Salary: $35.95 - $53.92 Hourly
Location : Surprise, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 27-00048
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Arizona

SUMMARY
The Planner I position performs specific entry-level activity ensuring new development meets City standards and guidelines in order to create and maintain a high quality and well-built community by interpreting and communicating code, laws and regulations to ensure compliance with applicable standards. Some of the responsibilities of a Planner I include evaluating land development requests for general plan amendments, rezoning, use permits, variances, design review, appeals, annexations, preliminary plats, as well as the drafting of legal documents such as ordinances and resolutions. Additionally, the Planner I will make presentations at community meetings to facilitate decision making by Council, Boards, Commissions and related groups.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or directly related field and a minimum of one year of professional level urban/land use planning experience; or, an equivalent combination of professional experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed in the job description. Additional education cannot be substituted for experience.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
None
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process to include a panel interview.

Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include:

• Criminal Background Screening
• Education & Experience Verification
• E-Verify
• Fingerprinting

To view the full job description, including work environment and physical demands, click HERE

The City of Surprise offers a broad range of inclusive employee benefits to help employees in their work and personal lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides our employees with competitive compensation, generous benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance for our diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, retirement, and a variety of work/life programs, including generous paid time off and twelve holidays. For additional benefit information, please
01

I understand all criminal convictions (felonies and/or misdemeanors including DUIs) that occurred as an adult (age 18 or older) must be disclosed when answering Question 7 and disclosed in full detail in Question 8 in the Agency-Wide Questions section of this application. I also understand my failure to disclose a conviction as outlined in Question 8 may be grounds for elimination of further consideration and/or a job offer to be rescinded.

• I acknowledge the above statement.

02

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you currently employed by the City of Surprise?

• Yes
• No

04

Select the option that applies to your highest level of education completed:

• Master's degree, or higher, in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or directly related field
• Bachelor's degree in planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or directly related field
• Associate's Degree
• High School diploma or G.E.D. awarded
• None of the above

05

How many years of professional-level urban/land use planning experience do you possess?

• 5 years or more
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• Less than 1 year
• None of the above

06

Describe your experience working in urban planning, architecture, civil engineering or a directly related field. Please include number of years of experience. If none, enter "N/A".
07

What area best describes your experience in Urban Planning:

• Environmental Planning
• Land Use Planning
• Municipal Planning
• Private Planning and Design
• Transportation Planning

08

Describe your experience working on site plans, landscape plans, and architectural reviews. If none, enter "N/A".
09

What best describes the number of years of experience and knowledge as it pertains to ArcGIS?

• 5 years or more
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• Less than 1 year
• None of the above

Required Question