TARGET CLOSE DATE:
08/07/2026
PAY GRADE:
Grade 22
TYPE:
Full time
JOB SUMMARY:
Job Description Summary
The City of Birmingham is actively seeking a well-qualified, motivated Planner. This role is primarily responsible for researching and assisting in development of plans and programs for uniform utilization of land and physical facilities of a city or county according to existing laws, codes, plans and ordinances. They review site plans, elevation drawings, and building permits for conformance to applicable regulations (e.g., zoning, subdivision, flood plain, historical preservation). They also review construction plans for adherence to development regulations required through the Zoning Ordinance and, when appropriate, grant approval. Employees in this job class communicate with various individuals (e.g., contractors, realtors, engineers, developers, general public) to answer questions and explain ordinances relating to flood plain, zoning, signage, subdivision, etc. They work under the direction of a supervisor, and their work is reviewed through planning reports for appropriateness and accuracy.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The City of Birmingham provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefit packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. The pay range for this job is presented below:
$49,753 - $77,188
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:
Option A:
Driver's license
Bachelor's degree in Planning, Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Urban Studies, Public Administration, Environmental Management, or a related degree (e.g., Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture).
Option B:
Driver's license
Experience performing county or city planning-related activities (e.g., map interpretation, permit processing, zoning and/or subdivision regulations) within a planning and zoning department or as a consultant within the private sector.
Experience operating computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel) to generate and create reports, and create and update documents, spreadsheets, and tables.
Experience communicating with the public, customers and/or stakeholders in order to relay information, explaining policies and procedures, etc.
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:
Acts as a staff liaison to various committees/commissions (e.g., Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Subdivision Committee, Zoning Advisory Committee, Historic Preservation, Planning and Zoning, Design Review Board) in order to gather feedback, relay information and deliver presentations.
Communicates with various individuals (e.g., contractors, realtors, engineers, developers, general public) in order to answer questions and explain ordinances relating to flood plain, zoning, signage, subdivision, future land use, and the comprehensive plan.
Participates in strategic, current, and long-range planning and ordinance revisions by conducting research and analyzing various data (e.g., demographic reports, neighborhood revitalization plans) to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Processes cases or projects (e.g., re-zoning cases, subdivision cases, variances) by conducting research, analysis, and findings of cases in order to ensure accuracy and adherence to best planning practices.
Reviews drawings, maps, surveys, and applications for various purposes (e.g., zoning, subdivisions, building, addressing, construction permits) to ensure compliance with departmental requirements and County/City codes and ordinances.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods. May involve occasional light lifting of items or objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is conducted mostly indoors in an office setting, with periodic field visits to external indoor or outdoor locations. Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc.
EEO STATEMENT:
The Personnel Board of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Each Merit System member city/agency operates its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual city/agency website.
ACCOMMODATION:
To request an accommodation in the application or hiring process due to your own ongoing medical condition or disability, please contact our Accommodations Coordinator at [email protected] or phone at 205-279-3500 (select option 1) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. The accommodation process is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or accommodation in the job application process.
NOTE:
This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. More detail regarding this job is available by clicking Apply.
DISCLAIMER:
This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required for this position and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.
