. Community planners typically work for the city; they think strategically about the use of local resources and create long-term and short-term plans for the municipality. As a community planner, examples of projects you may oversee include development of new bike paths, housing communities, or public parks. Once plans are approved, you issue permits to developers and construction crews. You also monitor the projects to ensure the city sticks to its official development budget. Other job duties include drafting legislation, planning new construction, conducting field investigations, mapping land areas, and predicting development trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community planner?

To thrive as a Community Planner, you need a solid background in urban planning, geography, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in planning and relevant certification (such as AICP). Familiarity with GIS software, zoning codes, and planning regulations is typically required. Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills help you effectively engage with stakeholders and navigate complex projects. These skills and qualifications are essential for developing sustainable, functional, and community-focused plans that address the needs of diverse populations.

What are some common challenges community planners face when engaging with diverse stakeholders?

Community Planners often work with a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, business owners, government officials, and advocacy groups, each with unique interests and priorities. Balancing these diverse perspectives while fostering consensus can be challenging, especially when addressing sensitive issues like zoning changes or development projects. Effective communication, active listening, and adaptability are essential skills to ensure all voices are heard and solutions are equitable. Successful Community Planners regularly facilitate public meetings and workshops to build trust and collaboratively shape community goals.

What is the difference between Community Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectCommunity PlannerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; certification often preferredBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning or related field; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLocal government agencies, community organizations, non-profitsMunicipal governments, private consulting firms, government agencies
Industry UsageFocuses on community development, public engagement, and local projectsFocuses on city-wide or regional development, infrastructure, and zoning

Community Planners and Urban Planners share similar educational backgrounds and certifications. However, Community Planners typically work more directly with local communities and focus on neighborhood-level projects, while Urban Planners often handle broader city or regional planning initiatives. Both roles are essential in shaping sustainable, functional communities and often collaborate on development projects.

Is it hard to get a job as a community planner?

Getting a job as a community planner can be competitive, often requiring a relevant degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, along with experience or internships. Strong skills in GIS software, public engagement, and knowledge of local regulations can improve employment prospects, but job availability varies by region and economic conditions.

What qualifications do you need to be a community planner?

Community planners typically need a bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, geography, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in urban planning or a related discipline, along with relevant experience and knowledge of planning software and regulations.

Where do community planners make the most money?

Community planners tend to earn higher salaries in regions with strong urban development and higher living costs, such as major metropolitan areas. Factors like experience, education, and certifications also influence earning potential, with those working for government agencies or private firms often earning more than those in non-profit sectors.
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The top searched job categories for Community Planner jobs in Michigan are:

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Community Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Planner job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,953 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Community Development Planner

The City of Bay City, Michigan

Bay City, MI • On-site

$38.08/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

City of Bay City
Full Time - Community Development Planner
Community Development Department - U.W.U.A. Local 541
JOB SUMMARY
The following is intended as a brief description of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position listed above and is not intended to be all encompassing or all-inclusive.
Under the direction of the Planning and Zoning Manager this position provides professional, technical, and administrative assistance to the Planning and Zoning Department in community planning, zoning, community and historic preservation activities, and all other related projects and assignments. Use of professional judgment and latitude is exercised in carrying out assigned tasks and responsibilities.
ILLUSTRATIVE JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which an employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
  1. Prepares and presents comprehensive oral and written reports and accompanying recommendations for community planning projects and activities through the analysis of physical conditions, demographic, socio-economic, transportation and other applicable information.
  2. Aids in research for revisions to the City's Master Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Historic District Ordinance.
  3. Participates in the Local Update of Census Addresses program and Census Count Committee.
  4. Serves as the City's liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Historic District Commission. May assists other professional staff with research, analysis and reports as required.
  5. Performs duties related to the City's Certified Local Government Program with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office.
  6. Attends and participates in meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic District Commission, Citizens District Councils, and other meetings. Communicates with board chairperson's related to meeting agendas.
  7. Assists Community Development Department with CDBG activities including assisting with environmental assessments and providing support to Citizens District Councils as assigned.
  8. Responds to daily inquiries from the public and governmental agencies and reviews building permits, sign permits, and fence permits for zoning and code compliance.
  9. Reviews a variety of applications for zoning compliance, including encroachment agreements, liquor licenses, secondhand stores, adult foster care homes and sidewalk cafes.
  10. Performs other duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
The Community Development Director may accept any combination of experience, education, skills and certifications, or substitutions at their discretion.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
  1. Knowledge of the principles and practices of community and historic preservation and public-sector planning.
  2. Understand and properly interpret the City's zoning, land use, and other ordinances and codes.
  3. Knowledge of research, planning and stewardship activities related to the management and preservation of historic structures.
  4. Skilled at applying the criteria of the National Register of Historic Places in making decisions about management and preservation of historic structures.
  5. Skilled at applying, interpreting, and explaining the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to property on.
  6. Ability to participate in field inspections of contractor's work during construction phases.
  7. Ability to use current computer software programs for written and graphic communication.
  8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, state, regional, and City officials, and the public.
  9. Excellent communication skills: ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  10. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions, as well as establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public officials, governmental agencies, and the public.
  11. Analyze problems, identifies multiple solutions, and implements recommendations in support of goals.
  12. Work effectively under time constraints and changes in work priorities with little or no supervision.
  13. Assemble and organize resulting analysis, and to prepare and present reports from such information.
  14. Initiate, organize and perform varied tasks and projects with minimal supervision, while meeting deadlines.

Special Requirements:
  1. Flexibility of hours may be required to meet the needs of the Department, boards, and the public, which rely on the Planning and Zoning Department for technical support. Evening meetings are expected. The Community Development Director may accept any combination of experience, education, skills and certifications, or substitutions at their discretion.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The Community Development Director may accept any combination of experience, education, skills and certifications, or substitutions at their discretion.
Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Planning, Public Administration, Landscape Architect, Geography or related field.
One (1) or more years of planning experience in local government; and/or an Associate's degree (A.A) from a two-year college in Historic Preservation and two (2) or more years of experience in working with governmental or private non-profit boards or commissions on historic preservation issues.
Knowledge of Word processing, graphic presentation, BS&A software, Adobe Pro, database and spreadsheet software and general computer operation.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Please see the Full Job Description for more Information

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