Planner, Senior
Salary
$37.74 - $50.38 Hourly
Location
Public Works Land Management, OR
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
202600129
Department
Public Works
Division
PW LM Planning
Opening Date
06/15/2026
Closing Date
7/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
DESCRIPTION
Protect Working Lands. Preserve Rural Character. Plan for the Future.
About this Position
Lane County is seeking an experienced planning professional to join our team as a Senior Planner. This position serves as a lead resource on complex land use planning projects and plays a key role in shaping the future of our rural communities. The Senior Planner manages multiple high-profile planning initiatives, conducts advanced research and analysis, prepares findings and recommendations, and provides expert interpretation of land use regulations.
This position works at the intersection of policy, development, and public service, applying the Lane County Rural Comprehensive Plan, Land Code, and Oregons statewide land use planning requirements to real-world projects and community needs. Responsibilities include reviewing and approving land use applications, determining regulatory compliance, preparing staff reports and findings, presenting recommendations to decision-makers, and representing the County before advisory committees, public hearings, and community groups.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem-solver who can navigate complex regulations, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and balance competing interests while advancing thoughtful, legally defensible planning outcomes.
If you are passionate about community planning, enjoy solving complex land use challenges, and want to help shape the future of Lane County, we encourage you to apply. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the communities, natural resources, and landscapes that make Lane County unique.
About the Division - Land Management & Planning:
The Lane County Planning Program is responsible for the administration of land use codes, including zoning and land division regulations. Planning staff are also responsible for the maintenance of the Lane County Rural Comprehensive Plan (RCP) and the formulation and amendment of land use regulations to implement the RCP. In addition to these responsibilities, staff complete projects at the direction of the Board of Commissioners and also coordinate regional planning efforts with local, State, and Federal agencies and organizations. Planning Program staff strive to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations of Lane County residents by planning for places that provide a spectrum of economic, environmental and social benefits through a balanced land use management approach that is consistent with Oregons Statewide Planning System.
Lane County operates one of the premier land use programs in the state. Within Lane County there are 35 rural communities, 12 cities, a large regional metropolitan planning area, and millions of acres of farm and forest-zoned lands. Lane County stretches from the Coast to the Cascades and it is the only jurisdiction in the State of Oregon where all 19 Statewide Planning Goals are implemented. Strong development pressures and organized anti-development interests make Lane County an exciting and dynamic place to practice planning.
Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm.
QUALIFICATIONS
Training:
Experience:
Special Desired Experience:
Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
CLASSIFICATION DETAILS
Planner - Senior
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Selection Process
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
Strategic Plan
In alignment with Lane Countys Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.
The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.
Veteran Preference Information
Careers with Lane County Offer Extraordinary Benefits
At Lane County, we value our employees and we show it with our extraordinary benefits. We know that you chose public service for more than a paycheck, and our outstanding benefits are designed to help you Live Well, Live Lane - throughout your career. Read on to learn what great benefits await you in a career with Lane County.
Introducing ALEX, Lane Countys benefit advisor! ALEX is an interactive tool that will help you understand the benefits being offered, out of pocket expenses and coverage available. You will need the Collective Bargaining Unit found in your job posting and when asked for your date of hire, please put in todays date.
ALEX Benefit Advisor (click here)
Collective Bargaining Units:
Admin-Pro
AFSCME
AFSCME Nurses
AFSCME Physicians
FOPPO
LCPOA
Local 626
Prosecuting Attorneys
Benefits to keep you & your family well - Physically
Health insurance coverage becomes effective the first of the month following your first 30-days as an eligible employee.
Medical/Rx/Vision - Lane County offers medical, prescription and vision exam coverage for you and your eligible dependents. The plan options and costs per month for 2026 are outlined below:
If you enroll in the HDHP the County will contribute to your HSA:
For eligible members of unions LCPOA, 626, Admin Pro, and AFSCME Physicians $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage.
For eligible members of unions AFSCME General, AFSCME Nurses, FOPPO, PAA, and non-represented employees $1,600 for individual coverage and $3,200 for family coverage. Those who complete the requirements to receive the Live Well Credit by November 30, 2026, will receive an additional contribution of $400 individual or $800 family, funded in 2027.
These amounts are prorated based on date of hire.
All eligible employees who complete a Health History Risk Assessment (HHRA), Biometric Screening, and Comprehensive Health Review (CHR) at the Live Well Center receive a $20 per month credit.
Wellness Clinic - The Live Well Center is for Lane County benefits-eligible employees, spouses and dependents (ages 2 and up) who are enrolled in the Lane County health plan. Marathon Health manages the Live Well Center and their clinical team provides confidential, affordable care for your acute and preventive healthcare needs. The Live Well Center also provides health coaching, chronic disease counseling, comprehensive primary care services, and much more.
Dental - Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households.
Fitness Center Membership - Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center.
Benefits to keep you & your family well - Financially
Retirement - Lane County pays for and enrolls employees in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) and the Individual Account Program (IAP) following six full months of employment.
Disability - Lane County provides Long-Term Disability coverage. Lane County complies with all State and Federal disability laws for employee, family, parental and pregnancy leaves regulations.
Time Management - Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days.
Holidays - Lane County provides 10 paid holidays per year:
New Years Day
Independence Day
Martin Luther King Jrs Birthday
Labor Day
Presidents Day
Veterans Day
Memorial Day
Thanksgiving Day
Juneteenth
Christmas Day
Life Insurance - Lane County pays for employee group term life insurance.
County-paid Training & Development to keep your career well
On-site Classes - Lane County offers a variety of on-site classes to develop employees soft and technical skills.
Online Training - Lane County offers a variety of online classes through LEAP to help employees continually improve their skills.
Conferences & Seminars - Lane County will consider reimbursement for employees to attend professional conferences, dependent upon budget, to encourage continuous learning and professional development.
Lane County offers these other valuable benefits
Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings - Employees may enroll in a deferred compensation program 457(b) to save for retirement.
Vision - Eligible employees may purchase supplemental vision insurance.
Supplemental Life Insurance - Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves and their dependents/spouse.
Aflac - Optional employee-paid voluntary group coverage is available through Aflac.
Group Discounts - Group discounts may include homeowners and auto insurance, pet health insurance, credit union membership.
Paid medical, dental and vision coverage for dependents is determined by labor agreement or APM, as applicable. Physicians should contact their supervisor for health plan options and rates. Please note that Temporary and Extra Help positions are not typically eligible for benefits. This is only brief summary of benefits available to eligible Lane County employees. In all cases, plan documents govern.
For additional information about these extraordinary benefits contact the Benefit Resource Center at 1-866-468-7272, or Lane County HR at (541) 682-3124.
01
IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have included all RELEVANT education, employment and experience in your application. To ensure compliance with Oregon Equal Pay laws, Human Resources will conduct a wage analysis based on the information you have provided in your application to determine the appropriate starting wage if you are selected.
02
What is your highest level of education?
03
How many years of increasingly responsible experience in city, county or regional planning do you have?
04
Do you possess one year of lead responsibility as a Planner?
05
Describe your professional planning experience and the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities that prepare you to be successful as a Senior Planner. Include examples of your experience with land use planning, policy development, project management, public engagement, and providing professional recommendations. (33 points)
06
Describe your knowledge of and experience with Oregons land use planning system. Include your experience interpreting and applying statewide planning goals, comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, development codes, or other land use regulations. Please provide a specific example demonstrating your role and the outcome. (33 points)
07
Describe the most complex planning project, land use application, policy initiative, or community planning effort you have managed. What made the project challenging, how did you engage stakeholders with differing interests, and what was the outcome? (34 points)
Required Question
Employer Lane County
Department Public Works Address 3040 N Delta Hwy
Eugene, Oregon, 97408
Website https://www.lanecountyor.gov