Senior Planner in The Dalles, Oregon - #72918 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 72918

Senior Planner
Our client is seeking a Senior Planner to join a collaborative community development team focused on guiding long-range planning initiatives, managing complex land use projects, and supporting sustainable community growth. This role is ideal for an experienced planning professional who excels at balancing technical expertise with public engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic project leadership while helping shape policies and development initiatives that benefit the community.

This role is on-site in The Dalles, Oregon.

Senior Planner Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex planning, land use, and community development projects from concept through implementation.
• Review and evaluate development proposals, zoning requests, historic preservation applications, and other land use matters while preparing recommendations for decision-making bodies.
• Coordinate long-range planning efforts, comprehensive plan updates, policy initiatives, and municipal code amendments.
• Oversee consultant engagements, grant-funded initiatives, implementation activities, and cross-functional project teams.
• Prepare technical reports, staff recommendations, presentations, and supporting documentation for boards, commissions, and public meetings.
• Interpret and apply land use regulations, planning policies, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements to ensure consistent project review.
• Serve as a liaison with developers, property owners, public agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders throughout the planning process.
• Assist departmental leadership with project prioritization, workflow coordination, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and technical support to planning staff while fostering collaboration across project teams.
• Deliver public presentations and facilitate productive communication with elected officials, advisory groups, and community members.

Senior Planner Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
• 5 or more years of progressively responsible experience in planning, community development, public administration, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex planning projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong knowledge of land use planning principles, zoning regulations, municipal codes, and community development practices.
• Experience preparing technical reports, policy recommendations, presentations, and supporting documentation for public review and decision-making.
• Ability to interpret applicable laws, regulations, and planning policies while exercising sound professional judgment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships across public agencies, community groups, and internal teams.
• Experience coordinating consultants, grant-funded projects, and multidisciplinary initiatives is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with GIS applications, databases, and standard office software.
• Valid driver’s license required. AICP certification is preferred.

Salary: $82K-$104K/year. (DOE)

Benefits
Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees and include coverage for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, and matching 401k.

Meet VanderHouwen
What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? VanderHouwen does, and we’re in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long-term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies’ staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals.

VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.