Planner

The City of Ottawa is currently recruiting a Planner. The Planner is responsible for assisting the public and development community with all aspects of the City’s long-range planning, zoning ordinance, and municipal code. This position works with the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals to establish and interpret general planning and zoning policies and environmental issues.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist and advise homeowners, contractors, and others in interpreting and complying with zoning ordinances and other codes.
• Conduct site inspections to determine compliance with approved development plans, ongoing compliance with conditions of adopted resolutions, special use permits, ordinances, etc.
• Serve as point of contact for Neighborhood and Community Services; respond to questions, concerns and complaints relating to permits and processes for development and planning, including support for Development Review Committee communication.
• Receive and act on complaints regarding zoning Inspect properties for zoning actions and maintain records.
• Review site plans, plats, and other documents submitted for zoning review.
• Assists with the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and other planning studies.
• Serve as City Floodplain Coordinator

Ancillary Job Functions:

• Provide necessary information through reports according to department procedures.
• Prepare, administer, and maintain records of grants.
• Comply with all City ordinances and policies.
• Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: – An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e. – Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture, etc.)  and two years of work experience; or a Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field.
• AICP certification preferred, or ability to obtain within two years of hire.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: which may be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those commonly associated with this position.

• Knowledge and comfort navigating GIS software for mapping.
• Thorough knowledge of planning theory and laws, zoning regulations, and statutes.
• Ability to operate computers, calculators, and other office equipment.
• Ability to interpret ordinances, data, written instructions, memos, proposals, technical manuals, blueprints, reports, and schematics.
• Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive reports.
• Ability to carry out projects and duties to their completion following prescribed policies and procedures.
• Understanding of development process and issues.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees, business entities, and the general public.
• Ability to deal with difficult citizens in a calm and patient manner.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions.
• Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations.

Work Environment: – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• May be required to work in hazardous traffic conditions.
• May be exposed to inclement outdoor weather during site inspections.

Physical Abilities: commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below 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 essential functions.

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to talk, hear, grasp, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity.
• Must have precise hand-eye coordination, clarity of vision, and three-dimensional vision.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Application:        Candidates must also attach a cover letter, resume and three professional references.

Range:                  $2,322.40 to $2,554.40 bi-weekly

Date Opened:       December 29, 2025

Date Closed:         January 29, 2026

E-Mail Confirmation:  After your application has been received by the City of Ottawa, you will receive confirmation by e-mail. Please check your SPAM filter or JUNK Mail. If you have not received confirmation within 48 hours of submitting your application, please call 785-229-3634 to verify application has been received. For additional information, contact Human Resources at 785-229-3634 or e-mail humanresources@ottawaks.gov.

Residency:     Regular full-time employees are required to establish and maintain residency within a driving distance of 35 miles of Ottawa City Hall within one year from hire. 

Salary : $60,382 - $66,414