City Planner

The City of Mason City is looking for a dedicated City Planner to join our team and help guide the future of our community. In this role, you'll review and support development projects, collaborate with city staff and other community members, and ensure that our planning initiatives align with established policies and regulations. Whether you're building on your experience or bringing new ideas to the team, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Mason City's development. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical and professional advice; make presentations to boards, commissions, civic groups, City Council, and the general public.  Provide information on land use applications, ordinances, codes, plans and related planning programs, services or regulations to architects, engineers, developers, contractors, owners, community groups, and interested persons.
• Review and process development and related land use permit applications, site plans, variances, conditional uses, etc.; examine applications for compliance with established plans and ordinances, and applicable local, state or federal regulation; solicit input from appropriate staff; schedule hearings and actions, monitor through the approval process, enforce compliance with regulations; prepare reports and related data as required.
• Administer the Flood Plain Management Ordinance; review and approve flood plain permits.
• Review and approve sign permit applications.
• Develop short range plans; gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinate activities with other departments and agencies as needed.  Provide technical assistance for long-range planning projects.
• Provide staff support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and the Historic Preservation Commission as needed and assigned.   Prepare planning reports and supporting data, including recommendations or various land use proposals.
• Evaluate environmental information and recommend mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts of development.
• Assist city staff in the enforcement of local ordinances and in interpreting city codes and master plans.  Respond to local citizens inquiring about local planning and zoning regulations and ordinances.
• Administer the updating of the Zoning Map using appropriate drafting software.
• Attend all Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Historic Preservation Commission meetings.  Attend City Council meetings and workshops related to planning issues.  Serve when assigned as a member of a planning task force composed of City, County, Regional, or State groups.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Land Use Planning, Landscape Architecture, or a related field. Master’s in Urban Planning preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant planning experience.
• Equivalent education and experience.
• Knowledge of the planning function at the local government level is preferred.
• Experience with flood plain management is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel) and experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.

Why Mason City?
Mason City offers more than just a fulfilling career, it’s a place you’ll be proud to call home. We provide excellent benefits, including competitive pay, health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Nestled in the heart of North Iowa, Mason City is a vibrant, welcoming community celebrated for its stunning architecture and abundant outdoor recreation—making it the perfect place to live, work, and thrive.

Salary : $72,301 - $82,618