JOB DESCRIPTION

Planning Manager 1- Land Development, Plan Review

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 Division also manages the performance bond process and oversees the Planning counter in the Development Services Center.

The Planning Manager 1 -Plan Review will supervise activities of professional, technical, and/or clerical staff working in the Land Development division of the Planning Department.

Jobs responsibilities include:

• Assign cases to individual Planners and monitors activity on cases in progress.
• Oversee and manage a Plan Review team through the process from submittal of plans to final approval by the Planning Commission.
• Mentor the review planners and trains on Department priorities in plan review.
• Develop and implement measures to improve productivity.
• Participate in the policy setting process.
• Coordinate activities with other sections/divisions of the Planning Department and/or other Metropolitan departments.
• Prepare items and make presentations to the Metropolitan Planning Commission.
• Attend meetings and speak to the public as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate for any of these positions will have a passion for current planning and a strong commitment to providing excellent customer service. Candidates should also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and competencies:

• Effective communication with Metro departments, development professionals, engineers, and the public.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to review, evaluate, and provide constructive feedback on development proposals, with an emphasis on sound urban design principles.
• Clear and concise writing skills, including the preparation of correspondence, reports, and presentations.
• Knowledge of the basic legal principles of land development and zoning.
• Familiarity with form-based codes and New Urbanism principles.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Clear and effective communication with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong prioritization, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships.

Planning Manager 1 Education and Certification requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in Planning, or related field, from an accredited college or university and six (6) years of related experience, or Master's Degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of related experience.

Current planning experience for a local government is desired. Salary range starts at $107,660, along with excellent health, dental and retirement benefits, and competitive paid vacation time, paid sick leave, and paid holidays.

These positions qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness for qualifying loans.

Qualified applicants should email a letter of interest, specifying the position of interest, and resume to: Randi.semrick@nashville.gov

Applicant materials will be accepted through August 24th, 2026.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

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.