Planner

Danch, Harner & Associates is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Planner to join our team. This position will support municipalities, counties, property owners, developers, and other clients with land-use planning, zoning, and development-review matters.

The Planner will be responsible for reviewing and coordinating a variety of planning and development applications, including variances, subdivisions, rezonings, site plans, conditional uses, and other land-use requests. This position provides an opportunity to work directly with clients, municipal and county staff, elected and appointed officials, consultants, and the public on a wide range of development projects.

Responsibilities

• Review and process zoning, variance, subdivision, rezoning, site-plan, conditional-use, and other land-use applications.
• Evaluate proposed developments for compliance with applicable zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, comprehensive plans, and other local regulations.
• Prepare professional staff reports, recommendations, findings, conditions of approval, and meeting materials.
• Research property zoning, land-use history, development regulations, comprehensive-plan policies, and applicable ordinances.
• Review plats, site plans, surveys, development plans, and other technical documents.
• Coordinate application reviews and comments with municipal and county departments, engineers, surveyors, attorneys, developers, and other consultants.
• Communicate with applicants and property owners regarding application requirements, deficiencies, revisions, and approval processes.
• Attend and present applications at Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, County/City Council, and other public meetings.
• Assist with public hearings, including preparation of agendas, exhibits, notices, presentations, and related documentation.
• Conduct site visits and field reviews as needed.
• Assist clients with interpreting and applying zoning and land-use regulations.
• Assist with comprehensive planning, zoning ordinance updates, subdivision regulations, development standards, and other planning projects.
• Prepare maps, exhibits, graphics, and other planning materials using GIS and related software.
• Maintain organized project files and track applications, deadlines, reviews, and approvals.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting established deadlines.
• Perform other planning and related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, City Planning, Regional Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, plats, site plans, and other development documents.
• Ability to analyze development proposals and apply established planning and zoning standards.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate professionally with clients, public officials, applicants, consultants, and members of the public.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Preferred:

• Professional experience in municipal, county, consulting, or private-sector planning.
• Experience reviewing variances, subdivisions, rezonings, site plans, conditional uses, and other development applications.
• Experience preparing staff reports and presenting cases before planning commissions or boards of zoning appeals.
• Experience with GIS, particularly ArcGIS.
• Knowledge of applicable state and local planning, zoning, and subdivision regulations.
• AICP certification or progress toward AICP certification.
• Master's degree in Urban Planning or a related field.

What We Offer

At Danch Harner & Associates, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of real-world development and planning projects while building relationships with communities, clients, and other professionals.

We offer:

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) / retirement benefits
• Paid vacation and holidays
• A collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and increased responsibility

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys solving land-use and development issues, working with people, and seeing projects move from concept through approval. You should be comfortable interpreting regulations, reviewing technical documents, writing clearly, communicating with applicants and public officials, and presenting planning recommendations in a professional setting.

Experience is valued, but we are also interested in candidates who demonstrate strong analytical ability, initiative, professionalism, and a genuine interest in planning and community development.

Pay: $52,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person