Assistant Planner or Planner
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Assistant Planner or Planner
Salary
$63,060.82 - $89,947.94 Annually
Location
50010, IA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
25-1212-1214-01
Department
Planning and Housing
Division
Planning & Housing
Opening Date
04/03/2026
Closing Date
5/4/2026 12:00 PM Central
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
MERIT
Residency Requirement?
No
Description
Benefits
Questions
Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.
General Information
The City of Ames is conducting a recruitment to establish Civil Service eligibility lists for these classifications. The lists will be valid for up to one year from the date of certification by the Ames Civil Service Commission and may be used to fill one or more vacancies in this classification. In addition, City of Ames Civil Service employees who have previously held Civil Service status in this classification and are interested in voluntarily demoting or laterally transferring into the current vacancy must submit their application by the deadline.
Assistant Planner
Under general supervision, works independently to implement the City's development standards, including zoning, subdivision, and other regulations. This is both a front-line planning position working directly with customers on development proposals, permitting, code compliance, and inquiries; and it may include long-range activities and research. The Assistant Planner has some experience with land use, zoning, and urban design and acts in a capacity of an entry-level to mid-level professional under more direct supervision than a Planner. Performs related work as required.
Planner
Under general supervision, works independently to implement the City's development standards, including zoning, subdivision, and other regulations. This is both a front-line planning position working directly with customers on development proposals, permitting, code compliance, and inquiries; and also a long-range planning position involved in comprehensive planning, research, and policy development. The Planner is more experienced with an increased degree of complexity/diversity of project assignments and project management responsibilities than an Assistant Planner. Performs related work as required.
In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.
Compensation Philosophy:
The City of Ames has a compensation philosophy for our merit salary ranges that provides growth for employees as they gain experience and expertise in their roles. The minimum pay of each range is intended to reflect an employee's qualifications that meet the position's minimum requirements. The median of any range is for an employee who can reasonably meet all expectations of the position responsibilities without initial or extensive training. The City may consider a candidate's education, experience, and skills that are above the minimum requirements when considering a salary closer to the median. The entry salary is $63,060 and the median salary for the Assistant Planner position is $76,504. The entry salary is $74,506 and the median salary for the Planner position is $91,716.
Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at: City of Ames Benefits (https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-a-h/human-resources/employee-benefits)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit:
PSLF Program (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation)
Examples of Essential Job Functions
Assistant Planner Examples of Essential Job Functions: Reviews plans, permits, and prepares reports on development requests as part of the City's development review process to determine conformance to standards, policies, and other criteria; may present findings to commissions and boards for variances, exceptions, special use permits, certificates of appropriateness pertaining to historic structures, rezoning, and similar current planning applications. Provides information and assistance to developers and to citizens regarding development approval requirements. Assists the general public and neighborhood associations with planning and zoning questions and refers citizens to other resources as needed. Performs special studies pertaining to land use, environment, economic development, growth projections, etc. Prepares reports and presentations to boards, commissions, and City Council. Performs field inspections, surveys and studies. Utilizes GIS and other resources to compile data, perform requested data analyses and mapping in support of project review and research. Maintains the City's zoning and land use maps. Ensures compliance of zoning, subdivision and related codes and performs essential duties of enforcement proceedings, including filing Municipal Infractions and testifying in court.
Planner Examples of Essential Job Functions: Reviews plans, permits, and prepares reports on development requests as part of the City's development review process to determine conformance to standards, policies, and other criteria; presents findings to commissions and boards for variances, exceptions, special use permits, rezonings, certificates of appropriateness pertaining to historic structures, and similar current planning applications. Provides information and assistance to developers and to citizens regarding development approval requirements. Assists the general public with planning and zoning questions and refers citizens to other resources as needed. Performs special studies pertaining to land use, environment, economic development, growth projections, annexations, etc. Makes presentations to boards, commissions, and City Council on planning reports including impacts, conclusions and recommendations. Performs field inspections, surveys and studies. Utilizes GIS and other resources to compile data, perform requested data analyses and mapping in support of project review and research. Maintains the City's zoning and land use maps. Ensures compliance of zoning, subdivision and related codes and performs essential duties of enforcement proceedings, including filing Municipal Infractions and testifying in court. Work independently with Neighborhood Associations, may be assigned a liaison role, to administer grants, and to complete outreach activities.
Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; committing to diversity, equity and inclusion; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.
In addition, the employee must also embrace the Planning Division's Vision, which is to Keep Ames Special Through Leading Edge Planning, and act in full accord with the related mission and guiding principles of the Division.
Qualifications
Assistant Planner Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in planning, geography or closely related field, and one (1) year of experience related to land use, urban design, or zoning in private planning office or local government planning office. Relevant professional internships may substitute for full-time professional employment.
Licenses and Certificates: Valid Iowa driver's license. AICP certification is desired.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of planning principles, planning laws, and new concepts on planning. Knowledge of word processing software. Knowledge of computer applications, functions and their application to administration of development regulations. GIS experience, specifically using ESRI ArcGIS Pro and ArcMap version 10.8 or higher, creating and editing spatial and attribute data, developing maps, and analyzing spatial information.
Skill in verbal and written communication. Skill in performing mathematical computations.
Ability to work effectively with the Director of Planning and Housing and other Planners to prepare a consistent format in reports and correspondences, and to develop a rational, consistent and defensible application of codes and policies. Ability to research and learn state codes and law pertaining to land use, local zoning laws and municipal codes. Ability to conduct field surveys, collect and analyze data. Ability to prepare staff reports, to conduct detailed review and analysis of development proposals, and to make effective written and oral presentations to the general public. Participate in preparation of and in attendance of public meetings, including evening meetings. Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines. Ability to establish and to maintain an effective working relationship with City staff, developers, and the citizens of Ames.
Planner Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in planning, geography or closely related field, and four years experience in private or municipal government planning office. Professional internships may count for no more than the equivalency of 1 year of full-time professional employment.
Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver's license. AICP certification is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of planning principles, planning laws, and new concepts on planning. Knowledge of word processing software. Knowledge of computer applications, functions and their application to administration of development regulations. Experience with GIS, specifically using ESRI ArcMap version 10.8 and ArcGis Pro, creating and editing spatial and attribute data, developing maps, and analyzing spatial information is beneficial. Experience with EnerGov permit software is beneficial.
Skill in verbal and written communication. Skill in performing mathematical computations.
Ability to work effectively with the Director of Planning and Housing to prepare a consistent format in reports and correspondences, and to develop a rational, consistent and defensible application of codes and policies. Lead project teams in development and review of complex projects. Ability to identify and implement innovative planning concepts. Ability to research and learn state codes and law pertaining to land use, local zoning laws and municipal codes. Ability to conduct field surveys, collect and analyze data. Ability to prepare staff reports, to conduct detailed review and analysis of development proposals, and to make effective written and oral presentations to the general public. Participate in preparation of and in attendance of public meetings, including evening meetings. Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines. Ability to establish and to maintain an effective working relationship with City staff, developers, and the citizens of Ames.
Supplemental Information
Required Physical Activities. Talking, hearing, walking, standing (for presentations), grasping and finger dexterity.
Physical Characteristics of Work: Work is primarily sedentary and requires sitting approximately 85% of the time, and standing and/or walking 15% of the time. Requires the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force routinely, and the exertion of up to 25 pounds of force infrequently to lift or otherwise move objects.
Vision Requirements: The minimum requirement for those whose work deals largely with preparing and analyzing data and written information; visual inspection of maps and plans; and the use of a computer monitor.
Environmental Conditions: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Examples of Equipment Used on the Job. Computer equipment including keyboard, monitor, and printer. Computer software such as word processing and GIS applications. General office equipment such as writing utensils, paper fasteners, paper cutter, files and file cabinets, photocopy machine, and calculator. Communications equipment such as telephone and fax machine. Specialized equipment used in planning such as engineers and architects equipment and scales.
Printed materials such as maps, site plans, plats, aerial photographs, topographic maps, correspondence, state and municipal codes, and federal regulations. Automobile.
Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience; phone interview; on-site interview, which will include a manager meeting and written exercise; and completion of reference checks and a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.
Veteran's Preference Points
The City of Ames provides Veteran's Preference Points for Civil Service positions. A copy of your DD214 and, if applicable, proof of disability, must be attached with your application (or faxed to 515-239-5297) prior to the close date of the posting in order to receive Veteran's Preference Points.
Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.
E-Verify Process:
The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.
NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.
The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.
