Salary: $83,636.45 - $125,454.67 Annually
Location : Avondale, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Development Services
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt

Job Description
The City of Avondale has an opportunity for a Senior Planner with the Development Services Department. This is an FLSA-exempt, full-time position with benefits.

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

The first review of applications will be on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, and weekly thereafter.

Performs an advanced level of professional and technical city and urban planning work associated with community planning and development. Manages, reviews, and implements both current and long-range planning and development projects. The distinction between this position compared to a Planner position is the emphasis on managing more complex planning assignments and exercising greater independence and judgment, greater expertise with building and site design, and providing guidance to the Planner position as needed. Acts as project manager and reviews development proposals. Provides technical support, information, and guidance to property owners, developers, Planning staff, other City departments, outside agencies, elected and appointed officials, and the general public on adopted ordinances, policies, plans, and procedures.
Essential Functions

Serves as project manager for planning projects and land development proposals by administering applications, directing consultants and coordinating staff, scheduling meetings and public notifications, planning data research and analysis, and mediation with developers. Planning projects include high-profile, economic development-oriented, controversial, and sensitive master-planned single-family residential communities, commercial and office developments, multi-family residential, and industrial business parks. Reviews plans for compliance and makes recommendations and resolves issues. Coordinates application review process with affected parties including applicant, property owner, developer, City staff, architects, engineers, landscape architects, traffic engineers, and legal counsel. Serves as the City's primary point of contact as project manager for developments to other City staff, design consultants, developers, and the public on all project-related matters.

Conducts technical site plan review and analysis of preliminary and final subdivision plats, development site plans, and construction plans for compliance with City development policies and design guidelines. Conducts design reviews of site plans, building architectural plans, landscape plans, and signage for commercial, industrial, residential, mixed-use, and other project types. Conducts residential design reviews for production and custom single-family residential homes and multi-family residential. Conducts field inspections of projects under construction including final site inspection and approval of residential, commercial, and industrial development projects.

Prepares various amendments to City documents and maintains long-range planning functions by gathering, analyzing, and presenting data and making recommendations on changes, compiling information on special studies and preparing reports, attending and facilitating action committees, coordinating the review process, preparing surveys, and gathering information related to land use. Participates in or manages updates to specific plans, design manuals, General Plan, and similar long-range planning documents.

Assists in the interpretation and application of City codes, ordinances, regulations, standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures pertinent to planning, zoning, land development, land use, and development design proposals. Researches code-related issues as needed and makes new policy recommendations to management.

Evaluates complex land development proposals for Pre-Applications, General Plan amendments, Text Amendments, Rezonings, Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Annexations, land subdivisions, and other development requests. Reviews and provides recommendations on Development Agreements and Maintenance Improvement Districts. Formulates staff recommendations and conditions. Schedules legal notifications and public hearing dates. Presents findings and recommendations before the Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, and City Council. Serve as the City's project manager at neighborhood meetings.

Drafts and reviews ordinances and resolutions. Participates in the preparation and implementation of development policies, design guidelines, and code updates.

Conducts meetings with development clientele and City staff to discuss Pre-Applications and project reviews. Manages project negotiations.

Prepares and manages the creation of maps, exhibits, and aerial photographs through GIS and Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint presentations, and other visual aids in conjunction with staff reports and presentations before hearing boards.

Coordinates with and acts as liaison to internal groups and committees and external committees.

Schedules and prioritizes work assignments, meets review timelines, and prepares review comments and approval letters.

Assist customers with application submittals and processes, research, and inquiries. Performs other related duties as assigned.

To view the full job description and learn more about the responsibilities and qualifications, please click to view the Class Specification here
Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning or closely related field is required.

Work requires knowledge of land use principles and concepts and the purposes of land use plans, codes, and ordinances. Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of planning and development design including architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, site design, traffic engineering, land use compatibility, and economic development. Knowledge and experience in construction processes.

Master's degree in Urban Planning or a related field is desired.

Three (3) years of experience in planning, project review, or a related community development activity related to local government planning, processing, and managing the full range of zoning, land use, and development applications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Valid Arizona Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desired.

Select from the options below your highest level of completed education.

• Not completed High School
• High school or GED
• Associates or Vocational Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

How many years of experience do you have in planning, project review, or a related community development activity related to local government planning, processing, and managing the full range of zoning, land use, and development applications?

• No Experience
• 0-11 months
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years or more

This position requires a valid Arizona Driver's License or the ability to obtain one at the time of hire. Which of the following best describes your current licensing status?

• I currently have a valid Arizona Driver's License
• I have a valid out-of-state driver's license that can be transferred to the State of Arizona by the time of hire
• I do not currently have a driver's license, but I am able to obtain a valid Arizona Driver's License by the time of hire
• I am currently unable to meet the driver's license requirement for this position

Do you have a valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification?

• Yes
• No

Required Question