Principal Planner

Are you passionate about shaping vibrant communities and guiding thoughtful development? Do you enjoy balancing long-range vision with strategic problem-solving and collaboration? If comprehensive planning, development review, and community impact excite you, the City of Southlake is looking for a highly motivated professional to join our world-class Planning & Development Services team as a Principal Planner. The City of Southlake is a place where we come together to enrich the quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. We strive to exceed expectations by delivering memorable experiences, world-class services, and a thoughtfully planned, well-maintained City. The Southlake Way inspires us to respectfully deliver excellent services, creating positive and lasting impressions. Learn more about our values here.

What You Will Be Doing:

Our professionals are the most important resource in our service commitment to our customers. We nurture a progressive environment where challenging, empowered, and purposeful work is celebrated. The Principal Planner position is designed to oversee and direct planning activities and programs within the Planning and Development Services Department. The primary responsibilities include researching, preparing, and ensuring compliance with comprehensive plan elements; preparing ordinance updates; and reviewing complex development applications, master sign plans, variance applications, and building permits. The role also involves managing Zoning Board of Adjustment cases and development cases, preparing staff reports and presentation materials for the Corridor Planning Committee, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning Commission, Sign Board, and City Council, and delivering presentations to these groups. Additionally, the Principal Planner provides guidance to customers on development-related ordinances, policies, processes, applications, and comprehensive plan elements.

To view the complete Principal Planner job description, please click here. The Benefits of Working in

Southlake:

Competitive pay and exceptional benefitsRetirement program (TMRS) with City matching 2:1Vacation (3 weeks after 1 year), Sick, and Holiday payCity paid LTD, AD&D, and Life insuranceLongevity PayTuition ReimbursementComplimentary membership to Champions Club at The Marq SouthlakeOngoing trainingCity provided certifications Employee Assistance ProgramEarly pay access is available through UKG Wallet. Get paid without waiting for your paycheck!

What You Bring To Us:

A Bachelor's degree or equivalency. Over two (2) - five (5) years of relevant experience. Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners certification preferred.

Ability to remain flexible with your schedule to work evenings as necessary for various city meetings. You work for the greater good of the City and live the values every day.

You graciously serve those who live, work, and play here.

You are a good steward of City resources and are empowered to make decisions aligned with the City's strategy.

You anticipate customer needs and relentlessly pursue solutions.

You take pride in your work. It's your community!

You are warm and sincere and listen with empathy.

You own the experience and make each moment memorable. Applications will be accepted until May 22, 2026.