Job Description

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Under general supervision, performs professional planning work on projects of average difficulty; assists on more complex projects. This class is the entry level position in the Urban Planner progression series and is distinguished from the next higher class of Urban Planner II by the closer supervision received and the lesser complexity of assignment.



The City of Des Moines promotes a healthy work life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Residency Incentive Program
• Alternative Work Schedule Options
• Paid Volunteer Time-Off
• Parental Leave
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Health/Dental/Life/LTD Insurance
• Wellness Programs and Activities
• Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education Programs
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Benefit
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan through IPERS
• Deferred Compensation Plan with City Match up to 2.5%
• Voluntary Insurance Benefit Options
• Employee Discount Program

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree with major course work in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, sociology or closely related field, or
• Any equivalent combination in which one year of related experience may be substituted for one year of desired education, but in no case may experience be substituted for more than two years of education.

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screening.
• Possession of a valid Iowa driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Conducts office and field research and investigations on demographic, social and physical developments, land use and other community development projects;
• Calculates basic statistics and development trends and projects;
• Compiles and analyzes data, makes recommendations, and prepares reports on findings;
• Prepares charts, tables, maps and other graphic materials to illustrate findings and recommendations, and presents studies, reports and findings;
• Reviews site and other physical development plans;
• Gives technical assistance to other City staff members and the public;
• Explains planning concepts, zoning regulations, comprehensive plans and other projects and developmental policies to other staff members, departments, citizen groups and the general public;
• Assists in the analysis, recommendation and report preparation process on more difficult studies;
• Performs related work as required.

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