Entry Level Graduate Urban Planner Jobs in Arizona

Salary: $63,936.50 - $92,983.49 Annually
Location : PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 17571
Department: (H230)Development Services
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Arizona
Description/Duties
The first review of all applications will be on Monday, August 31, 2026.
A Planner I performs specific entry-level, professional planning tasks involving research and analysis in the following areas: Subdivision Review, Long-Range Planning, Planning and Zoning Board Case Review, Zoning Administration, or Design Review. Tasks include: conducting research, analyzing data, evaluating findings, and identifying best practices as it relates to the General Plan and Mesa Zoning ordinance potential modifications, reviewing submissions against the General Plan and City ordinances, providing information and some explanation to developers, architects, and the general public about the City's ordinances (Zoning, Sign, Manufactured Home/Recreational Vehicle, and Subdivision), and development standards of various divisions and departments as well as policy direction from boards and Council; processing applications to the Planning and Zoning Board, Board of Adjustment, and the Design Review Board including writing reports and making oral presentations; processing annexation requests; reviewing and processing administrative review cases including preparing the approval letters; reviewing and processing subdivisions; and analyzing land-use patterns and demographic patterns. This class is responsible for performing related duties as required.
A Planner I is distinguished from a Planner II by the latter's work experience with the City and continuing capacity to perform at journey-level in at least two of the recognized functional areas. Employees in this class may progress by noncompetitive promotion to Planner II upon meeting the specific criteria-based promotion requirements. A Planner I is trained and supervised by a Planner II, Senior Planner, or Principal Planner through observation, discussion, and review of reports. The full-time position for this class is FLSA exempt-administrative; the part-time is FLSA nonexempt. The part-time, non-benefited position has been designated as a non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position.
Please refer to the links below for the full job descriptions and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.
Qualifications & Requirements
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field. Some (6 months - 1 year) experience in conducting research and analyzing problems and issues related to City planning and land-use controls.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Certification and Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners and National and State Planning Associations are highly desirable. Registration as an Architect or Landscape Architect and ArcView/ArcInfo experience is highly desirable. Internet/web page development is also desirable.
Link to Job Description
A is linked here.
01
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or related field? Please detail your degree information on your application.

• Yes
• No

02
How much experience do you have conducting research and analyzing problems and issues related to City planning and land-use controls? Please detail your experience on your application.

• None
• Some but less than 6 months
• 6 months or more but less than 1 year
• 1 year or more

03
Please detail your experience conducting research and analyzing problems and issues related to City planning and land-use controls below; include employment dates and names of employer(s). If none, type N/A. **To receive credit, you MUST fully detail this experience on your application. Incomplete applications or responses such as "see resume" will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed, detailed application.**
04
Please select below the certifications that you currently possess. Please also detail your certification information on your application.

• American Institute of Certified Planners
• National Planning Associations
• State Planning Associations
• None of the above

05
Please select below the memberships that you currently possess. Please also detail your membership information on your application.

• American Institute of Certified Planners
• National Planning Associations
• State Planning Associations
• None of the above

06
Are you registered as an Architect or Landscape Architect?

• Yes
• No

07
Please detail your experience with ArcView/ArcInfo, including all employer(s). Please also detail this experience on your application. If none, please type N/A.
08
Please detail your experience with Internet/web page development, including all employer(s). Please also detail this experience on your application. If none, please type N/A.
Required Question