Planning Director na Lane County, OR

About the Department

About the Position

Are you ready to help shape the future of our community? Lane County is seeking a Planning Director to lead the work that drives sustainable growth, responsible land use, and innovative development across the region. This is more than a management role—it’s an opportunity to guide how our county grows, builds, and thrives for years to come.

As Planning Director, you will

• Provide leadership and direction for planning programs, staff, and resources to ensure we meet the needs of our community today while preparing for tomorrow.
• Oversee the development and implementation of policies, programs, and services that balance economic development, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
• Collaborate with community partners, elected officials, and regional stakeholders to advance projects that make Lane County a great place to live, work, and grow.
• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations while finding innovative ways to achieve shared goals and move projects forward.

This position plays a key role in charting the path for land use, housing, and infrastructure that reflect Lane County’s values of equity, sustainability, and community engagement. We are looking for a forward-thinking leader who demonstrates high ethical standards, sound judgment, and integrity in decision-making—someone who can bring people together, turn vision into action, and help shape the future of our county.

About the Team
Lane County’s Land Management Division oversees land use planning, building and electrical code administration, sub-surface sanitation, and code compliance. Our team issues permits, reviews plans, inspects structures, and enforces codes to ensure safe, sustainable, and well-planned communities.

As one of the most comprehensive land use programs in Oregon, we serve 35 rural communities, 12 cities, and millions of acres of farm and forest lands stretching from the Coast to the Cascades. Lane County is the only jurisdiction in the state implementing all 19 Statewide Planning Goals, making our work both challenging and rewarding. We balance economic development, environmental stewardship, and community well-being while navigating strong development pressures and passionate community interests.

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

*This is a non-represented position*

Position Duties

Education & Experience:

• Nine years of education and/or experience in public or business administration, project or program management, and/or a public works discipline, including three years 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Oregon Land Use Program, particularly public-sector rural planning experience
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Public Works Superintendent Classification Details

Other Qualifications

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