Principal Planner

Employer
City of Opelika, AL
Opelika, Alabama

Description
The City of Opelika is seeking a talented, innovative, and motivated Principal Planner to join our Planning Department. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning professional to play a key role in guiding growth, shaping land use policy, and advancing the City’s long-term vision.

As Principal Planner, you’ll help lead comprehensive planning initiatives, manage complex planning projects, evaluate development proposals, and develop forward-thinking policies that support Opelika’s continued growth and quality of life.

• Lead long-range and comprehensive planning initiatives.
• Manage complex planning projects, studies, and consultant activities.
• Review development proposals, zoning applications, and land use regulations.
• Research and draft zoning ordinance amendments and planning policies.
• Present recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Collaborate with developers, residents, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Provide professional guidance and supervision to planning staff.

Build Your Career. Shape Our Community.

Opelika offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing Alabama community. Join a collaborative team where your expertise and ideas can help shape the future of our city.

Position: Full-Time | Exempt

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field with three years of professional planning experience; or
• Master’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field with two years of professional planning experience.
• Strong communication, analytical, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• AICP certification highly preferred.

Equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training may be considered.

Salary Range
$83,914.66 – $92,306.13 annually

Benefits
The City of Opelika offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Employees Health Clinic
• Alabama State Retirement System
• Generous paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation leave

Additional information about all available benefits can be found in the City’s Benefits Statement.

How to Apply
Qualified applicants can apply through the City of Opelika’s Employment Portal. View the full job description.

Questions or Additional Information:
Matt Mosley, AICP
Planning Director, City of Opelika
204 S. 7th Street
Opelika, AL 36801
Phone: (334) 705-5166

Email

The City of Opelika is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Deadline
11/20/2026