Planning Supervisor

Planning Supervisor

Salary

$77,725.00 - $99,259.00 Annually

Location

1120 Monroe Ave NW Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI

Job Type

Permanent

Job Number

705-0626

Department

Planning

Opening Date

06/05/2026

Closing Date

6/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Nature of Work

This is an advanced professional and technical role with a primary focus on long-range planning. Work includes managing multi-faceted planning projects such as preparing and/or supervising the preparation of community master plan amendments, area-specific plans, and other long-range plans. This includes writing requests for proposals, managing consultant contracts, developing scopes of work, and overseeing project schedules and budgets. The position is also responsible for implementing the City's long-range plans and policies and tracking progress.

The employee will also work on zoning ordinance amendments and other code revisions. They will analyze and recommend solutions to specific "hot topics" dictated by community needs by gathering, analyzing, and reporting on pertinent data, policies, and ordinances.

Supervision is exercised over staff as assigned and work is performed independently under the general supervision of an Assistant Planning Director.

The position may also administer, interpret and enforce city ordinances and policies affecting Planning orders as required, which includes plan and permit review and approval, enforcement of Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals stipulations, and Land Use and Development Services (LUDS) program oversight.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Answers general planning and zoning questions on phone and at the counter, including completing counter reviews
• Helps solve specific matters arising with planning or zoning compliance including resolving violations and ensuring that key decisions are being made in a timely manner
• Receives, reviews and approves land division or combination requests
• Conducts building permit and land use site plan reviews to ensure that zoning requirements and decisions/stipulations of the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and the City Commission are being adhered to in the land development and use process
• Works with regional planning agency and other external partners to promote coordination of planning activities and cooperation in decision-making
• Support any updates to the City Master Plan, including project meetings with team members and external participants, managing outside consultants, drafting of language, presentations of findings
• Supports any updates to City ordinances related to the Community Master Plan and development within the city
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Training and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Planning or a related field
• -AND--
• At least four (4) years of progressively more responsible experience in planning; reviewing site, building and architectural plans; applying zoning ordinance provisions; and reading deeds, property descriptions, etc.
• -OR--
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Other Information

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please Note:

This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader)

City of Grand Rapids Employee Benefits Webpage

01

Do you possess a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Planning or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02

If you answered, "yes" to the previous question, please describe the type of degree you possess. If you answered, "no", please write N/A.

03

Do you possess at least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in planning?

• Yes
• No

04

Please describe your experience with long-range planning and project management and explain how that experience relates to this position. Be sure to also reflect this experience in the job duties section of your application. If you do not have relevant experience, enter "N/A."

Required Question

Employer City of Grand Rapids

Address 300 Monroe Ave, NW

8th Floor, Room 880

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503-2206

Phone (616) 456-3176

Website http://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/jobs/human-resources-Department