Assistant Planning Director

This is a rare opportunity to shape land use decisions across one of Oregon’s most complex and dynamic regions—from the Coast to the Cascades.

As thePlanning Supervisor / Assistant Planning Director, you will play a visible leadership role guiding how growth, conservation, and community priorities come together in practice. You won’t just oversee work—you’ll help set direction, influence policy implementation, and mentor the next generation of planners.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and support a team of professional planners, building both technical excellence and confidence 
• Provide advanced guidance on complex land use and transportation planning issues 
• Partner closely with the Planning Director to translate policy into real-world outcomes 
• Navigate high-interest, high-impact projects in a politically and publicly engaged environment 
• Help shape how planning services are delivered—improving systems, processes, and consistency

This position is ideal for a planner who:

• Is ready to step into broader influence and leadership 
• Enjoys solving complex problems where there isn’t always a clear answer 
• Values collaboration, mentorship, and public service 
• Wants their work to have visible, lasting impact on communities

You’ll be supported by an experienced leadership team and a highly respected planning program, with the opportunity to grow your leadership voice while staying connected to meaningful technical work.

Why Planners Choose Lane County?

• Work across all 19 statewide planning goals (rare!) 
• Influence both rural and urban planning 
• Direct access to decision-makers 
• Complex, meaningful work (not repetitive permit processing)

The Lane County Planning Program is responsible for the administration of land use codes, including zoning and land division regulations. Planning staff are also responsible for the maintenance of the Lane County Rural Comprehensive Plan (RCP) and the formulation and amendment of land use regulations to implement the RCP. 

In addition to these responsibilities, staff complete projects at the direction of the Board of Commissioners and also coordinate regional planning efforts with local, State, and Federal agencies and organizations. Planning Program staff strive to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations of Lane County residents by planning for places that provide a spectrum of economic, environmental and social benefits through a balanced land use management approach that is consistent with Oregon's Statewide Planning System.

Schedule:Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm

*This is a non-represented position*

• Eight years of education and/or experience in land use or transportation planning, public policy and administration, or similar, including one year of experience in a supervisory, management, or leadership role; or a combination sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Selection Process

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace.  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Strategic Plan

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan  focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Veteran Preference Information