Salary: $66,523.68 - $94,106.16 Annually
Location : City of Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Planning Services
Opening Date: 09/28/2026
Closing Date: 10/12/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

CLASS SUMMARY

Performs professional work in the areas of urban planning, zoning administration, subdivision administration, and community development.
EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Assists in the preparation of comprehensive plan elements, neighborhood specific plans, topical plans and studies, and special planning projects, such as housing needs assessments or transportation studies.
• Assists in research and surveys regarding demographics, economic conditions, land use trends, property values and ownership, housing conditions, infrastructure condition and capacity, and other subjects related to city planning. Will utilize department computer assets, including Geographic Information System technology, to do research and analysis.
• Assists in organizing and facilitating public meetings and workshops for the general public, special interest groups, and City boards, committees, and commissions as a part of the planning process.
• Prepares staff reports for, and participates in, public hearings regarding community development issues.
• Assists in drafting developmental policies and ordinances in furtherance of adopted plans.
• Reviews and analyzes development proposals, including environmental reviews and applications for land use actions and development permits. Comprehensive plan revisions, zoning code amendments, rezones, subdivisions, site-plan reviews, shoreline permits, and similar project activity may be assigned to the employee.
• Supervises and participates in the preparation and maintenance of planning base maps and zoning maps. Designs, organizes, and illustrates the text of planning reports.
• Prepares graphic interpretations of planning principles and objectives.
• Prepares and presents staff reports and recommendations on land use actions and development applications. Records appropriate entries in the computerized property management system.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open-Entry Requirements:

• Certification Path:
  • Certifications: Successful completion of the AICP Certification Examination (American Institute of Certified Planners).
  • Licenses: A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is required.
• Education/Experience Path:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with a major in city, urban, regional, or environmental planning from a degree program which is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). Applicants enrolled in the final (senior) year of a qualifying program may apply, but candidates must obtain their bachelor's degree prior to hire.
  • Experience: One year of professional urban/regional planning experience along with possession of a closely related or non-PAB accredited bachelor's degree may also be qualifying.
  • Licenses: A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is required.

EXAMINATION DETAILS
Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of multiple-choice questions.

Possible subjects covered in the examination:

• Planning
• Zoning
• Subdivisions
• Statistics
• Mathematics
• Public Relations
• Professional Conduct/Ethics

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on October 14th, 2026. The testing window is October 15th, 2026 - October 19th, 2026.

Please note: The email will come from City of Spokane ([email protected]).

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

BENEFIT COMPENSATION VALUE

In addition to a salary, The City of Spokane provides a generous benefits package valued between $31,097 - $38,667.

INSURANCE BENEFITS

Eligibility: Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment.

Eligible Dependents: Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partner's children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.

Medical
Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected.
Vision
Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected.

Dental
Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The monthly premium is minimal for employee and eligible dependents.

Life Insurance - Employee Only
Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employee's annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s)
Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $7,500 for spouse/domestic partner and $3,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Long-Term Disability Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance is provided by The Standard. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Flexible Spending Account
The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.

AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit
AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit is optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs.

LegalShield/ID Shield
Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to terms of contract.

Pet Insurance
Get cash back on the everyday care your pet needs to stay healthy! Nationwide/Voluntary Pet Insurance is an optional plan in which City of Spokane Employees can enroll.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

Continued Medical/Dental Insurance
Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical and/or dental insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium in addition to a small monthly administrative fee.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Spokane Employees' Retirement System
The Spokane Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is a defined benefit pension plan covering non-uniformed, permanent employees. As a participant, you contribute 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Contributions and earnings are tax-deferred. The City also contributes 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2015 become vested (eligible for a monthly benefit at retirement age) at seven years of service.

Deferred Compensation
Enrollment in the City-sponsored 457 Deferred Compensation Plan administered by MissionSquare Retirement allows participants, on a voluntary basis, to defer a portion of their salary on a before or after tax basis. Contributions and associated earnings contributed on a before tax basis are eligible to receive City matching contributions and are tax deferred (not taxed until taken out). You can also choose to participate in the 457 Roth (after tax) contribution option. You may enroll in the 457 plan or change your contribution at any time. Minimum contribution is $15 per paycheck up to and is subject to the IRS annual limitations. The City will match employee contributions up to $150/month.
PAID TIME OFF

Official Holidays
The City observes seven official holidays as paid. An official holiday that falls on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday. An official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday immediately following. The City observes Martin Luther King Jr's birthday but has not declared that day as an official holiday. For this reason, employees hired before the third Monday of January receive an additional eight hours of floating holiday time to be used in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.

Floating Holidays
48 hours of Floating Holidays to be used as of January 1st. Floating holiday hours may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination.

Vacation Leave
Employees earn paid vacation hours each pay period. The number of hours earned depends upon the employee's length of employment and the number of hours in a pay status. Vacation accrual ranges from 12 days per year for a new employee to 20 days per year after 11 years of employment. Unused vacation hours carry over each year but are subject to maximum accrual amounts in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.

Sick Leave
Sick leave accrues at a rate of six (6) hours per biweekly pay period. Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue sick leave. Unused sick leave hours carry over each year.

Other Leaves
The City also provides several other paid and unpaid leaves, such as: bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave, maternity leave, jury duty, and military duty leave.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS

Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a referral and counseling service administered by Deer Oaks. It provides a myriad of services to employees and their household members. Services include receiving confidential assistance for personal issues, such as managing stress, depression, parenting, alcohol/drugs, grief, etc. Each household member is eligible to receive up to eight counseling sessions per issue per year at no charge. There is also a benefit relating financial or legal concerns in addition to Worklife/Convenience services and online tools.

Employer Sponsored Bus Pass (ESBP) Program
The City of Spokane encourages employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work and participates in the ESBP Program offered by Spokane Transit Authority (STA). The program provides a bus pass for unlimited rides free of charge.
Revised March 15, 2022
01

Do you have a valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility?

• Yes
• No

02

To meet the education requirements for this position, you must provide your college transcripts. You may go back and attach them now, returning to this question when you are done. Have you attached your college transcripts to your application?

• Yes
• No

03

Please check the items which apply to you and ensure that your application shows the supporting details including required attachments for verification. NOTE: Items 1-3 are qualifying on their own OR you must possess both items 4 and 5 to qualify.

• I have a Bachelor's degree (or higher) from a four-year college or university with a major in city, urban, regional, or environmental planning from a