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The City of Opelika is seeking a highly skilled, forward-thinking Principal Planner to join our Planning Department. This full-time, exempt position plays a vital leadership role in shaping the City's long-term growth, development policies, and planning initiatives. If you’re passionate about impactful urban planning, enjoy leading complex projects, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply.
About Opelika
Opelika is a vibrant, rapidly growing city in East Alabama known for its welcoming community, strong economic base, and exceptional quality of life. Located minutes from Auburn University, it offers a unique blend of historic character, modern amenities, and natural beauty. Opelika’s revitalized downtown, diverse housing options, expanding parks and trail systems, and thriving industries make it an exciting place to live and work. Opelika provides an ideal environment for professionals seeking both career opportunity and community connection.
Long-Range Planning & Policy Development
Current Planning & Development Review
Regulation Review & Amendments
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Applications will be received through January 2, 2026.
Qualified applicants can apply through the City of Opelika’s Employment Portal. The full job description can be found at: https://ss.opelika-al.gov/ess/employmentopportunities/default.aspx (Upgrade Browser)
Additional questions or inquiries can be sent to:
Matt Mosley, AICP
Planning Director, City of Opelika
204 S. 7th Street
Opelika, AL 36801
Phone: (334) 705-5166
Email: cmosley@opelika-al.gov
Employment Policy
The City of Opelika is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, parental status, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or any other legally protected status. In accordance with the Department of Justice regulations implementing Subtitle A of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12131), the City of Opelika welcomes all reasonable requests for accommodations from prospective applicants. The City’s ADA Coordinator can be reached at (334) 705-5130 or at ADA@opelika-al.gov .
About Opelika
Opelika is a vibrant, rapidly growing city in East Alabama known for its welcoming community, strong economic base, and exceptional quality of life. Located minutes from Auburn University, it offers a unique blend of historic character, modern amenities, and natural beauty. Opelika’s revitalized downtown, diverse housing options, expanding parks and trail systems, and thriving industries make it an exciting place to live and work. Opelika provides an ideal environment for professionals seeking both career opportunity and community connection.
Key ResponsibilitiesLong-Range Planning & Policy Development
- Lead complex professional planning projects, research, and data analysis.
- Oversee comprehensive plans, long-range planning documents, and regulatory amendments.
- Manage project schedules, staff assignments, and consultant contracts.
- Serve as principal author or editor of planning documents.
- Assess community issues and prepare recommendations for future actions.
Current Planning & Development Review
- Work with applicants to ensure development proposals meet City regulations and align with planning goals.
- Review zoning applications, subdivisions, site plans, sign permits, and related submissions.
- Prepare staff reports and present recommendations to boards and elected officials.
- Conduct property research and prepare zoning letters.
Regulation Review & Amendments
- Identify regulatory gaps and propose ordinance amendments.
- Conduct planning-related research and draft policy updates.
- Present proposed changes to Planning Commission and City Council.
- Prepare and deliver presentations to staff, officials, and the public.
- Provide training and guidance to new team members.
- Respond to citizen inquiries and communicate planning concepts effectively.
- Provide functional supervision of assigned staff.
- Review work products, provide coaching, and support professional development.
- Ensure safety and proper use of equipment and facilities.
- Attend meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
- Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning or a closely related field plus three years of professional planning experience;
OR a master’s degree in urban planning or related field plus two years of professional planning experience. - Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
- Valid State of Alabama Driver’s License.
- Ability to pass a required background check.
- AICP certification highly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesThe ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong understanding of urban and regional planning principles.
- Knowledge of local government processes, zoning, development codes, and GIS concepts.
- Experience supervising staff and managing workflow.
- Proficiency with ESRI products, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
- Excellent project management and deadline-driven organizational skills.
- Ability to build consensus, communicate effectively, and work constructively with diverse groups.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
- Ability to analyze data objectively, interpret ordinances, and prepare accurate reports.
- Comfort operating standard and specialized planning software.
- Starting salary range: $70,456.37 -$77,502.01 per year
- Medical, dental, vision, life insurance and Employees Health Clinic
- Alabama State Retirement System
- All benefits including generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave can be found in our Benefits Statement.
Applications will be received through January 2, 2026.
Qualified applicants can apply through the City of Opelika’s Employment Portal. The full job description can be found at: https://ss.opelika-al.gov/ess/employmentopportunities/default.aspx (Upgrade Browser)
Additional questions or inquiries can be sent to:
Matt Mosley, AICP
Planning Director, City of Opelika
204 S. 7th Street
Opelika, AL 36801
Phone: (334) 705-5166
Email: cmosley@opelika-al.gov
Employment Policy
The City of Opelika is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, parental status, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or any other legally protected status. In accordance with the Department of Justice regulations implementing Subtitle A of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12131), the City of Opelika welcomes all reasonable requests for accommodations from prospective applicants. The City’s ADA Coordinator can be reached at (334) 705-5130 or at ADA@opelika-al.gov .