Planner I

Posting Close Date

Applicants must submit their completed application by 11-01-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

As part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a chronological resume and cover letter at the time of application.

The cover letter, not to exceed two pages, should clearly demonstrate how your education, professional experience, skills, and accomplishments align with the responsibilities of the Planner position.

Please address the preferred qualifications where applicable and focus on the value and results you would bring to the position.

Applications that do not include both documents by the closing date of the recruitment will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration for this recruitment.

INTERVIEW INFORMATION:
The highest scoring applicants will be invited to participate in interviews on November 16 & 17, 2026. Interviews will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams.

In-person hiring interviews may be conducted on TBD

The City of Tucson does not provide VISA sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Relocation expenses will not be provided for this position. Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with relocating to the Tucson area, if applicable.

Recruiter contact information: If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Position Specific Summary

The Planner I position at the City of Tucson’s Planning and Development Services Department assists with a variety of land use planning or historic preservation projects. This position reviews proposed development projects for compliance with local codes and standards, area plans, and policies.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Planning Supervisor or Historic Preservation Officer. This position does not supervise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews development projects proposed on private property or public lands daily for conformance with zoning codes or other applicable regulations. Analyzes applications, plans and proposals; communicates corrections, comments, and recommendations to applicants via electronic permitting software and processes zoning modifications requests.

 

• Provides zoning, land use, permitting, historic preservation, and cultural resources information to the public, contractors, applicants, and other customers. Responds to inquiries and provides assistance at the public counter and through other communication channels.

 

• Coordinates and collaborates with City staff and other stakeholders on development proposals and conceptual designs.

 

• Coordinates applications requiring review by Boards, Committees and Commissions (BCCs). Prepares public notifications, staff reports, and meeting materials, compiles public comments and presents cases during public meetings. Monitors case progress in the online system and completes case closure, filing, and records management activities.

 

• Supports special projects or planning initiatives, including complex development projects, zoning code updates, planning initiatives, rezoning cases, Historic Landmark designations, historic preservation projects, historic context and survey development, and grant applications. Prepares electronic documents, reports, presentations and other materials to communicate complex information.

 

• Assists with regulatory review and documentation related to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the State Historic Preservation Act.

 

• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with occasional site visits.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's degree

Experience

One (1) year of relevant experience

Equivalency

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

License/Certifications

Preferred Qualifications

Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Built Environment, Geography, Public Policy, Heritage Conservation, Historic Preservation, History, Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field.

Experience in planning, zoning, public policy, historic preservation, or cultural resources management.

Experience in land use planning, public policy development, or historic preservation in an office setting.

American Planning Association: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification.

Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards.



License:

A valid and unrestricted driver’s license with two (2) years of licensed driving is required.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J2612 - Planner I

View full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade

G107

Hourly Range

$26.57 - 39.86 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Planning and Development Services Center

Department Link

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Planning-Development-Services

Background Check

This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits

The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship

The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

The city does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD). 

ADA Accessibility Compliant Form

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Recruiter Name

Liliana Almeraz

Recruiter Email

[email protected]

For general Human Resources questions please contact 520-837-4190.