JOB DESCRIPTION

Planner 1- Land Development: Customer Service

Nashville/Davidson County is seeking experienced individuals to join the Land Development and Design Division. It is an exciting time to be a part of a team that is shaping Nashville's future.

The Metro Nashville Planning Department is comprised of planners and designers with expertise in land use, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design. These staff members provide analysis and recommendations throughout Metro Nashville on current planning and development, community planning, and urban design and landscape issues in a wide variety of urban, suburban, and rural contexts. The Land Development and Design Division is responsible for current planning within the 526 square miles that make up Nashville/Davidson County, including review of rezoning requests, application of overlays, site plans, mandatory referrals, and subdivision requests.

The successful candidate for all open positions must be enthusiastic about current planning and customer service. Ability to communicate effectively with other Metro Departments, development professionals, citizens, and engineers is desired. Must have the ability to accurately process, review, analyze and critique development issues with an emphasis on good urban design principles. Ability to write clearly and prepare concise and accurate letters, reports, and presentations is also desired.
Other qualifications include: knowledge of basic legal principles of land development and zoning; knowledge of form-based codes and New Urbanism; attention to detail; compliance with time-sensitive deadlines; clear and timely communication with a variety of stakeholders; strong prioritization and negotiation skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Land Development front counter planners preview subdivisions, rezonings, and other applications related to the zoning code, guide applicants through the development process, and write staff reports advising the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Planner 1 will also interact with the general public to provide information about local planning policies and codes. The front counter operates Monday through Friday and serves the public in person and over the phone. Front counter planners are expected to work full-time on site in the office.

The successful candidate will possess the following characteristics:

• Enthusiastic about current planning and customer service.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and trends in community and urban planning.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to community development and capital improvements.
• Skill in collecting and/or analyzing data.
• Skill in working with the public.
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials.
• Ability to conduct studies, analyze findings, and determine trends and/or make recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to present technical and statistical data.
• Ability to process paperwork and prepare agenda items according to established procedures.
• Ability to coordinate the work of others as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Education and Certification requirements: bachelor's degree in planning, or related field, from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of related experience, or master's degree in planning or related field from an accredited college or university. Current planning (zoning/subdivision) experience for a local government is preferred. Annual salary is $83,250.

Perks & Benefits

• Expansive suite of benefit options including paid family leave; medical, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; optional deferred compensation plan; flexible spending accounts; pension program; subsidized public transit; and more
• Support for qualifying professional licenses, certifications, and professional development hours
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness for qualifying loans

Candidate materials accepted through March 16, 2026.

Qualified applicants should send letter of interest and resume to:

Randi Semrick, Human Resource Manager
E-mail to: randi.semrick@nashville.gov

The Planning Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed or disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline or any other employment practices because of non-merit factors shall be prohibited. For ADA inquiries, contact Randi Semrick, ADA Compliance Coordinator, at (615) 862-7230 or e-mail her at randi.semrick@nashville.gov. For Title VI inquiries, contact Human Relations at (615) 880-3370. For all employment-related inquiries, contact Human Resources at (615) 862-6640