Planner Jobs in Michigan
Planner jobs in Michigan are active across urban planning, supply chain, and transportation sectors, with demand stretching from entry-level associate roles to senior project leads. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing drive the bulk of hiring, where employers like Ford Motor Company, Consumers Energy, and the Michigan Department of Transportation maintain steady planner headcount. The most consistent openings are in urban and regional planning, logistics planning, and long-range transportation planning. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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This is a professional planning position responsible for various economic and community development projects and initiatives for the city. Under the direction of the Community Development Manager this classification performs a variety of work.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Facilitate the preparation and implementation of the Master Plan, Parks and Recreation Plan, Zoning Ordinance and other development-related plans, policies and regulations.
- Promotes city development programs, coordinates various projects which are assigned to meet specific department goals and objectives
- Conducts and organizes public meetings and workshops in relation to assigned projects
- Coordinate the medical and recreational marijuana efforts in the city.
- Facilitates the preparation and implementation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan in coordination with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Department of Public Services.
- Responsible for the coordination of the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and other commissions as assigned.
- Manages consultants and contractors in relation to assigned projects
- Coordinate the City's Capital Improvements Plan with the relevant departments and commissions.
- Communicates with property owners, residents, and other members of the public as related to planning and zoning issues, special projects, etc.
- Conducts research in various assigned topics such as grants, economic trends, and community improvement initiatives.
- Represents the City's interests on local and regional boards.
- Prepares and organizes necessary project records, reports, meeting agendas, and compliance guidelines
- Manage architects, engineers and private contractors for project specifications and quality of work.
- Prepare presentations, reports, memos and other documents for City Council and Boards and Commissions as needed.
- Assists with City's GIS system and mapping projects
- Coordinates with other city departments as needed
- Performs related work as assigned, within the general knowledge, skills and abilities set forth
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in planning, public administration or related field, three to five years' experience or any combination of experience and training that would provide the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
Comfortable with interacting with the public.
Thrive in a fast pace quick changing environment.
Superior project management skills.
Knowledge of the principles and procedures of professional planning
Knowledge of Federal and State grant sources, application processes and compliance procedures and the ability to apply these procedures
Knowledge of private funding sources and restrictions
Ability to use a computer for word-processing and spreadsheet applications
Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people in multiple settings using a variety of techniques
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, subordinates, coworkers and the public
Ability to master minute technical compliance restrictions
Familiarity with GIS
Comfortable with Public Speaking
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to: stand or walk, stoop or kneel and climb. Frequently, the employee is required to sit. It is crucial to the outcome of job tasks that the employee is able to: talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms extensively.
The employee in this classification will be required to frequently lift objects of up to 10 pounds in weight. Occasionally the employee will have to lift/move objects of up to 25 pounds in weight. Vision requirements for this position include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Works within a climate controlled office environment, with a moderate noise level. Employee may work outside with controlled exposure to inclement weather by delaying the activity.
This is a professional planning position responsible for various economic and community development projects and initiatives for the city. Under the direction of the Community Development Manager this classification performs a variety of work.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Facilitate the preparation and implementation of the Master Plan, Parks and Recreation Plan, Zoning Ordinance and other development-related plans, policies and regulations.
- Promotes city development programs, coordinates various projects which are assigned to meet specific department goals and objectives
- Conducts and organizes public meetings and workshops in relation to assigned projects
- Coordinate the medical and recreational marijuana efforts in the city.
- Facilitates the preparation and implementation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan in coordination with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Department of Public Services.
- Responsible for the coordination of the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and other commissions as assigned.
- Manages consultants and contractors in relation to assigned projects
- Coordinate the City's Capital Improvements Plan with the relevant departments and commissions.
- Communicates with property owners, residents, and other members of the public as related to planning and zoning issues, special projects, etc.
- Conducts research in various assigned topics such as grants, economic trends, and community improvement initiatives.
- Represents the City's interests on local and regional boards.
- Prepares and organizes necessary project records, reports, meeting agendas, and compliance guidelines
- Manage architects, engineers and private contractors for project specifications and quality of work.
- Prepare presentations, reports, memos and other documents for City Council and Boards and Commissions as needed.
- Assists with City's GIS system and mapping projects
- Coordinates with other city departments as needed
- Performs related work as assigned, within the general knowledge, skills and abilities set forth
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in planning, public administration or related field, three to five years' experience or any combination of experience and training that would provide the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
Comfortable with interacting with the public.
Thrive in a fast pace quick changing environment.
Superior project management skills.
Knowledge of the principles and procedures of professional planning
Knowledge of Federal and State grant sources, application processes and compliance procedures and the ability to apply these procedures
Knowledge of private funding sources and restrictions
Ability to use a computer for word-processing and spreadsheet applications
Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people in multiple settings using a variety of techniques
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, subordinates, coworkers and the public
Ability to master minute technical compliance restrictions
Familiarity with GIS
Comfortable with Public Speaking
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to: stand or walk, stoop or kneel and climb. Frequently, the employee is required to sit. It is crucial to the outcome of job tasks that the employee is able to: talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms extensively.
The employee in this classification will be required to frequently lift objects of up to 10 pounds in weight. Occasionally the employee will have to lift/move objects of up to 25 pounds in weight. Vision requirements for this position include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Works within a climate controlled office environment, with a moderate noise level. Employee may work outside with controlled exposure to inclement weather by delaying the activity.
See All 111+ Planner Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Planner JobsPlanner Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Planner Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- ArborMetrics Solutions20
- Hantz7
- State of Michigan3
- Holtec International3
- Utility Lines Construction Services3U
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Energy
- Banking & Financial Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in planner jobs across Michigan.
- AICP certification or active pursuit of the credential through the American Institute of Certified Planners
- Bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, regional planning, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in GIS software, including ArcGIS, for spatial analysis and mapping
- Experience preparing planning reports, zoning analyses, or environmental impact documentation
- Familiarity with Michigan zoning law, the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, and local ordinance processes
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for public meetings and stakeholder engagement
Planner Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a planner in Michigan?
Most planner positions in Michigan require a bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field, with many employers preferring a master's degree from an accredited program. Michigan does not issue a state license for planners, but the professional standard is the AICP credential, administered by the American Institute of Certified Planners. Candidates typically work a few years in an associate or assistant planner role before sitting for the AICP exam.
Which companies hire planners in Michigan?
Companies currently hiring planners in Michigan include ArborMetrics Solutions, Hantz, and State of Michigan, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's mix of municipal governments, regional planning commissions, automotive manufacturers, and utility companies means planner demand is spread across both public-sector and private employers throughout the state.
Which Michigan cities have the most planner jobs?
Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Muskegon consistently post the most planner openings in Michigan. Detroit anchors demand through its large municipal government, regional planning agencies, and the dense concentration of automotive and industrial employers, while Grand Rapids and Lansing generate steady openings through county planning commissions, state agencies, and growing healthcare and infrastructure investment.
Are there remote planner jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since planning work often involves site visits, public hearings, and in-person collaboration with local government bodies. About 78% of planner openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which reflects a modest shift toward flexible arrangements. Long-range planning, policy analysis, and data-heavy GIS roles are the sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid options.
How can I get hired as a planner in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or assistant planner role through a Michigan county or municipal planning department, where many offices regularly bring on graduates from Michigan State University's urban planning program or the University of Michigan's urban and regional planning program. The Michigan Association of Planning posts entry-level openings and student opportunities that larger job boards often miss. Building a GIS portfolio and volunteering on a local planning commission are the credentials that give candidates without professional experience a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to planner jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to planner jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the roles that fit your specialty and experience level and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 111+ Planner Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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