FT - Planning Division Manager in Chester

Position Overview

Title: Planning Division Manager
Location: Murray City, UT
Department: Community and Economic Development
Status: Open (Posting date: June 19, 2026; Closing: Open until filled)

General Description

Under the general supervision of the Community and Economic Development Director, the Planning Division Manager performs professional planning functions for the orderly development, redevelopment, and growth of the city. The Manager coordinates division activities in the absence of the Director.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, civil engineering, architecture, political science, economics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of full‑time progressively responsible experience in urban planning or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master’s degree is preferred.

Special Requirements

• Valid Utah Driver License.
• Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or ability to obtain within two (2) years of appointment.
• Willingness to attend evening meetings to support the community development office.
• Proficiency with computers and a working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is highly desired.

Essential Duties

• Participate in public meetings and prepare presentations for the Planning Commission, Hearing Officer, City Council, and related bodies on development applications, variances, appeals, and zoning amendments.
• Perform professional planning functions under the guidance of the Director, acting as staff planner to the Planning Commission and Hearing Officers; prepare meeting schedules, agendas, maps, photographs, and graphic materials; analyze and formulate staff recommendations for development applications.
• Prepare staff reports for zoning, variances, appeals, site plans, Conditional Use applications, annexations, and other planning matters.
• Coordinate with the City Attorney, City Engineer, Building Official, inspectors, and other officials on planning, zoning, and development issues.
• Develop, update, and recommend changes to the City’s General Plan; work with and/or direct consultants on city‑sponsored planning, ordinance, and regulatory projects; prepare annual assessments and reports on the City’s moderate‑income housing plan.
• Supervise planners, providing training, evaluation, discipline, and motivation to meet high performance standards; assign, monitor, and coordinate work.
• Assist the Community and Economic Development Director with research, planning, coordination, and implementation of special projects; serve as acting director in the Director’s absence.
• Conduct Planning Review Meetings for new developments involving various city departments and external stakeholders; coordinate with county and municipal planning agencies to resolve issues.
• Meet with the public, developers, architects, engineers, realtors, and city officials on land‑use development, sign code, variances, and zoning matters.
• Review zoning approvals for building permits, sign permits, and business licenses; analyze and approve building permit plans to ensure compliance with ordinances.
• Provide information to GIS personnel to maintain up‑to‑date Zoning and Land Use maps; familiar with ArcView GIS software.
• Coordinate with the Code Enforcement division on zoning violations, business license reviews, on‑site improvements, agreements, and bonds; inspect site improvements for final occupancy permits.
• Support the Redevelopment Agency of Murray, attend its meetings, and provide feedback on development and redevelopment proposals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Pension through Utah Retirement System
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Vacation – 20 days/yr; sick leave – 12 days/yr; 15 paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Down Payment Assistance Program

Application Instructions

Qualified applicants must complete the Murray City employment application online at https://cityofmurraycityut.munisselfservice.com/ess/. If you do not have access to a computer, you may visit the Murray City Human Resources Office at 10 East 4800 South, Murray, UT, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday‑Friday.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a successful chemical screen and a background check for candidates over 18 years of age.

Murray City is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws.