Job Description

City Planner

Location: Dowagiac, Michigan Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite Salary: $75,000–$90,000

Position Summary

We are seeking a City Planner to join our team in Dowagiac, Michigan. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning professional with at least 3 years of experience who is ready to take the next step in their career and play a meaningful role in the community's continued development.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with community planning, with particular emphasis on transportation planning and development. This position will work closely with city leadership, residents, developers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to support thoughtful growth and effective planning initiatives.

We are looking for a detail-oriented, highly organized, and strong communicator who can balance technical planning responsibilities with community engagement and relationship building.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate community planning and development initiatives.
• Assist with transportation planning, infrastructure planning, and related community development projects.
• Review development proposals, site plans, zoning applications, and related planning documents.
• Conduct research and analysis related to land use, transportation, housing, economic development, and community growth.
• Prepare staff reports, presentations, recommendations, maps, and other planning materials.
• Work with developers, property owners, residents, businesses, and community organizations regarding planning and development matters.
• Assist with planning commission, city council, and other public meetings as needed.
• Communicate planning requirements, policies, and recommendations clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Help administer and implement the City's comprehensive plan, zoning regulations, and other planning policies.
• Coordinate with regional, county, and state agencies on planning and transportation initiatives.
• Monitor community development trends and recommend opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure planning projects and documentation are accurate, thorough, and completed within established timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, City Planning, Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of professional planning experience.
• Hands-on experience with community planning required.
• Experience with transportation planning strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of zoning, land use, development review, and municipal planning processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze information, identify issues, and develop practical recommendations.
• Comfortable presenting information to elected officials, committees, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced municipal environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships throughout the community.
• Must be willing to work fully onsite in Dowagiac, Michigan.

Career Opportunity

This is an opportunity for a planner who is ready to move beyond simply supporting projects and take greater ownership of community planning initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation of planning experience, excellent communication skills, and the desire to grow into a larger role within municipal government.

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