City of Opelika – Principal Planner
Employer
City of Opelika, AL
Opelika, AL
Description
The City of Opelika is seeking a highly skilled, forward-thinking Principal Planner to join our Planning Department. This full-time, exempt position plays a vital leadership role in shaping the City’s long-term growth, development policies, and planning initiatives. If you’re passionate about impactful urban planning, enjoy leading complex projects, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
Long-Range Planning & Policy Development (30%)
• Lead complex professional planning projects, research, and data analysis.
• Oversee comprehensive plans, long-range planning documents, and regulatory amendments.
• Manage project schedules, staff assignments, and consultant contracts.
• Serve as principal author or editor of planning documents.
• Assess community issues and prepare recommendations for future actions.
Current Planning & Development Review
• Work with applicants to ensure development proposals meet City regulations and align with planning goals.
• Review zoning applications, subdivisions, site plans, sign permits, and related submissions.
• Prepare staff reports and present recommendations to boards and elected officials.
• Conduct property research and prepare zoning letters.
Regulation Review & Amendments
• Identify regulatory gaps and propose ordinance amendments.
• Conduct planning-related research and draft policy updates.
• Present proposed changes to Planning Commission and City Council.
Staff, Public, & Stakeholder Engagement
• Prepare and deliver presentations to staff, officials, and the public.
• Provide training and guidance to new team members.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and communicate planning concepts effectively.
Supervision & Leadership
• Provide functional supervision of assigned staff.
• Review work products, provide coaching, and support professional development.
• Ensure safety and proper use of equipment and facilities.
Additional Duties
• Attend meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.
Job Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
• Requires bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning or a closely related field, plus three years of professional planning experience, or a master’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field, plus two years of professional planning experience.
• Requires a valid State of Alabama Driver’s License.
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the required knowledge, abilities and skills may be considered as determined by the hiring authority.
• Applicants are required to submit to a background check as a condition of employment.
• AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification highly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
• Strong understanding of urban and regional planning principles.
• Knowledge of local government processes, zoning, development codes, and GIS concepts.
• Experience supervising staff and managing workflow.
• Proficiency with ESRI products, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• Excellent project management and deadline-driven organizational skills.
• Ability to build consensus, communicate effectively, and work constructively with diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Ability to analyze data objectively, interpret ordinances, and prepare accurate reports.
Salary & Benefits
• Starting salary range: $70,456.37 -$77,502.01 per year
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance and Employees Health Clinic
• Alabama State Retirement System
• All benefits including generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave can be found in our Benefits Statement.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants can apply through the City of Opelika’s Employment Portal. The full job description can be found at: https://ss.opelika-al.gov/ess/
Additional questions or inquiries can be sent to:
Matt Mosley, AICP
Planning Director, City of Opelika
204 S. 7th Street
Opelika, AL 36801
Phone: (334) 705-5166
Email: cmosley@opelika-al.gov