Planner Jobs in Iowa

Planner jobs in Iowa concentrate in urban and regional planning, transportation, supply chain, and community development, with demand at levels from entry-level associate planner to senior program manager. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City lead hiring activity, anchored by employers such as Principal Financial Group, the Iowa Department of Transportation, and the University of Iowa. The most sought-after specialties right now are land use and zoning, logistics and operations planning, and comprehensive plan development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles21
Top employerDynamic Workforce Solutions
Top cityPalo, IA
Cities hiring17
Work type100% On-site
Top industryManufacturing

Showing 5 of 21+ Planner jobs

John Deere
Maintenance Planner
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John Deere
Added 1d ago
Maintenance Planner
John Deere
Waterloo, Iowa
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Program Management
Project Management
$68k - $102k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree in engineering
10,000+

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State of Iowa
Career Planner
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State of Iowa
Added 4d ago
Career Planner
State of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Business Strategy
Product Management
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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CPM
Planner Scheduler
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CPM
Added 5d ago
Planner Scheduler
CPM
Harlan, Iowa
Logistics & Fleet Management
Supply Chain
Warehouse Operations
Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering
1,001-5,000

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Dynamic Workforce Solutions
Career Planner
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Dynamic Workforce Solutions
Added 5d ago
Career Planner
Dynamic Workforce Solutions
West Burlington, Iowa
IT Support
Project Management
Technical Program Management
$22.36 - $23.32/hr
Bachelor's degree in communications
501-1,000

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Virnig Manufacturing, Inc.
Purchasing Planner
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Virnig Manufacturing, Inc.
Added 6d ago
Purchasing Planner
Virnig Manufacturing, Inc.
Fort Madison, Iowa
Business Strategy
Product Management
High school diploma or GED
51-200

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See All 21 Planner Jobs in Iowa

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Planner Jobs by City in Iowa

Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Palo
2 jobs
Johnston
2 jobs
Waterloo
2 jobs
Cedar Rapids
2 jobs
Harlan
1 job
Waukee
1 job
Decorah
1 job
Dubuque
1 job
Iowa City
1 job

Planner Job Market in Iowa

A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Dynamic Workforce Solutions
Dynamic Workforce Solutions4 open roles
State of Iowa
State of Iowa3 open roles
CPM
CPM1 open role

Top Industries Hiring

  • Manufacturing
  • Technology & Software
  • Investment & Asset Management
  • Consulting & Professional Services

What Iowa Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in planner jobs across Iowa.

  • AICP certification recognized by the Iowa chapter of the American Planning Association preferred
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, public policy, or a related field
  • Experience with GIS software for spatial analysis and land use mapping
  • Knowledge of Iowa zoning codes, comprehensive plan processes, and state land use statutes
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for public presentations and stakeholder engagement
  • Proficiency in project management tools and ability to coordinate across multiple government agencies

Planner Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a planner in Iowa?

Most planner positions in Iowa require at least a bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a closely related field, with a master's degree preferred for senior roles. Iowa does not issue a state-specific planning license, but the American Institute of Certified Planners credential, administered through the American Planning Association, is widely expected by Iowa municipal governments and regional planning agencies. Candidates typically build their path through internships with Iowa cities or county planning departments before moving into full-time roles.

Which companies hire planners in Iowa?

Employers hiring planners in Iowa right now include Dynamic Workforce Solutions, State of Iowa, and CPM, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's mix of state agencies, regional planning commissions, and large private-sector logistics and financial firms creates a steady range of openings at multiple seniority levels.

Which Iowa cities have the most planner jobs?

Palo, Johnston, and Waterloo account for the largest concentration of planner openings in Iowa. Des Moines drives the bulk of demand as the state capital and a hub for financial services, transportation planning, and municipal government, while Cedar Rapids and Iowa City generate consistent openings through county planning offices, university-affiliated development projects, and regional infrastructure initiatives.

Are there remote planner jobs in Iowa?

Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many planner roles involve site visits, public hearings, and coordination with local government offices. About 0% of planner openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with remote work most prevalent in policy research, long-range planning, and data analysis positions rather than in current planning or zoning review roles.

How can I get hired as a planner in Iowa with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is a paid internship or graduate assistant position with an Iowa city or county planning department, such as those offered through Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or the Mid-Iowa Regional Planning Commission. Recent graduates can also look for associate planner or planning technician postings, which accept candidates who have completed relevant coursework without requiring prior professional experience. A GIS certificate or a strong capstone project involving an Iowa community plan makes a measurable difference when competing for these roles.

Where can I find and apply to planner jobs in Iowa?

You can find and apply to planner jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings from employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 21 Planner Jobs in Iowa

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