Professional Planning Jobs

Professional Planner 

Wade Trim 

Position Description: 

We are looking for a Professional Planner to join our Community Design Team to improve infrastructure in our Grand Rapids, Flint, or Detroit office. The candidate must have a AICP certification with a bachelor's degree in Planning or a related field and have at least seven years of experience in master planning, urban design, zoning ordinance updates, economic development planning, housing studies, neighborhood planning, community planning, downtown planning public involvement, smart growth/resiliency land use issues and business development. Strong communication skills is required and GIS experience is preferred. The candidate must also be self-motivates, work well with others, and have excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills. A flexible hybrid-remote work schedule is available after 30 days of employment. 

Education: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field is required 

Skills/Experience: 

• Seven or more years of experience 

• AICP Certification 

• Experience in master planning, urban design, zoning ordinance updates, economic development planning, housing studies, neighborhood planning, community planning, downtown planning, public involvement, and smart growth/resiliency land use issues. 

• Strong communication skills 

• Business Development Experience 

• GIS experience preferred 

Please click here to see the full job description, benefits and how to apply.

Posted April 24, 2026

Associate Planner/Permit Technician

Grand Haven Charter Township

Salary: $30.90 - $37.68

Status: Full-Time

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Township Community Development Director this position will perform the zoning related work and planning related services for the Township and other municipalities, when contracted. This position will also work with the Township Planning Commission, the Township Zoning Board of Appeals and will oversee the Construction Board of Appeals process. This position will perform a variety of technical permitting functions; provides customer service to the public; permit applications; and performs other related duties.

HOW TO APPLY:

Send a resume, cover letter, and references to ksherwood@ghtmi.gov.

See job posting for full details at:

• Website: https://ghtmi.gov/departments/administration-human-resources/employment-opportunities/
• Indeed Link: https://www.indeed.com/job/associate-plannerpermit-technician-d7a7cdd0fe9f0a1c

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years professional planning and zoning experience (preferably in a municipal government environment), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
•  

Posted May 5, 2026

Planner
Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission

GCMPC is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Planner position.  Assist in data collection, developing applications, writing reports under the direction of a Division Manager. Assist with projects being carried out by organizations and local units of government.  Draft recommendations for projects and studies. Performs related duties as required.

Starting salary is $63,500 with annual pay increases, advancement opportunities, and full benefits package.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Urban and/or Regional Planning, Resource Planning, Geography,
Environmental Science and Sustainability, and other degrees as related. A Master’s Degree in
the above areas may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree.

Or

Completion of bachelor’s degree in one of the above stated degrees within 6 months of
employment.

Or

Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of professional experience in a public planning office,
private sector planning agency or a non-profit organization serving the public sector.

GENESEE COUNTY USES AN ONLINE JOB APPLICATION PROCESS.  ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY
THROUGH THE GENESEE COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES SITE.

Connect to the job posting here PLANNER (PLANNING) - Flint, MI - Genesee County, MI Jobs or through
the Genesee County website at www.geneseecountymi.gov. Click on Employment at the top of the
page.

Posting closes April 9, 2026

Posted March 27, 2026

Specialist-Teaching Fixed-Term

Michigan State University

Posting #1116849

Start Date: 8/16/2026

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Position Summary

The School of Planning, Design and Construction seeks a full-time, fixed term teaching specialist to teach core Urban & Regional Planning program curricula, with an expected state date of 8/16/2026. The successful candidate will have demonstrated teaching/professional experience and a willingness to teach across the Planning Curriculum.

The proposed appointment is 75% Teaching, 15% Outreach (primarily coordinating the online Master of International Planning Studies (MIPS) program), and 10% Service. The teaching specialist will teach in-person and online courses with expected load of five courses per year with possible opportunities for specialized courses depending on expertise. The core instructional responsibilities include planning practice, healthy and resilient community planning, introductory planning history and theory, and planning sustainability. The position will support large undergraduate courses (100+ seats) that contribute to the college by generating substantial student credit hours and will also assist with coordination of the MIPS online program and manage online classes in planning theory and economic development.

Minimum Requirements

A master's degree in urban and regional planning from a U.S. Accredited Planning Program, 1-3 years’ experience in instruction and working with students, and a minimum of seven years of professional planning practice in the U.S. are required;  OR a PhD degree in Urban Planning (or allied discipline) is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills and excellent public speaking ability are needed. 

Complete job description here

Required Application Materials

All candidates for the position must apply online at https://careers.msu.edu/jobs/specialist-teacher-fixed-term-1116849.

Posted March 19, 2026

Planning Director

Cascade Charter Township

$104,493 - $143,005 (starting wage based on experience) 

Cascade Charter Township is accepting applications for the position of Planning Director. 

Under the direction of the Township Manager, the Planning Director is responsible for overseeing the planning administration and day-to-day operations of the Planning and Economic Development Department to assure community-wide compliance with applicable Township development codes and ordinances. Prepares and implements the Township’s strategic plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance and other land use policies. Provides technical expertise and administrative support to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board, DDA and Township Board. 

Key Duties Include: 

1. Implement the Comprehensive Master Plan.
2. Oversee the interpretation and enforcement of the Township’s Zoning, Sign and Subdivision Ordinances.
3. In conjunction with the HR Director, responsible for hiring, training, supervision, discipline and termination of all department staff with oversight of the Township Manager.
4. Manages assigned staff; assigns tasks, responsibilities and projects; evaluates performance, resolves workload and technical issues, and assures that goals are communicated and achieved.
5. Directs the day-to-day planning operations including site plan reviews, processing of permit applications, etc.
6. Works with Township Manager on the day-to-day economic development operations including DDA activities and initiatives.
7. Works with Township Manager to implement Downtown development, small-business incubation, investment incentives, site selector recruitment, historic preservation, and overall enhancement. 

Complete job description with a full list of responsibilities here: https://cascadetwp.com/reference-desk/employment-opportunities/planning-director

How to apply:  All applications must be submitted to Katie Murawski, Director of Human Resources via email at: kmurawski@cascadetwp.com

Posted  March 12, 2026

Planner III

ROWE Professional Services Company

ROWE Professional Services Company has an excellent opportunity for a Planner III to join our growing team and expanding Planning Department at either our Flint or Farmington Hills, MI office. Our planners work in a group, and independently, on a variety of community planning projects for various clients, while building and maintaining client relationships.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Planning in areas such as land use, parks and recreation, and downtown development
• Assist municipal client in zoning administration and compliance
• Team coordination
• Building and managing client relationships

• Attend regular planning commission, zoning board of appeals and elected official meetings, as needed.
• Provide mentorship and guidance and to support development of staff.

Qualifications and requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, or an equivalent field of study
• 6+ years experience in planning
• AICP certified or ability to become certified is preferred
• Exceptional communication and writing skills, strong attention to detail, excellent analytical/judgement capabilities
• Ability to work independently or on a team, ability to work remote and in person effectively, and self-motivated

ROWE OFFERS: A very competitive wage and benefits package. A hybrid work option and flex scheduling.

ROWE’s work atmosphere is collaborative, the projects are rewarding, and the business culture is reputable, ethically minded, and growth driven. Come join the ROWE team!

Please send resume to: employment@rowepsc.com or apply directly on our career page: Job Opportunities

www.rowepsc.com

E.O.E.

Posted  March 6, 2026

Zoning Administrator / Planner (Full-Time)

City of Boyne City

The City of Boyne City is seeking a full-time Zoning Administrator / Planner to support planning, zoning administration, and code enforcement activities for the City and participating Townships.

Duties include reviewing development applications, preparing staff reports for the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, interpreting zoning ordinances, conducting site inspections, and assisting with implementation of the City’s Master Plan and related land use regulations.

A high school diploma or GED is required; a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, land use planning, or a related field is preferred. Experience in municipal planning or zoning is desirable. A valid Michigan driver’s license or ability to obtain one is required. This is a salaried, exempt position.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to City Clerk/Treasurer Jessica Puroll at jpuroll@boynecity.gov. Applications will be accepted until March 15^th or the position is filled.

For full job details, visit https://www.boynecity.gov

The City of Boyne City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Posted February 23, 2026