Planner II/III

This position is open until filled with a first review date scheduled for Monday, September 14th.  
Priority will be given to candidates who submit their application
on or before Sunday, September 13th, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.  

Are you an experienced planner who enjoys turning complex information into thoughtful, practical solutions for a growing community? The City of Medford is looking for a Planner II/III to join our Planning team and play a meaningful role in how our community grows and develops.

In this position, you’ll take on advanced land-use and planning work, from reviewing development applications, plans, and maps to preparing staff reports, studies, policy amendments, and recommendations. You’ll work collaboratively with City staff, property owners, development professionals, partner agencies, and the public to navigate planning processes and help move projects forward. You’ll also have opportunities to present before committees and commissions, contribute to City planning policies and long-range initiatives, and take the lead on complex projects that require sound judgment and independent decision-making.

If you’re a skilled planning professional who enjoys problem-solving, communicating technical information clearly, and seeing how your work directly influences the community around you, we encourage you to apply and bring your experience to the City of Medford!

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent; and
• Planner II, requires two (2) years (Planner III, requires three (3) years) of professional planning experience, preferably in the public sector.
• Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, or other area of study as deemed applicable may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)

Available Schedules: 

• 8 hours daily, Monday - Friday
• Opportunity for alternate schedule after the first 6 months:
  • 9-80 (nine-hour workdays with a three-day weekend every other week)

This position is part of the AFSCME employee group. 

Learn more about our benefits HERE.  

Healthcare Benefits:

• Medical, vision and dental benefits for employee and family, paid at 100% by the City with the opportunity to buy-up to a lower deductible plan
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance – policy value of $50,000 paid by the City
• Long-term disability insurance provided by the City
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA-VEBA) contributions provided by the City

Retirement Benefits:

• Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) lifetime pension after retirement at no cost to employee
• PERS is 100% fully paid as the City pays both the employer and the employee’s (6%) contributions
• Deferred Compensation retirement plan (Section 457 Plan) for employee's retirement planning

Additional Benefits:

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• The City’s Wellness Program promotes physical, social, emotional, intellectual, financial and environmental wellness with various goals and challenges to participate in throughout the year. Employees may qualify for wellness incentives by completing milestones set within the program up to $200 annually
• Access to the City's fully equipped fitness center 24/7

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Prepares and reviews a variety of written plans, studies, staff reports and Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan amendments.
• Reviews, analyzes and processes development permits, plans, maps and related documents to completion; makes change recommendations.
• Reviews reports and consults with department staff on project review issues.
• Assists the public with inquiries and requests for information regarding the planning process, code standards, layout and design issues and environmental standards such as floodplain and riparian requirements. 
• Serves as department representative and gives presentations to committees, commissions and the public.
• Assists in the research and development of City planning policies and procedures as required.
• Assist with researching, applying for, and managing grant opportunities. 
• Completes designated job tasks, special projects, and all other duties as assigned to meet team, department, and City goals while working cooperatively, efficiently, and productively in a team environment.
• Actively demonstrates high levels of employee engagement, accountability, coachability, and responsibility for personal performance and results. 
• Demonstrates initiative to incorporate and implement learning principles from informal and formal training, as well as feedback from leaders and co-workers.
• Scope of the assigned area will depend on departmental and/or citywide operational structure and is at the discretion of the Planning Director.

Other Functions of the Position:

• Approaches training opportunities with active engagement and curiosity, while learning and exhibiting understanding of City policies, protocols, and performance expectations. 
• Pursues professional development opportunities to add value to the city, including learning, adopting, and quickly adapting to new techniques, technologies, and industry practices. 
• Actively demonstrates accountability and responsibility for both work product results and the impact behaviors and decisions may have on the ability of others to do their jobs well. 
• Receives, interprets, and implements job-related instruction, guidance, coaching, and training (both formal and informal) while progressively improving skills and overall success in performing assigned duties. When issues of poor performance or negative behaviors are raised, incorporate feedback in a constructive manner that demonstrates understanding of the concern and an ability and willingness to achieve the required consistent and sustained improvement. 
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the overall function of the department and organizational goals.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Handles job stress and interacts effectively with others in the workplace.
• Fosters an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Is an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.

Competencies:

Communicativeness - Effective performers recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange. They actively seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways. They use modern technologies to access and circulate information. They take responsibility for ensuring that their peers and supervisors have the current and accurate information needed for success.

Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances. They can demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation and continue performing steadily and effectively.

Customer Orientation - Effective performers attend to customers in a timely manner. They view the organization through the eyes of the customer and go out of their way to anticipate and meet customer needs. They continually seek information and understanding regarding market trends.

Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers can identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment. They isolate causes from symptoms, and compile information and alternatives to illuminate problems or issues. They involve others as appropriate and gather information from a variety of sources. They find a balance between studying the problem and solving it. They readily commit to action and make decisions that reflect sound judgment.

Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented. They identify with the larger organizational team and their role within it. They share resources, respond to requests from other parts of the organization, and support larger legitimate organizational agendas as more important than local or personal goals.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:  
Performs work indoors in an office environment with regulated and minimal environmental conditions.  This role may involve time spent sitting at a desk. The noise level is typically minimal to medium. When fieldwork is required, you will be exposed to the elements (rain, heat, cold) and work within congested traffic areas. The outside work environment can include walking on uneven terrain. This environment may also include interactions with the public.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. This position may require extended periods of standing, walking, and sitting. The employee must be able to crouch, bend, stoop, twist, turn, and balance. The employee regularly operates office equipment, including computers, printers, copy machines, calculators, and telephones. Good eyesight, hearing, and dexterity are required.

IMPORTANT (Please read):

• It is important your application shows all the relevant experience you possess.
• Applications may be rejected if incomplete.
• Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an online application; an application will be considered incomplete with a "see resume" response.  
• Please complete the application and answer the supplemental questions thoroughly to ensure our subject matter experts can appropriately evaluate your experience as we compare applicants.

How to Apply: 

1. Applications are only accepted online and must be received by the posted closing date/time.
2. This position is open until filled.  For first consideration, apply by September 14, 2026.
3. Selection procedures and timelines subject to change.  
4. Those selected must be able to provide proof of legal right to work in this country. 

Use of AI-Generated Content in Employment Applications
Employment with the City of Medford can be competitive, often there are many qualified applicants for each open position. We want to see application materials that reflect an applicant’s unique personality and that accurately reflect their experience. The use of AI-generated content to complete employment applications and/or supplemental questions is discouraged and may result in disqualification. Each submission will be verified for originality and authenticity. However, AI tools for grammar checking and resume formatting are permitted. 

Hiring will be subject to successful completion of the following:

• Criminal history background investigation
• Favorable driving record 
• Clear drug screen following federal law
• Professional reference check

Questions or Assistance:

• If you have questions about the job posting, please contact the Human Resources department at (541) 774-2014.  
• For technical assistance completing your online application, please contact Government Jobs at (855) 524-5627.