Land Use Planner

Application Deadline: Sunday, September 20, 2026, 5:15 p.m. PT

Accepting Online Applications only through the City of Eugene Website

Information on How to Apply

The Land Use Analyst position involves a wide range of work related to current planning, including review of land use applications and development permits and providing information and assistance to developers and the public on land use planning related matters, including but not limited to, the land use code, building permit applications, and interpretations of development standards. This position supports continually evolving our processes and services (including customer service, written communications, technology, and processes).

• Analyzes and evaluates land use applications, building permit and development proposals; prepares appropriate public notices; evaluates data and interprets applicable laws, codes, and ordinances, and makes appropriate recommendations; coordinates reviews and negotiations with other City departments.
• Identifies and resolves critical issues affecting the feasibility and success of various development proposals and land use applications.
• Prepares staff and planning-related reports for the City Council and Planning Commission, Hearings Official, and other committees and advisory boards; makes presentations as required.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates complaints and recommends corrective action as necessary to resolve concerns regarding the City's planning functions. Serves as public contact for land use planning at the Permit and Information Center.
• Prepares maps, charts, and graphs for a variety of land use applications and planning projects; prepares initial studies and designs for land use applications, annexation and other related reports.
• Compiles and analyzes information and make recommendations on community plans and special studies.
• Researches and drafts ordinances for review; processes amendments to the City zoning ordinances, other land use development ordinances, and the Metropolitan Area General Plan, and community plans.
• Confers with and advises engineers, developers, architects, attorneys, and the general public regarding City development requirements and planning policies and standards; coordinate City's response on land use applications, zoning, and other planning related matters; negotiates and resolves related conflicts that arise.
• Collects, records and summarizes statistical and demographic information; establishes and maintains a comprehensive database.
• May conduct field investigations to assess project conformity with plans and policies; makes recommendations for corrective action.
• Develops promotional and informational materials to provide information to the public regarding building and permit services programs, procedures, and related City ordinances, codes, plans, and other standards.
• Reviews complex development proposals and work with developers to reach agreement on acceptable site plans; reviews various development applications for compliance with appropriate regulations and policies; prepares reports and recommendations.
• Provides technical assistance to other city staff.
• Ensures implementation of and adherence to the City’s Affirmative Action and Diversity Work Plans. Facilitates staff development on such issues as diversity and creating a respectful working environment.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

The City of Eugene encourages individuals of all communities and backgrounds to apply for job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to the public. 

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable knowledge, skills, and abilities from a variety of sources and experiences.  

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience 

Planner, Assistant: One year of professional planning experience.

Education 

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in urban and regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in a planning-related field is desirable

Background 

Must pass a background check.

• Modern principles and practices of urban planning, economics and development.
• Terminology of governmental and legal procedures related to municipal planning.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Research methods and statistical principles related to urban growth and development.
• Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Citizen involvement techniques and processes.
• Modern office methods, procedures and computer equipment. The following are specific to the Associate Planner level:
• City laws and ordinances related to general plans, zoning and land divisions.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Modern principles and practices of research methodology, urban planning, economics and development.
• Applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Citizen involvement techniques and processes. 

• Learn City laws related to general plans, zoning and land divisions.
• Learn applicable State and Federal laws and regulations, and methods of assessment.
• Analyze and compile technical and statistical information of moderate difficulty and prepare reports.
• Use drafting and drawing equipment and computer to draw maps and plans.
• Become familiar with current maps, studies, ordinances, and other planning resources.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
• Analyze and compile complex technical and statistical information and prepare reports involving site design, circulation, utilities, and other urban services.
• Perform professional planning work with minimal supervision.
• Translate complex planning issues and technical data into an easily understood format for the public.
• Manage controversy related to specific development proposals and community planning issues.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in written and graphic work. 

• Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
• Analyze and compile complex technical and statistical information and prepare reports involving site design, circulation, utilities, and other urban services.
• Perform professional planning work with minimal supervision.
• Translate complex planning issues and technical data into an easily understood format for the public.
• Manage controversy related to specific development proposals and community planning issues.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in written and graphic work.

Working Conditions

Regular focus on a computer screen. Daily precise control of fingers and hand movements. Daily standing and sitting for prolonged periods. Occasional attendance at meetings or activities outside of normal working hours. Occasional operation of a motor vehicle on public roads. Occasional physical exposures when making site visits.

Bilingual Pay Benefit

This benefit compensates non-represented employees up to 5% of their base salary. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must demonstrate fluency in an eligible language and pass a language proficiency test that is administrated by the City’s Employee Resource Center division. 

Non-Represented Retirement Program

Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%. 

From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296. If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement. 

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061. 

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.