Senior Planner
Salary
$75,500.00 Annually
Location
Spartanburg, SC
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
102026
Department
Planning
Opening Date
10/20/2026
Closing Date
11/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
The City of Spartanburg is seeking a motivated planning professional to join its growing Planning Department. Spartanburg is at an exciting point in its evolution. The city is experiencing a period where public and private investment is reshaping downtown and creating opportunities across the community. This role provides the opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated team on long-range planning initiatives, support thoughtful growth, and advance the City's vision.
Examples of Duties
Distinguishing Features of the Duties
The Senior Planner manages and advances current and long-range planning projects, conducts research and analysis, develops recommendations, and coordinates planning initiatives. The role interprets and applies zoning regulations, evaluates development proposals, prepares plans and reports, and collaborates with City departments, stakeholders, and the public to guide land use, support responsible growth, and implement the City's planning goals. Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with site visits and community meetings as needed.
Examples of Essential Work
- Supports City-led development initiatives by providing in-house planning expertise, technical guidance, and recommendations to inform project decisions.
- Advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public on City development policies, regulations, and standards.
- Manages the review of annexations and complex development projects including master plans, mixed-use, commercial, and residential projects.
- Supports the Planning Team with interpretation and administration of the City's Zoning Ordinance as related to development plan review, public project reviews, and rezonings, and makes appropriate recommendations.
- Participates in neighborhood planning efforts with the public; drafts and implements redevelopment amendments and development ordinances.
- Coordinates and facilitates the application and pre-application process to include verifying application requirements and facilitating application and pre-application meetings.
- Serves as coordinator for the Planning Commission agenda; reviews and monitors agendas; coordinates with administrative staff the publication of agenda and public notices in the media; reviews draft meeting minutes; coordinates the preparation of documents and correspondence.
- Advises and informs the public regarding current issues, findings, and recommendations related to development reviews, enforcement activities, zoning issues, and City planning activities.
- Participates in Capital Improvement Program projects; participates in planning, analysis, and development of infrastructure projects such as roads, parks, and pathways; coordinates activities of public project development.
- Acts as Team Leader on various interdepartmental teams.
- Communicates regularly and facilitates effective working relationships with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities and build cooperation.
- Demonstrates regular attendance consistent with assigned schedule.
- Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the job description.
Typical Qualifications
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated experience in current planning principles, practices, and their applicability.
- Comprehensive knowledge of fundamental development codes, ordinances, and zoning enforcement.
- Comprehensive knowledge of local government political processes and operations as it relates to planning and development process.
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with strong public speaking and presentation skills.
- Ability to develop and facilitate effective working relationships inside the organization and externally.
- Ability to objectively analyze data and to identify and interpret applicable ordinances and other land use directives.
- Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
- Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.
- Integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
Acceptable Experience and Training
- Master's Degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design or related field
- Three (3) - Five (5) years of focused planning, architecture, or related experience; OR
- Any combination of experience and training, which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
- Demonstrated experience in current planning principles, practices, and their applicability.
- Must possess or be able to obtain a valid S.C. driver's license.
- A member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.
Supplemental Information
Starting salary is $75,500 annually or higher depending on qualifications and experience.
The City of Spartanburg provides a very competitive benefits package to include, Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life benefits are through the SC State Health Plan and access to free onsite health clinic. Retirement through the SC State Retirement System (Employee contributes 9% and the City contributes 18.56% / PORS: police/fire employees contribute 9.75% and City contributes 21.24%)
City also offers 12 Paid Holidays; Paid Time Off (3 ½ weeks per year) and Longevity Leave based on years of service.
Employer City of Spartanburg
Address P.O. Drawer 1749
Spartanburg, South Carolina, 29304
Phone 864-596-2063
Website http://www.cityofspartanburg.org