Salary : $58,212.89 - $102,796.45 Annually
Location : Human Resources, 401 E Virginia St. McKinney, TX 75069, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:Department: Planning
Opening Date: 10/23/2026
Closing Date: 11/6/2026 5:00 PM Central
SummaryDepending on experience, education, and qualifications, applicants may be hired as either Planner I, Planner II, or Senior Planner. FULL PAY RANGE - Planner I$58,212.89 - $84,410.66 Annually
FULL PAY RANGE - Planner II$66,565.54 - $96,522.29 Annually
FULL PAY RANGE - Senior Planner$70,892.45 - $102,796.45 Annually
The Job Description for Planner I is shown below. View Each Job Description, by clicking the links above.
SUMMARY OF POSITIONUnder general supervision, the planner position is responsible for researching, analyzing, reviewing, and facilitating matters related to growth, development, redevelopment, revitalization, and the physical organization of the community. Depending on area assignment, the focus of an individual planner may include the review of and responsibility for development and zoning requests, activities related to comprehensive planning and research, neighborhood planning, downtown planning and/or various historic preservation activities. The candidate selected to fill this position is also responsible for working with elected and appointed governing bodies, city departments, public agencies, developers, and the public to ensure projects meet the goals and standards established by the City.
Essential Functions/Knowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesGENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES In order for us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.
- Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and City goals are interconnected.
- Contribute to a positive work culture.
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
- Ability to assess his/her work performance or the work performance of the team.
- Contribute to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall organization.
- Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, to demonstrate team skills, and to perform a fair share of team responsibilities.
- Ability to continuously learn and develop through a mix of internal and external training opportunities, and if applicable, encourage subordinates to do the same.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Exhibits respect, integrity, service and excellence in all actions, speech, and decisions.
- Provides excellent customer service; responds to concerns and inquiries.
- Maintains department and project files and documents.
- Assists other team members within the division and department, as needed.
- Participates in special team projects both within and between departments.
- Attends department, public, boards and commissions, and City Council meetings, as needed.
- Complies with all written City policies and procedures.
- Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in City and department attendance policies and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
When assigned to the Development Review Team:
A Development Review Planner helps to ensure the community develops in a safe, efficient, and attractive manner in partnership with the development community.
- Processes, analyzes, and evaluates development proposals such as site plans, plats, specific use permits, and façade plans in accordance with applicable codes, policies, and design guidelines and offers recommendations for the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council.
- Processes, analyzes, and evaluates (re)zoning requests, as needed, and offers recommendations for the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
- Coordinates with other departments, divisions, and outside organizations.
- Prepares reports, meeting agendas, graphics, and associated studies and documentation for distribution to the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council; this includes making formal presentations to the Commission.
- Partners directly with development applicants and their representatives throughout the planning development process to inform them of the procedural requirements, apprise them of staff comments and recommendations, and provide documentation of actions performed by staff, the Planning & Zoning Commission, and City Council.
- Advises the public and developers on the development process for various case types, fees, and policies.
- Prepares maps and exhibits for the development community and public as needed.
- Performs field inspections of development property, from site visits during application review to final Certificate of Occupancy inspections.
- Assists in the development, drafting and implementation of policies and regulations related to growth and development.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND BEHAVIORS- Ability to embrace and embody the City's core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
- Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom service is provided.
- Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
- Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
- Knowledge of planning principles, specifically related to land use planning, development, preservation, community engagement, and implementation.
- Understands how short-term decision making affects long-term planning goals of the city.
- Requires strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
- Skill to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data and/or information using established criteria. Includes exercise of discretion in determining actual or probable consequences, and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
- Skill to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
- Skill to utilize a variety of advisory and design data and information, such as zoning and subdivision codes, planning maps, state statutes and city ordinances.
- Skill to perform mathematical operations involving basic algebraic principles and formulas, and basic geometric principles and calculations.
- Skill to perform semi-skilled coordinated movements, such as performing data entry on a computer, operating a vehicle, and utilizing an engineering scale.
- Ability to read and interpret spatial data using GIS software.
- Ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others on how to apply procedures and standards to specific situations.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
- Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
- Ability to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers, subordinates, and customers with respect.
- Exemplifies the core values of teamwork, respect, integrity, service and excellence for the City of McKinney and Development Services Division.
- Exhibits enthusiasm for work and a dedication for achieving quality results in alignment with the city's goals and objectives.
- Builds professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
- Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change.
Required QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Architecture, Historic Preservation, or closely related field and a minimum six (6) months' previous experience and/or training in the field of urban planning.
Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications may be an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Master's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Architecture, Historic Preservation, or closely related field.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT- Must pass a drug screen and background check.
- Must have Class C Texas Driver's License.
Physical Demands/SupplementalPHYSICAL DEMANDSTasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require visual and sound perception and discrimination and oral communications ability.
WORK ENVIRONMENTEssential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
The City offers a full complement of benefits:
Health Insurance- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Medical and Childcare Account (FSA)
- Mental Health Care and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- City-paid and Voluntary Life Insurance
- City-paid and Voluntary Long Term Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance through Aflac
Additional Benefits- Legal Services through Legal Shield
- Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
- Wellness Program (earn up to $600 per year)
Retirement- Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
- Mandatory 7% employee contribution
- City match 2:1
- 5 year vesting
- Retire after 20 years of service, or age 60 with 5 years of service
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans
Paid Time Off (PTO)- Paid Vacation (80 hours per year for new hires; tiered increases after 2 yrs)
- Sick Leave (135 hours per year for yourself and immediate family)
- Paid Parental Leave (80 hours for birth, adoption, or placement of a child in foster care)
- Ten Paid Holidays
- Personal Day
- Optional compensatory time for hourly employees
- Compensatory time for salaried employees
For more detailed information, please see the City of McKinney's
01
What types of development projects have you processed (site plans, rezoning requests, plats, façade plans, etc.)? What was your involvement in the process?
02
What is your experience specifically with redevelopment projects? In your opinion, what are unique challenges posed in redevelopment projects in historic downtowns?
03
Tell us about your experience in or with municipal planning? What do you find the most rewarding part of planning in the public sector?
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