Planner I

The City of Urbandale is currently accepting applications for Planner I to join our Community Development Department. Under the direction of the Community Development Assistant Director, you will support development reviews, contribute to long-range planning projects, and provide excellent customer service to residents, builders, developers, and other partners navigating City code and the development process.

This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging planning professional to gain hands-on experience in zoning, site plan review, mapping/GIS, public meetings, and community-focused problem solving—work that has a visible impact on Urbandale’s neighborhoods. You will have the chance to work on a variety of projects, from small-scale development reviews to long-range planning initiatives, while collaborating with a knowledgeable and supportive team. May graduates are encouraged to apply; the City is able to accommodate a flexible start date if necessary.

This position offers the potential for promotion to Planner II as early as two years after hire, providing a clear pathway for career advancement.

• Individual health insurance for only $77.46 per month; or family health insurance for only $237.74 per month
• Dental, vision, and flexible spending account options
• 15 paid vacation days per year
• 12 paid sick days per year
• 4 weeks of paid paternal leave
• 10 paid holidays + 3 additional personal holidays
• IPERS retirement plan
• 457(b) retirement plan with 2% city match
• City-paid life insurance policy - plus additional voluntary life insurance options
• City-paid long term disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional information can be found in the EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK and the 2026 NON-UNION BENEFITS GUIDE 

The starting annual salary for this position is $73,729.00, which is Step 1. The position is an exempt, civil service role. The detailed pay range is outlined in the Non-Union Wage Schedule July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026, which can be accessed HERE.

*The salary range reflects pay steps based on length of service. New employees are typically hired at Step 1. The full range is provided to illustrate potential future earnings.*

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Reviews and approves building permits for all types of projects, as well as sign and temporary use permit applications.
• Responds to questions about the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, floodplain regulations, Census information, and other data maintained by the Department, as well as other requests for information from the general public, developers, consultants, builders, realtors, and other governmental entities.
• Prepares and provides official notices for rezonings, plan amendments, vacation and conveyance requests, address changes, Board of Adjustment matters, annexations, and other matters requiring public hearings or notification. 
• Receives, distributes, and reviews preliminary and final plats, site plans, and other submittals for compliance with City ordinances and policies.
• Coordinates and monitors multiple projects through the development process. Provides information and guidance to consulting engineers, attorneys, and developers regarding the development process and their particular project.  
• Prepares documents and staff reports for rezonings, comprehensive plan amendments, neighborhood/specific plans, planned unit development master plans, ordinance amendments, vacation and conveyance requests, subdivision plats, site plans, variances and conditional use permit applications, intergovernmental agreements, and related matters. 
• Provides policy guidance for the planning process; reviews and stays current with state and federal legislative and regulatory changes, as well as legal challenges related to planning and development issues; makes recommendations regarding policy in the administration of the zoning ordinance; contributes to the development of new ordinances.
• Performs independent analysis on a variety of planning projects and proposals, including rezoning applications and ordinance amendments and makes recommendations utilizing the principles of good planning and land use practices.
• Gathers, develops, and analyzes data with a focus on spatial analysis; prepares maps and graphics to present Geographic Information System (GIS) data using ESRI ArcGIS software.
• Makes recommendations and presents the staff’s position on assigned projects, as appropriate, to the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Parks and Recreation Commission, subcommittees, or ad hoc committees. 
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Assures that the City’s mission, goals, and objectives are fully supported and advanced.

• Works on the Comprehensive Plan in support of the Department’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Researches state code and federal law related to development and planning issues.
• In conjunction with senior staff, inspects sites for compliance with approved plans.
• Prepares less complex documents (e.g., easements, ordinances, resolutions, affidavits) with guidance from senior staff.
• Works on special projects such as writing or updating sections of City code, economic development initiatives, special neighborhood/area master plans.

Typical Qualifications

 Typical qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Community, Regional, or Urban Planning; Landscape Architecture; or another related field. 
• Internship or previous experience in planning is strongly preferred.
• Valid Iowa driver's license.
• Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

• Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner and ability to deal with politically-sensitive issues.
• Ability to work effectively with varied levels of supervision; ability to accept constructive criticism and feedback.
• Ability to take initiative and work in a team environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills; excellent presentation skills and ability to graphically present material.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and problem solving ability.
• Accurate mathematical skills.
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to concentrate in a fast-paced environment with interruptions.
• Ability to perform essential duties at designated work site location at designated hours.

Supplemental Information

Interested candidates must complete the City of Urbandale's online application (through www.governmentjobs.com/careers/urbandale) and attach a cover letter, resume, and responses to the supplemental questions by 11:59 PM on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Qualified candidates will be notified of steps and dates in the process via governmentjobs.com email notifications. Text message alerts may also be used to provide updates. Be sure to apply using an active email address that you check frequently to stay informed throughout the recruitment process, and consider signing up for text message alerts.

The civil service testing process for this position consists of a supplemental questionnaire, phone screening, and an oral board interview.

Responses to the supplemental questions will be scored. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and rank in the top ten (10)—including ties for tenth place—will be invited to participate in the phone screening phase.

Candidates passing the phone screening will be invited to the oral board interview phase. Candidates passing the interview phase will be placed on the certified list of candidates eligible for hire. The certified list will be valid for up to one year from the date of certification. There is currently one (1) vacancy within the Community Development Department for this classification. 

Tentative Timeline:
Posting Close: 11:59 PM January 19, 2026
Phone Interviews: Week of January 26 - January 30, 2026
Oral Interviews: Week of February 2 - February 6, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: March 23, 2026

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@urbandale.org or (515) 331-6738 prior to the application deadline.