JOB DESCRIPTION

Launch Your Planning Career in Northern New England's Largest City

The City of Manchester, New Hampshire is seeking an entry-level Planner I to support a wide range of current planning, zoning, and development review activities. This position is well suited for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking hands-on municipal planning experience in a dynamic urban environment.

Planner I staff perform professional planning work in support of the City's goals, including zoning administration, ordinance development, data analysis, public engagement, and coordination with City boards, departments, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and interpret zoning regulations and assist with ordinance updates
• Review development proposals for zoning and plan compliance
• Collect, analyze, and present data related to land use, transportation, housing, and community facilities
• Prepare staff reports, recommendations, maps, and graphics for City boards and commissions
• Assist with public meetings, hearings, and presentations
• Respond to inquiries from residents, developers, and design professionals
• Conduct site visits and coordinate with other City departments
• Support capital improvement projects, grant-funded initiatives, and consultant work

Why Join the City of Manchester?

• Competitive entry-level salary
• Excellent health, dental, retirement, and leave benefits
• Exposure to complex planning issues early in your career
• Supportive, professional municipal planning environment

About Manchester

With a population of more than 115,000, Manchester is the largest city in Northern New England and a regional leader in economic growth and development. The city has recently adopted a form-based zoning code and continues to modernize its land use regulations.

Manchester offers planners the opportunity to work on meaningful projects in a city large enough to be complex, yet small enough for staff to see the direct impact of their work. The city features:

• A walkable downtown with historic mill buildings, restaurants, arts, and a growing residential population
• Unmatched access to the outdoors — less than an hour to the White Mountains, the Seacoast, and Boston
• Diverse neighborhoods with active residents invested in planning outcomes
• A city in motion — adaptive reuse, infill development, housing initiatives, and infrastructure investment are happening now

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred: Master's degree in urban planning, architecture, engineering, public administration, geography, or related field
• Candidates with law degrees and an interest in land use and municipal regulation are strongly encouraged to apply
• Bachelor's degree in a related field with three to five years of relevant experience will be considered
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in zoning, development review, and public-sector planning
• Valid driver's license or access to transportation

Experience with GIS, AutoCAD, or municipal planning processes is beneficial but not required

Position is open until filled.

BENEFITS

Salary: $65,756.77 – $93,753.43 annually

Grade: 116

Status: Full-time with comprehensive benefits - excellent health, dental, retirement, and leave benefits

BENEFITS

Salary: $65,756.77 – $93,753.43 annually

Grade: 116

Status: Full-time with comprehensive benefits - excellent health, dental, retirement, and leave benefits