Senior Urban Planner

Employer
City of Spartanburg Planning Department
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Description
As part of a dedicated team, the Senior Planner plays a central role in planning, zoning, and development initiatives that shape Spartanburg’s future. The position supports implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, administration of the Zoning Ordinance (currently being updated), and special development projects, while serving as a liaison to one of the City’s four planning boards.

Success in this role depends on building strong relationships and communicating effectively with residents, City departments, and colleagues while actively contributing to a collaborative Planning team. The Senior Planner works with broad direction from the Planning Director and is expected to exercise independent judgment, initiative, and professional discretion. The ideal candidate is proactive and self-directed, able to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, develop solutions, and move projects forward. The position is primarily office-based.

• Leads planning projects that advance City Council priorities and the City Manager’s Work Program, including research, analysis, recommendations, and reports on complex planning issues.
• Shapes new development by reviewing development proposals, providing professional planning expertise, and working with applicants, property owners, and partners to navigate the development process.
• Applies and advances the City’s planning framework by interpreting the Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan, reviewing development and subdivision proposals, rezonings, and public projects, and making recommendations that support sound planning and community goals.
• Engages neighborhoods and the community in planning initiatives, redevelopment efforts, and ordinance updates that help shape the future of Spartanburg.
• Leads pre-application and development coordination, bringing together applicants, staff, and other stakeholders to identify issues, explore solutions, and move projects forward.
• Provides trusted planning guidance to residents, applicants, City staff, and community partners, resolving questions and interpreting zoning and planning policies with sound professional judgment.
• Represents the Planning Department at Planning Commission meetings and public forums, presenting recommendations and helping facilitate constructive community dialogue.
• Collaborates across the Planning team and City departments to communicate project information, coordinate development reviews, and advance shared community priorities.
• Performs other duties and special projects consistent with the role and the City’s planning and community development goals.

View the Full Job Description

Job Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, or Urban Design.
• Five (5) years of considerable land planning, architecture, or related experience; or
• Any combination of experience and training, which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid S.C. driver’s license.

Salary Range
DOQ $67,500 – $70,000

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Twelve (12) Paid holidays.
• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) determined annually.
• Participation in the SC Retirement System.
• Eligibility for health and dental coverage and flexible spending accounts.
• Free health clinic.
• Eligibility for city-paid benefits such as life insurance.

How to Apply

APPLY ONLINE

Deadline
10/9/2026