The City of Duluth is hiring for a Planner II position. The purpose of this role is to support the successful preparation, operation, and/or conclusion of planning and development efforts and ongoing programs in such fields as community and business development, public engagement, housing, zoning and land use, preservation, and environmental planning.

Please note that this Planner II position will be an important part of the City’s development processes, working as part of a team to process permits, administer zoning and other regulations, and manage complex development projects. 

Positions in this classification are distinguished from others within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained and proficient in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility, to have a broad and detailed understanding of planner duties and services, to have knowledge of City policies and procedures, good problem-solving and organizational skills, and have the ability to exercise sound judgment within established guidelines.

The supervisor of this role provides continuing or individual assignments by indicating generally what is to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines, and priority of assignments. The supervisor provides additional, specific instructions for new, difficult, or unusual assignments, including suggested work methods or advice on source material available.

A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Planning, Urban Development, Social Science, or a related professional field, and three (3) years of related professional experience. A master's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1.    Conduct research and studies; assemble and correlate information regarding community needs and issues, including fair housing impediments and housing regulatory barriers.
2.    Develop financial resources in support of projects and programs assigned.
3.    Prepare and/or present reports, proposals, requests, contracts, and recommendations on behalf of the City and Department.
4.    Coordinate and conduct public meetings, and arrange or provide staff support for public boards, commissions, and committees, including preparing agendas, arranging public meetings, notifying appropriate parties, preparing and approving hearing minutes, and reviewing and executing official actions.
5.    Monitor project and/or program performance for compliance with contract provisions, regulations, and goals, and assemble and analyze data to report performance.
6.    Ensure compliance with applicable codes, laws, and regulations by conducting documentation review, record research, and site visits/inspections.
7.    Review zoning regulations in the Unified Development Chapter (UDC) of the City of Duluth Legislative Code and recommend changes.
8.    Research building permit and property history, determine applicable land use requirements, and correspond with customers regarding history and proposed use of property.
9.    Confer with other departments/agencies regarding planning and development matters.
10.    Review and approve permits, applications, and plans; process applications for zoning appeals.
11.    Establish and maintain positive relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
12.    Develop and provide training to City staff and/or other agencies and the public on topics of current planning, emerging issues, and new regulatory programs.
13.    Shape urban development policy and regulations by undertaking original research and analysis and preparing recommendations on a wide range of urban development issues, problems or concerns related to critical Citywide initiatives having significant long-term implications on City programs and resources.
14.    Be an effective team member by exhibiting self-motivation, supporting other employees in handling tasks, interacting effectively and respectfully with others, showing a desire to contribute to the team effort, accepting assignments willingly, and completing tasks within agreed upon timelines.
15.    Coordinate with various City departments, other government agencies, and community groups to develop methods of sharing resources, minimizing duplication, and simplifying procedures.
16.    Provide training on new or modified procedures and policies to all affected parties.
17.    Coordinate and perform planning and development functions and programs for the City.
18.    In collaboration with the supervisor, organize and direct the work activities of assigned team, and determine work priorities, assignments, and work schedules.
19.    Provide input on decisions regarding the hiring processes and onboarding procedures of personnel.
20.    Establish and maintain positive working relationship with the supervisor and employees by maintaining two-way communication, producing consistent results, advocating for the team when appropriate, and offering expertise to improve processes, systems, and the organization.
21.    Other duties may be assigned.

Closing Date: 8/13/2025 11:59 PM Central.

Please visit Planner II | Job Details tab | Career Pages for more information.