The City of South Portland is currently seeking a 37.5 hour a week full-time Senior Planner to join our Planning and Development team. This is an opportunity to join a well-run city and play a part in serving our community with further opportunities for professional growth.
Position Summary: This is professional work in the field of municipal planning which involves the application of knowledge and skills to various land development and municipal long range planning topics. The work requires extensive contact with other public agencies, private parties, developers, the City Council, City Boards, Committees, Commissions, neighborhood groups, and the public. The position involves considerable independent judgment in preparing assessments, reports, and making technical determinations. The Senior Planner must perform planning-related research and analysis, develop draft policy for consideration, oversee project management, ensure a transparent and efficient public process for project review, facilitate meetings, and make formal, appealable determinations as outlined in the Duties and Responsibilities below. The position serves the Council, Planning Board and various standing and special committees, as needed, which involves report preparation and public presentation.
Education: Bachelor's degree in land-use planning, urban planning, or a closely related field required. Master's degree in urban planning or a related field is preferred.
Experience: Five (5) or more years of relevant professional municipal planning or related experience required. Demonstrated experience with land use regulations in Maine and in communities of similar complexity and size to South Portland; experience drafting, interpreting, and analyzing legislation at the local and State level is preferred. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred. Must have a flexible schedule with the ability to occasionally work longer than normal office hours, and may include attending evening, and weekend meetings. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Maine Class "C" driver's license throughout employment and must have their own reliable transportation for possible work-day transportation between city buildings.
Benefits: The City of South Portland offers competitive pay and a robust selection of employee benefits, including an excellent health plan with affordable family coverage, matched retirement options, dental, vision, life, income protection, long term disability, flexible spending accounts and more. The City also offers health insurance "payment-in-lieu" and professional development opportunities. We offer up to thirteen (13) paid holidays, fifteen (15) sick days annually, two (2) personal days, and vacation commensurate with relevant experience. The City of South Portland is proud of its talented and dedicated workforce and provides employees job stability; a positive, family friendly workplace where work/life needs are valued and supported; and the support, encouragement and tools for successful careers. The City of South Portland values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and embraces sustainable operations. Come join our team dedicated to service excellence!
Salary Range as of July 1, 2026: $38.56 - 43.94/hour ($75,129 - $85,683 annually) depending on experience. This position is eligible for annual step increases, and possible annual cost of living increases as approved by the City Council.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Job description and fillable application are available on our website at www.southportland.gov.
To apply please send a cover letter, resume, application and three professional references to [redacted], or mail them to us at:
City of South Portland
Genny Dyer, Human Resources Compliance Specialist
25 Cottage Road
South Portland, Maine 04106
Senior Community Planner Job Description (PDF)
