Are you looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community? If you answered YES, come join the City of Sparks! Aside from working for an organization that is dedicated to the community, you will also receive a generous and competitive salary and benefit package. Some benefits may include tuition reimbursement, bilingual pay (when applicable) and retirement plans. People who come to Sparks, stay in Sparks.
The Ideal Candidate: In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications listed below, while not required, the ideal candidate will also have an AICP certification. Are you the ideal candidate? If so, apply now!
Application Tips:
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COMPLETELY fill out and update your general online application before attaching it to any new job posting. HR reviews information listed on the application submitted to the specific job posting. HR does NOT use personnel files in the screening process.
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CONTACT INFO: use an email address you can easily access at any time.
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Minimum Qualifications - the minimum qualifications section below is the candidate's guide to understand what the City is looking for on an application, use this to your advantage. It is up to the candidate seeking employment/promotion to include all relevant information for qualification purposes, on the application the candidate submits to be considered for the job.
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DO attach: licenses/transcripts/certificates that will demonstrate you meet the education or certification requirements (see qualifications section to determine what documents to attach) or preferred experience/education.
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DO NOT attach resumes or cover letters. The City of Sparks does not review these items with the application.
The City of Sparks is currently seeking to hire one Planner in the Development Division of the Community Services Department. This recruitment is scheduled to close on June 18, 2026 with the first review of applications scheduled for May 28, 2026. The posting may close early or may be extended without notice if and when a sufficient number of applications are received and/or a hiring decision has been made. It is therefore, in the candidate's best interest to submit a fully completed application as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please email
[email protected]. The City of Sparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
PLANNER I
Description
Under supervision, perform municipal planning work. Conduct planning studies. Collect and present data and reports. Provide information to the public.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the entry level class in this professional planning series expected to perform duties under general supervision.
PLANNER II
Description
Under limited supervision, perform complex municipal planning work. Conduct planning studies. Collect and present data. Prepare and present reports.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the experienced level in this professional planning series able to perform all the essential functions with limited supervision.
PLANNER SENIOR
Description
Perform complex professional work on difficult current and advanced planning projects. Provide technical assistance to planning staff.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the advanced, lead level in the professional planning series expected to provide technical assistance for assigned planners and perform highly specialized and difficult planning work that requires considerable professional knowledge and the use of independent judgment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below, on their completed application, to continue in the recruitment process:
PLANNER I
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in city, regional or urban planning or a field directly related to the essential functions of the job.
Licenses and Certificates:
Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.
PLANNER II
Education and Experience:
Master’s Degree in city, regional or urban planning and one (1) year of professional planning or related experience.
or
Bachelor’s Degree in city, regional or urban planning and two (2) years of professional planning or related experience.
Licenses and Certificates:
Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.
PLANNER SENIOR
Education and Experience:
Master’s Degree in city, regional or urban planning and four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience.
or
Bachelor’s Degree in city, regional or urban planning or a related field and six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional planning.
Licenses and Certificates:
Specified positions may require possession within thirty (30) days of hire and maintenance throughout employment, of the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.
PLANNER I
Review business license applications for conformance with planning and zoning requirements. Interpret city codes and other policies and standards to potential applicants and the public. Answer questions and provide information and assistance to the public in person, on the phone and in writing. Review business license applications for conformance with planning and zoning requirements.
Receive, investigate, and process applications for rezoning, Comprehensive Plan amendments, sub-division maps, annexations, administrative reviews, use permits, variances and related zoning, planning and regulations items.
Prepare materials and make presentations to boards and commissions, including the Planning Commission, City Manager, Mayor, City Council and community groups. Make persuasive presentations of ideas and recommendations.
Perform building permit plan checking for conformance to City ordinances and regulations.
Conduct basic research, prepare reports and make recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing, redevelopment and community service needs.
Prepare clear and concise technical documents, reports, correspondence, written materials, and communications, including but not limited to analytical reports.
Perform field surveys and investigations related to planning and zoning projects or requests. Interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs, and statistical data.
Assist with the review and modification of the Comprehensive Plan. Assist with various redevelopment and other projects.
Perform other duties which may be assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards pertaining to the planning process
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Knowledge of objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, and trends of municipal urban planning
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Knowledge of application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental, and social concepts to the planning process
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Knowledge of application of zoning and other municipal ordinances
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Knowledge of statistical analysis and mathematical concepts related to the planning process
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Knowledge of terminology, symbols, methods, and instruments used in planning graphics and mapping
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Ability to exercise sound judgment within established guidelines
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Ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to Microsoft Office
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Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective relationships with those contacted during work
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Ability to train others in work procedures
Physical Demands:
Requires ability to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment. Requires sufficient mobility to inspect operations and activities at residential, commercial, business and construction sites.
SUPPLEMENTAL JOB INFORMATION
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This position is Exempt under FLSA guidelines
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This position is at-will and exempt from the Regulations of the Civil Service Commission
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This position reports to the Planning Manager or Development Services Manager and may receive work direction from the Planner Senior
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Supervision exercised: None
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Must attend evening meetings as required
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May be required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
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May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation
PLANNER II
Interpret city codes and other policies and standards to potential applicants and the public. Answer questions and provide information and assistance to the public in person, on the phone and in writing. Review business license applications for conformance with planning and zoning requirements.
Receive, investigate, and process applications for rezoning, Comprehensive Plan amendments, sub-division maps, annexations, administrative reviews, use permits, variances, and related zoning, planning and regulations items.
Prepare materials and make presentations to boards and commissions, including the Planning Commission, Mayor, City Council, and community groups. Make persuasive presentations of ideas and recommendations.
Perform building permit plan checking for conformance to City ordinances and regulations.
Conduct basic research, prepare reports, and make recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing, redevelopment, and community service needs.
Prepare clear and concise technical documents, reports, correspondence, written materials and communications, including but not limited to analytical reports.
Perform field surveys and investigations related to planning and zoning projects or requests. Interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs, and statistical data.
Assist with the review and modification of the Comprehensive Plan and site-specific plans. Assist with various redevelopment and other projects.
Perform other duties which may be assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards pertaining to the planning process
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Knowledge of objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, and trends of municipal urban planning
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Knowledge of application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental, and social concepts to the planning process
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Knowledge of application of zoning and other municipal ordinances
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Knowledge of statistical analysis and mathematical concepts related to the planning process
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Knowledge of terminology, symbols, methods, and instruments used in planning graphics and mapping
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Ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines
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Ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to Microsoft Office
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Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective relationships with those contacted during work
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Ability to train others in work procedures
Physical Demands:
Requires ability to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment. Requires sufficient mobility to inspect operations and activities at residential, commercial, business and construction sites.
SUPPLEMENTAL JOB INFORMATION
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This position is Exempt under FLSA guidelines
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This position is at-will and exempt from the Regulations of the Civil Service Commission
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This position reports to the Planning Manager or Development Services Manager and may receive work direction from the Planner Senior
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Supervision exercised: None
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Must attend evening meetings as required
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May be required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
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May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation
PLANNER SENIOR
Receive, evaluate, and process complex applications for Comprehensive Plan amendments, development agreements, planned developments, subdivisions, conditional use permits, and other land use requests, development permits, or approvals. Review plans and other information submitted in the application process. Perform building permit plan checking for conformance to City ordinances and regulations.
Prepare materials and make presentations to boards and commissions, including but not limited to the Planning Commission, Mayor, City Council, community groups, and boards of other governmental agencies. Make persuasive presentations of ideas and recommendations.
Research, coordinate, and perform evaluations and analyses of the Comprehensive Plan, area plans, City ordinances, environmental assessment reports, implementation plans, redevelopment and capital improvement plans, and other programs related to municipal ordinances and policies.
Exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines. Compile and analyze information such as population and economic growth estimates, demographics, housing information and land use data. Collect and evaluate information related to the application process and recommend approval, disapproval or alternative approaches.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work. Provide direction and work assignments to professional and technical staff. Instruct staff in work procedures and review work performed.
Confer with personnel from other departments and agencies in coordinating assigned work. Meet with representatives of community organizations and other groups to encourage cooperative action or to resolve problems.
Prepare and/or direct the preparation of clear, concise and complete maps, charts, models, sketches, other graphic presentations, technical documents, recommendations, state and federal applications and other written documents, reports and correspondence. Make special investigations of a technical nature regarding planning projects, prepare reports of conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
Perform field surveys and investigations related to planning and zoning projects or requests.
Perform other duties which may be assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations
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Knowledge of policies, procedures, regulations, maps, specifications, site and building plans, graphs and statistical data
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Knowledge of local government organization and the functions and practices of a municipal planning unit
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Knowledge of objectives, principles, procedures, practices, standards, information and trends for municipal planning and community development
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Knowledge of concepts of planning, zoning, land entitlement and projection management
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Knowledge of land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, social and economic concepts within the planning process
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Knowledge of applicable statistical analysis and mathematical concepts
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Knowledge of application, modification, and interrelationships between ordinances, policies, standards, procedures, and practices associated with the planning function
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Knowledge of terminology, symbols, methods, and techniques used in planning and map preparation
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Knowledge of basic supervisory principles and practices
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Ability to independently manage, maintain, and complete multiple projects, tasks, and responsibilities efficiently, effectively within expected deadlines
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Ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to Microsoft Office
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Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with those contacted during work
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Ability to have direct and tough conversations with others as needed
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Ability to reason logically and make sound decisions, to consider alternative and diverse perspectives
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Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, to remain poised under all circumstances, and to interact effectively with people in a positive manner that engenders confidence and trust
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Ability to train others in work procedures
Physical Demands:
Requires ability to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment. Duties also require sufficient mobility to inspect operations and activities at residential, commercial, business and construction sites.
SUPPLEMENTAL JOB INFORMATION
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This position is Exempt under FLSA guidelines
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This position is at-will and exempt from the Regulations of the Civil Service Commission
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This position reports to the Planning Manager or Development Services Manager
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Supervision exercised: direct the work of support staff. May act for the Planning Manager or Development Services Manager
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Must attend evening meetings as required
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May be required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
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May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation
