Planner

Make a Difference in Your Community

The St. Louis County Department of Planning is looking for a dedicated and versatile Planner to join the Long-Range Planning division during a period of significant policy implementation. This is a cross-functional role designed for a professional who values the high-level strategy of comprehensive and neighborhood planning, but who also seeks to maintain technical proficiency in development review. The primary focus of the role is the implementation of St. Louis County 2050: An Equitable and Sustainable Comprehensive Plan and the support of all other long range planning initiatives.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Lead Planner for Comprehensive Planning for administrative supervision and 75% of assigned work. The remaining 25% of time will support the Current Planning division, where the candidate will work under the functional direction of the Current Planning Lead Planners to ensure technical accuracy and adherence to regulatory timelines.

• Competitive Average Salary: Typical starting salary range is between $55,536.00 – $66,643.20 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a robust benefits package and generous Paid Time Off (PTO).
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; and both short- and long-term disability coverage.
  • Participation in the St. Louis County Pension System and access to a 457(b) deferred compensation account.
  • 11 paid holidays and an accrual of four weeks of paid time off your first year.
  • Learn more about St. Louis County benefits: Saint Louis County Employee Benefits
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: We participate in this program to support your financial future. Learn more about the program: Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid

Examples of Duties

Long Range Planning (75%)

• Serve as a primary staff resource for small area studies, topical plans, and neighborhood-scale initiatives.

• Facilitate community engagement and public meetings to ensure residents’ insights inform future land-use policy.

• Draft amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and prepare data-driven reports on economic, social, and physical factors affecting the County.

• Collaborate with the Department of Transportation and Public Works on corridor-specific design projects.

• Attend Boundary Commission meetings and support the preparation of technical data and exhibits for Boundary Commission filings pertaining to pending annexation, incorporation, disincorporation, consolidation, and other territorial questions.

• Other duties as assigned.

Current Planning (25%)

• Review permit sets, site development plans, and subdivision plats for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Code.

• Prepare staff reports and technical advice for the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment.

• Assist the Current Planning lead planners (Major and Minor Zoning) during peak volume periods to ensure timely project turnarounds.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or a closely related field plus one (1) year of professional planning experience; OR a Master’s degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field.

• Beginner to intermediate knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS for spatial analysis and map production.
• Competency in the Microsoft 365 suite.

• Ability to explain complex land-use regulations to the public and elected officials with clarity and professional composure.

• A valid driver’s license is required for site visits and evening community meetings.
• AICP certification is encouraged but not required at the time of hire.

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS for spatial analysis and map production.
• Experience (internships or employment) in the planning field or a similar work environment

• Based at the County Administration Building in Clayton, Missouri. Work requirements include regular field visits for research and data collection.
• This position requires a 40-hour work week, with standard hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. However, our commitment to unincorporated areas require regular evening hours and occasional weekends to ensure we are accessible to the public. The Department utilizes a flex-time policy to accommodate outreach schedules.
• To ensure cross-functional proficiency, 25% of the work schedule (approximately 10 hours per week) will be spent with the Current Planning team.
• This role is exempt from the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Additional Information

SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT: A selection committee will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant which will include recentness and appropriateness of the applicant's education and experience, answers to the supplemental questions, results of employment references investigated and any other appropriate information available.

The selection committee will admit to the interview only those persons who possess the most job-related qualifications and may establish admittance criteria beyond the minimum qualifications stated above. The interview will comprise 100% of the applicant's earned grade. A candidate must earn a qualifying grade of 70 or more on the interview to be eligible for appointment. After initial interviews with the selected candidates are conducted, an email will be sent to the address on file with instructions on how to complete and submit a Conviction Questionnaire. Candidates have 3 days to complete the required questionnaire.

The five top ranking candidates, based on the final grade, will be certified to the Department Director/Appointing Authority who will make the final decision.

All applicants conditionally offered a merit position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Screening will be performed by a reputable clinical laboratory. The cost of screening will be covered by the County.