Planner II - Long Range

Planner II - Long Range

Salary

$78,561.60 - $112,049.60 Annually

Location

Whitefish City Hall, 418 E. Second Street, Whitefish, MT

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-0025

Department

Building & Planning

Opening Date

10/01/2026

Closing Date

10/30/2026 5:00 PM Mountain

• Description
• Benefits

General Purpose

The City of Whitefish is actively recruiting for a full-time exempt Planner II - Long Range to join our Planning and Building Department. We welcome your inquiries and encourage you to apply! If you have a passion for serving the public sector, this may be the perfect fit for you.

One of the fastest growing cities in Montana, Whitefish is consistently rated one of the best small towns in America and was named one of the top 25 ski towns in the world by National Geographic. It is located on the shores of Whitefish Lake and the base of Big Mountain - home to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Whitefish also boasts over 36 miles of natural surface single-track mountain biking and hiking trails with 10 trailheads, golfing, world class dining, two professional live theater companies, and is only thirty minutes from Glacier National Park.

Benefits of working for the City of Whitefish include:

• Health, Dental, Orthodontic, and Vision Insurance (FY27 the City pays 81% of monthly premium, employee pays 19% of monthly premium pre-tax)
• Generous employer contribution toward Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for those who choose the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
• Free annual biometric screening - Employee and spouse/partner can earn up to $200 incentive for participation
• City Wellness Program - City pays $30 per month to employees to use toward wellness
• Corporate rate membership to The Wave health club (billed to City and deducted through payroll)
• Montana Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - includes employer and employee contributions
• 15 days of paid vacation earned per year (starting)
• 12 days of paid sick leave earned per year (starting)
• 12.5 paid holidays per year
• One paid personal day per year (8 hours)
• $25,000 employer paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Life Insurance Policy for employee and $5,000 for spouse/dependents. Voluntary life is available to employee, spouse/partner, and dependents, monthly premium paid by employee.
• 125 Cafeteria Plans - Optional Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA)
• Free Employee Assistance Program - 6 free counseling sessions per issue, per person in household
• Optional Deferred Compensation Plan (457) - Pretax and Roth Available
• Optional Aflac Plans including Accident, Short-Term Disability, Cancer, Hospital and Critical Illness
• May be eligible for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Plan (PSLF) - click here to learn more and to understand your eligibility
• City paid continuing education, training and development (as approved by supervisor and City Manager)
• FMLA - up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year (rolling calendar year) available after working 1250 hours within previous 12 months and employed for 12 months for qualifying events. Accrued leave utilized concurrently.
• Bereavement Leave - up to 5 paid days off for death of immediate family member
• Jury & Witness Duty Leave
• Military Leave
• 15% -20% discount on Verizon voice plans and select data plans
• T-Mobile exclusive offers with Work Perks - 15% off the Go5G Plus or Go5G Next rate plans
• AT&T discounts also available
• Parks & Recreation After School and Summer Day Camp services provided at no cost to employees
• Whitefish Workforce Assistance Program - designed to help full-time, part-time and seasonal equivalent employees to successfully live and work in the Whitefish area by providing rental assistance - click here to learn more and understand your eligibility.

APPLY BY: It is in your best interest to submit your online application, resume, and cover letter by the Priority Deadline, Thursday, October 22, 2026, 5:00 pm. This position will remain open until filled. For assistance with online application process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 406-863-2464 or email HR@cityofwhitefish.gov.

EOE-AA-M/F-VET-DISABILITY

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs professional planning work to support long-range planning needs and some current planning as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general guidance and direction of the Director of Planning and Building.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

Job Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The list of tasks is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by the Planner II - Long Range. The following duties are typical for this classification and are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

This position serves an important role in the operations of the City and requires a consistent and dependable presence during assigned hours of work. It is expected that every employee should be on time, fully prepared, every day that the employee is scheduled to work.

Takes the lead on community-wide and neighborhood long range planning efforts, including Growth Policy updates, corridor plans, updates of zoning and subdivision regulations, transportation planning, affordable housing, implementation of adopted plans, etc.

Provides professional and technical support in processing zoning and subdivision project applications and in developing urban growth management policies and innovative land use regulations as required.

Reviews and analyzes data and formulates recommendations in the form of detailed technical staff reports.

As assigned, attends meetings of the planning commission, City Council, and other advisory and informational local, state, and federal meetings to disseminate information, provide oral reports and recommendations and support processes relative to planning functions, projects, and applications; and offers professional and technical assistance in planning matters.

Prepares applications for grants, reviews, and prepares comments on federally assisted programs.

Meets with civic groups and individuals to explain policies, programs, and procedures and to supply information as requested.

Provides information and assistance to people who request the same on planning matters.

Maintains effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, city manager, department director, staff, employees, other agencies, news media and the public.

Drafts and distributes a variety of correspondence, maps, memoranda, and notices as needed.

Perform other tasks as assigned.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

May serve as a member of various employee committees.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors Degree in regional and city planning or related field;
• Four (4) years' experience in long range/comprehensive planning, or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and zoning, community outreach and obtaining consensus, research methods and techniques used in planning, State and local laws and regulations affecting planning and subdivisions, computer applications for planning, mapping, and GIS;
• Skill in operating the listed tools and equipment;
• Ability to organize and maintain multiple projects simultaneously; ability to comprehend and articulate complex facts and relationships in detail and to summarize and write clearly, concisely and legibly; prepare accurate, concise and comprehensive professional reports; make effective presentations to boards and groups; understand and establish statistical data and graphic material; manage and oversee federal and other grant programs and applications; maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, city manager, department director staff, employees, other agencies, news media and the public; follow verbal and written instructions; handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry people.
• Ability to think critically, make decisions, pay attention to detail, manage time in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment, self-managing, accountable for their actions, and dedicated to providing superior customer service.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid State of Montana drivers license or have the ability to obtain one prior to employment.

Supplemental Information

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer, including GIS, word processing, database, and power-point software; motor vehicle; telephone; mobile telephone, copy and fax machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed mostly in an office. Some outdoor work is required related to various land uses situations, applications, and other matters. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds with or without assistance.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works mostly in an office environment with some exposure to outside weather conditions and is occasionally subjected to wet, cold, and/or icy conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference and background check; and job-related tests may be required.

The duties above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Whitefish is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The City of Whitefish does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, creed, political idea, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity and/or expression in its hiring or employment practices.

The City of Whitefish provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Competitive wages
• Health, Dental, Orthodontic, and Vision Insurance
• Generous employer contribution toward Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for those who choose the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) or a medical deductible reimbursement program for those who choose the Bridger plan
• Montana Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) / Montana Municipal Police Officers Retirement System (MPORS) / Montana Firefighters Unified Retirement System (FURS) - includes employer and employee contributions
• Optional Deferred Compensation Plan (457)
• Generous paid vacation and sick leave
• 12.5 paid holidays per year
• One paid personal day per year
• Eligible to earn Compensatory Time (additional paid leave of 1.5 hours earned for each hour worked over 40 hours per week) for non-exempt positions
• $25,000 employer paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Life Insurance Policy for employee and $5,000 for spouse/dependents
• Optional Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DSA) 125 plans
• May be eligible for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Plan (PSLF) - click here to learn more and to understand your eligibility.

Employer City of Whitefish

Address PO BOX 158

Whitefish, Montana, 59937

Phone 406-863-2407

Website http://www.cityofwhitefish.gov