Associate Planner
DEPT OF CITY DEVELOPMENT
- Agency: DEPT OF CITY DEVELOPMENT
- Location: WI
- Salary: $79K - $102K
- Type: full-time
- Work arrangement: onsite
- Posted: 2026-07-02
Job Description
Introduction
The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a workforce
dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are
passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please
consider the following opportunity.
Purpose
The Associate Planner consults with and provides technical
assistance in zoning, land use, housing, and development to the Planning
Division staff, other Department of City Development (DCD) personnel, property
owners and developers, community-based organizations, and the public.
The incumbent will support zoning, land use planning, and
housing development initiatives in compliance with Wisconsin State Statute §
66.1001 and Wisconsin Act 173.
Essential Functions
Land Use, Zoning, and Development Review
Administer applications for Future Land Use Map updates and
Comprehensive Plan amendments.
Support the processing of applications for Zoning Map Change
requests, Planned Development creation and modifications, overlay zone creation
and administration, and other items requiring City Plan Commission review.
Coordinate with Planning staff and City departments to
review applications, track project status, make recommendations, prepare and
present files for City Plan Commission and Common Council review, and provide
ongoing technical assistance.
Support Zoning Code text updates and Zoning Map Changes that
advance Comprehensive Plan goals.
Provide zoning, land use, and housing development
information to property owners, developers, City staff, and the public.
Present reports to public bodies such as the City Plan
Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and Common Council Committees.
Research and recommend changes to public policy and
regulations to achieve land use, zoning, and housing development goals.
Planning Project Support
Support Comprehensive Plan updates and amendment efforts,
focusing on land use planning, zoning, economic development, and housing
initiatives.
Complete tasks that may include the analysis of existing
conditions, future land use, housing, and development patterns and trends.
Prepare written materials including maps, graphics, and
exhibits.
Support and carry out public engagement, including
developing engagement strategies and materials, attending community meetings,
summarizing engagement results, and updating project webpages and other online
and print distribution.
Support planning projects that rely on data analysis and
projections to inform land use, zoning, housing, development planning, and
policy recommendations.
Conduct research, identify appropriate data sources, analyze
data, perform trend and market analysis, present findings, and make
recommendations.
Interpret and communicate findings into reports, maps, and
other visualizations, and translate complex information into clear written text
and illustrations.
Planning Administration
Assist the City Planning Director, Principal Planner (City
Plan Commission), Commissioner's Office, and other Divisions/Departments with
special projects.
Maintain knowledge of best practices in the planning and
housing fields, including legislation, case law, and professional practices and
techniques.
Contribute to maintaining the Planning webpages on the City's
website.
Represent the DCD at local and national conferences on
planning, zoning, land use, urban design, transportation, environment,
community/economic development, and engagement.
We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are
interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the
hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of
1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA)
of 2008.
Conditions of Employment
The Associate Planner must be willing and able to:
Travel to various locations throughout the city for meetings.
Occasionally work evenings and weekends in the community.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture,
geography, geographic information systems (GIS), or a closely related field
from an accredited college or university.
Two years of professional urban planning experience.
Ability to travel independently throughout the City of
Milwaukee by public transportation, walking, bicycling, ridesharing, or driving
at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be
considered.
NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts
to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates'
education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any
job offers.
Desirable Qualifications
Master's degree in urban planning, architecture, geography, geographic
information systems (GIS), or a closely related field from an accredited
college or university.
Knowledge of Adobe InDesign or similar design software.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
certification.
Familiarity with Milwaukee's Zoning Code and Comprehensive
Plan.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
Technical
Knowledge of urban planning, including public participation,
economic development, land use planning, zoning, urban design, and
transportation principles and practices.
Ability to read survey maps and plats.
Knowledge of mathematics to aid in data analysis.
Ability to conduct research, compile and analyze data, and
produce reports.
Proficiency using GIS software, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint,
Excel, Outlook, database software, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Ability to lead planning or community development
initiatives in neighborhoods throughout the city, including carrying out
accessible, responsive, and innovative public engagement techniques.
Ability to perform complex mapping and data analysis
assignments, including synthesizing complex data and analyses into key
takeaways and recommendations.
Communication and Interpersonal
Customer service skills to provide outstanding client
service.
Ability to collaborate with a range of people across responsibility
levels.
Verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with
diverse groups of individuals and make presentations in public meetings.
Written communication skills to create clear and concise
business communications.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships with stakeholders, including elected officials, policymakers,
community organizations, business owners, developers, contractors, the public,
and co-workers.
Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose
backgrounds may differ from one's own.
Judgment and Professionalism
Ability to exercise sound judgment to make decisions.
Honesty and integrity to meet professional standards for
handling confidential information and sensitive issues.
Ability to plan and prioritize responsibilities to meet
deadlines and adjust priorities as necessary.
Problem-solving skills to recognize and recommend solutions.
Ability to carry out complex assignments with a high degree
of independence.
Ability to work efficiently, both independently and as a
team member.
Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and excellent judgment when
interacting with the public, elected officials, and City employees.
Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.
Current Salary
The current salary range (Pay Range 2KX) is $79,209-$101,665
annually, and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee
residents is $82,378-$105,731 annually. Appointment above the minimum is
possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject
to approval.
In accordance with the City of Milwaukee Salary Ordinance, an
Associate Planner with an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
certification shall be paid an additional 3%.
BENEFITS:
The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit
program that includes the following:
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension
Plan
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Health and Dental Insurance
Paid Parental Leave
Comprehensive Wellness Program
Onsite Clinic Services
Onsite Employee Assistance Program
Alternative Work Schedules
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Group Life Insurance
Tuition Benefits
Paid Vacation
12 Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
Flexible Spending Arrangement
Commuter Value Pass
For full details of the benefits offered by the City of
Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/benefits.
Selection Process
THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist
of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or
responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test; a
structured interview; or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee
Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to
structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may
include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined
by further analysis of the job.
INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as
soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may
be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However,
recruitment may continue until the City's needs are met. Qualified applicants
will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process
components. Unless required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide
alternative dates or times for the selection process. The applicant is
responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time
and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.
Additional Information
Applications can be accessed by visiting
www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
If you would like assistance completing an application,
please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or
staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
The Department of Employee Relations is located in City
Hall, 200
Requirements
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture,
geography, geographic information systems (GIS), or a closely related field
from an accredited college or university.
Two years of professional urban planning experience.
Ability to travel independently throughout the City of
Milwaukee by public transportation, walking, bicycling, ridesharing, or driving
at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be
considered.
NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts
to your employment
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