Environmental Planning Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $77,922.00 - $96,779.00 Annually
Location : Coleman A Young Municipal Center, MI
Job Type: Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number: 2025419305503HRDmgh
Department: Housing & Revitalization
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
Closing Date: 5/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: 9000-Non Union Salary Regular Service General
Description
HOUSING AND REVITALIZATION DEPARTMENT
PLANNER 3 - HISTORIC PRESERVATION
ARCHEOLOGIST
The Archaeologist will provide National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility recommendations for archaeology under a Programmatic Agreement (PA) with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and create policies and procedures for archaeology specific compliance with Federal, State and Local laws and regulations for the funding of programs, projects and initiatives of the Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD).
The Archaeologist will assist with the evaluation of Section 106 applications, and maintain review and correspondence records related to projects including electronic records, memos, letters, and Smartsheet project tracking. This position will provide technical assistance within the department to ensure the specialized nature of urban archaeology is considered in all projects, and coordinate with SHPO regarding ground disturbing activities in archaeologically sensitive areas, as outlined in the PA.
Under general supervision, responsible for community planning in coordination with city wide planning and goals, and identifying community needs, resources, and problems. Planners assist citizens to make decisions on goals, policies, priorities, plans, programs, and methods of implementation designed to create a physical, economic, and social environment in which the human activities desired by the members of the community may flourish. This class covers only those positions / specialties for which the paramount is knowledge of planning principles, concepts, techniques, and practices; e.g. urban design, architecture, and historic preservation.
Examples of Duties

• Perform site surveys of buildings, structures, landmarks, and districts to assess potential preservation status; determines eligibility for National Register of Historic Places.
• Analyze and review buildings, development projects, construction plans, materials, and designs for regulatory and contractual compliance adhering to Section 106 reviews as described and required by the U.S. Secretary of Interior and the State of Michigan Historic Preservation regulations.
• Report complaints and conduct site inspections to determine violations and enforce related ordinances, codes, and policies.
• Monitor changes to local, State, and Federal regulations with respect to Federal Section 106 to assess potential impacts on historic designations and projects; proposes regulation revisions as requested or required.
• Perform feasibility, impact, and cost studies dealing with a variety of complex urban design and/or historic preservation issues, policies, and projects.
• Undertake research in primary and secondary sources in various repositories on the history of historically significant cultural resources, communities, events, and areas in the City.
• Attend meetings and conferences; serve as liaison with other City departments, relevant County, State and Federal agencies, public outreach groups, contractors, attorneys, architects, engineers, and citizens.
• Advise neighborhood groups and City citizens on historic restoration, preservation, and renovation best practices; consult with groups seeking historic designation of individual properties or whole neighborhoods; respond to inquiries from citizens, mediates disputes, and provide technical assistance and expertise regarding codes, tax credits, and other related matters.
• Responsible for the review and presentation of applications and materials related to the City's Historic Preservation Program; notify property owners of impending reviews of nominations; administer review of nominations; and maintain the Detroit Register of Historic Places.
• Present reports for Historic Review and Planning Commissions as requested or required.
• Prepare and administer grant applications, proposals, and RFPs for historic preservation or district designation.
• Investigate best practices in historic preservation trends; participate in education programs on historic preservation and the history of Detroit; create brochures and informational materials regarding historic districts.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications (required):

• For all intermediate and advanced level Planners, it is a requirement to have completed a master's degree from an accredited college or university, major course of work in urban design, city planning, environmental planning, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, or other related field of study.
• Minimum three (3) years of professional experience in city planning, architectural design, or urbanization.

Licensing and Certifications

• Valid Driver's License.
• Possession of a certification sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) may be required.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 - 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD 10/11/2024
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of city planning, historic preservation, community and land development, urban design and architecture, and revitalization programs.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process, as it relates to planning.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of contract administration and project management.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of community involvement and participation.
• Skill in interacting with the public, department personnel, developers, business leaders, consultants, and others with tact and diplomacy.
• Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing meaningful data and maps.
• Skill in analyzing comprehensive architectural plans, specs, and drawings; analyzing construction problems, evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations.
• Skill in exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Skill in effectively communicating information and ideas, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in the use of a personal computer, Microsoft Office and other related software.
• Skill in preparing RFPs, evaluating proposals, negotiating terms, and managing and administering contracts.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex information and processes, exercise independent judgement, and make policy recommendations.
• Ability to observe, compare, or monitor and determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to interpret, explain, and apply appropriate policies, regulations, and procedures to petitions and applications.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, projects, and business needs.

Physical Demands

• The employee generally remains in a stationary position for an extended period operating standard office equipment which may include computers, telephones, photocopiers, and fax machines.
• The employee is expected to move about to accomplish tasks such as opening file cabinets and moving files.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment.
• Some work requires travel to meetings, conferences, and other work sites with exposure to seasonal weather conditions.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH

• Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
• Dental
• Vision

INSURANCE

• Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.

PAID TIME OFF

• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holidays

OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
• Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
• In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
• Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit
01
Do you possess a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university, major course of work in urban design, city planning, environmental planning, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, or other related field of study?

• YES
• NO

02
How many years do you possess of professional experience in city planning, architectural design, or urbanization?

• Less than 3 years of experience
• 3 - 5 years of experience
• 5 or more years of experience
• No Experience

03
Describe your professional experience in city planning, historic preservation, community and land development, urban design, urbanization, and architecture, and revitalization programs.
04
List your certification in which you possess in urban design, city planning, environmental planning, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, or a certification sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)?
05
Did you attach your cover letter and resume to your online application?

• Yes
• No

Required Question