Planner II - Long Range

The City of Whitefish is actively recruiting for a full-time exempt Planner II – Long Range to join our Planning and Building Department. We welcome your inquiries and encourage you to apply! If you have a passion for serving the public sector, this may be the perfect fit for you.

One of the fastest growing cities in Montana, Whitefish is consistently rated one of the best small towns in America and was named one of the top 25 ski towns in the world by National Geographic. It is located on the shores of Whitefish Lake and the base of Big Mountain – home to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Whitefish also boasts over 36 miles of natural surface single-track mountain biking and hiking trails with 10 trailheads, golfing, world class dining, two professional live theater companies, and is only thirty minutes from Glacier National Park.

Benefits of working for the City of Whitefish include:

• Health, Dental, Orthodontic, and Vision Insurance (FY27 the City pays 81% of monthly premium, employee pays 19% of monthly premium pre-tax)
• Generous employer contribution toward Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for those who choose the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
• Free annual biometric screening - Employee and spouse/partner can earn up to $200 incentive for participation
• City Wellness Program - City pays $30 per month to employees to use toward wellness
• Corporate rate membership to The Wave health club (billed to City and deducted through payroll)
• Montana Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - includes employer and employee contributions
• 15 days of paid vacation earned per year (starting)
• 12 days of paid sick leave earned per year (starting)
• 12.5 paid holidays per year
• One paid personal day per year (8 hours)
• $25,000 employer paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Life Insurance Policy for employee and $5,000 for spouse/dependents. Voluntary life is available to employee, spouse/partner, and dependents, monthly premium paid by employee.
• 125 Cafeteria Plans - Optional Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA)
• Free Employee Assistance Program - 6 free counseling sessions per issue, per person in household
• Optional Deferred Compensation Plan (457) – Pretax and Roth Available
• Optional Aflac Plans including Accident, Short-Term Disability, Cancer, Hospital and Critical Illness
• May be eligible for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Plan (PSLF) - click here to learn more and to understand your eligibility
• City paid continuing education, training and development (as approved by supervisor and City Manager)
• FMLA - up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year (rolling calendar year) available after working 1250 hours within previous 12 months and employed for 12 months for qualifying events. Accrued leave utilized concurrently.
• Bereavement Leave - up to 5 paid days off for death of immediate family member
• Jury & Witness Duty Leave
• Military Leave
• 15% -20% discount on Verizon voice plans and select data plans
• T-Mobile exclusive offers with Work Perks – 15% off the Go5G Plus or Go5G Next rate plans
• AT&T discounts also available
• Parks & Recreation After School and Summer Day Camp services provided at no cost to employees
• Whitefish Workforce Assistance Program - designed to help full-time, part-time and seasonal equivalent employees to successfully live and work in the Whitefish area by providing rental assistance – click here to learn more and understand your eligibility.

APPLY BY: It is in your best interest to submit your online application, resume, and cover letter by the Priority Deadline, Thursday, October 22, 2026, 5:00 pm. This position will remain open until filled.  For assistance with online application process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 406-863-2464 or email [email protected].

EOE-AA-M/F-VET-DISABILITY

Performs professional planning work to support long-range planning needs and some current planning as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general guidance and direction of the Director of Planning and Building. 

None.

The list of tasks is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by the Planner II – Long Range.  The following duties are typical for this classification and are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.   Other duties may be required and assigned.  

This position serves an important role in the operations of the City and requires a consistent and dependable presence during assigned hours of work.  It is expected that every employee should be on time, fully prepared, every day that the employee is scheduled to work.  

Takes the lead on community-wide and neighborhood long range planning efforts, including Growth Policy updates, corridor plans, updates of zoning and subdivision regulations, transportation planning, affordable housing, implementation of adopted plans, etc.

Provides professional and technical support in processing zoning and subdivision project applications and in developing urban growth management policies and innovative land use regulations as required.

Reviews and analyzes data and formulates recommendations in the form of detailed technical staff reports.

As assigned, attends meetings of the planning commission, City Council, and other advisory and informational local, state, and federal meetings to disseminate information, provide oral reports and recommendations and support processes relative to planning functions, projects, and applications; and offers professional and technical assistance in planning matters.

Prepares applications for grants, reviews, and prepares comments on federally assisted programs.

Meets with civic groups and individuals to explain policies, programs, and procedures and to supply information as requested.

Provides information and assistance to people who request the same on planning matters.

Maintains effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, city manager, department director, staff, employees, other agencies, news media and the public.

Drafts and distributes a variety of correspondence, maps, memoranda, and notices as needed.

Perform other tasks as assigned.

May serve as a member of various employee committees.

1. Bachelors Degree in regional and city planning or related field;
2. Four (4) years’ experience in long range/comprehensive planning, or 
3. Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

1. Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and zoning, community outreach and obtaining consensus, research methods and techniques used in planning, State and local laws and regulations affecting planning and subdivisions, computer applications for planning, mapping, and GIS; 
2. Skill in operating the listed tools and equipment; 
3. Ability to organize and maintain multiple projects simultaneously; ability to comprehend and articulate complex facts and relationships in detail and to summarize and write clearly, concisely and legibly; prepare accurate, concise and comprehensive professional reports; make effective presentations to boards and groups; understand and establish statistical data and graphic material; manage and oversee federal and other grant programs and applications; maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, city manager, department director staff, employees, other agencies, news media and the public; follow verbal and written instructions; handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry people.  
4. Ability to think critically, make decisions, pay attention to detail, manage time in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment, self-managing, accountable for their actions, and dedicated to providing superior customer service.