Planning Manager - Wildfire

Job Description:

Planning Manager - Wildfire

Description

Definition

This is a full-time opportunity with many benefits! As a Missoula County employee, you will be part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community. The pay range for this position is $37.26 - $43.33 per hour, DOE.

The Missoula County Planning, Development, and Sustainability Department is seeking a PLANNING MANAGER - WILDFIRE to join their team. This position performs senior level duties in the administration of community planning and development activities. Oversees the county’s role in wildfire risk reduction planning for communities and homes in areas including growth management, resource protection and/or development review services. May be assigned to long range planning and plan implementation or current planning and permitting.
This is a grant funded position that has a funding commitment of at least four years for a full-time position under a Community Wildfire Defense Grant, which outlines details related to this position. The County intends to find long-term funding for this position.

Details: We are accepting completed application submissions until 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2026 . It is in your best interest to apply by this date.
To Apply:

• Please complete all sections of the online application.
• Please include with a complete application the following attachments: A letter of interest, and a resume.
• Please complete the Supplemental Questions. Please limit your responses to 300 words per question.
• Complete job description available upon request to the Department of Human Resources.

Representative Examples of Work

Leads the development of the planning program work plan priorities. Assists with the development and monitoring of the departmental budget. Oversees and manages the most complex planning projects such as policies, code updates and reviews of large-scale development proposals. Directs and conducts investigations and research to compile and disseminate data related to community planning and development. Oversees preparation of policies, program design, regulations, resolutions and plans for review and approval by appropriate governing authorities. Supervises staff assigned to specific projects; directs project completion, develops project narratives, maps and other supporting information. Oversees and manages projects and initiatives such as:

• Completing the county’s community wildfire protection plan
• Incorporating wildfire risk reduction into county long range planning for growth and development
• Incorporating wildfire urban interface (WUI) codes for new construction into county subdivision, zoning and building codes
• Program assessment and evaluation
• Creating a parcel-based wildfire risk map to determine where WUI codes and home retrofits should be prioritized
• Conducting community education relative to community-based wildfire risk reduction efforts
• Conducting training for design, construction and landscaping professionals related to the home ignition zone
• Interagency coordination for community-based wildfire risk reduction efforts
• Other related planning efforts such as evacuation and water supply planning

Coordinates community-based wildfire planning efforts with a range of local, state, federal and tribal agencies, including the Office of Emergency Management, fire districts and fire management agencies, city planning and development services, county public works, etc. Assists with grant acquisition and management and manages contracts to support the project. Maintains an advanced level of knowledge of local, state and federal planning policy frameworks, as well as best practices in community planning and development. Initiates, develops and maintains relationships with planning and/or development review agencies such as Missoula Public Health, County Public Works, City Community Planning, Development and Innovation, tribal agencies, and state and federal agencies. Convenes and coordinates interagency review of plans, projects and code updates. Serves as a technical expert to provide information and advice to elected officials, planning staff, other professionals and the general public on planning and development issues. Develops resource materials and conducts training on specific issues for staff, other professionals, local elected officials, governing and advisory boards and the public. Develops county positions on specific state legislation related to planning, growth management and community development. Reviews, evaluates and interprets legislation, rules, regulations, policies, studies and plans. Recommends policy and code updates to director and governing authorities. Develops and manages public engagement processes, including initiating and facilitating community and stakeholder conversations regarding community values, growth management, resource protection, hazard avoidance, and impacts of development. Hires, trains, coaches and supervises staff, interns and volunteers. Develops and oversees staff teams working on planning projects. Represents PDS as an expert in selected areas of community planning and development review services including attending meetings; participation in community, regional or state task forces; and making oral and written presentations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a master’s degree. Degrees best suited for this position include planning, urban studies, environmental science, geography, and public administration. An additional two years of experience may substitute for a master’s degree.
• AICP certification is preferred.
• Requires six years of progressively responsible planning experience or comparable experience in community development and wildfire risk reduction for homes and communities.
• Two years of experience in supervision is preferred.
• Experience in wildfire risk reduction and policy for homes and communities or community risk reduction related to other natural hazards is preferred.

Physical/Environmental Demands

The work is primarily performed in an office setting. The work requires the ability to walk over rough, uneven terrain and travel to remote work sites and meetings. May require attending meetings before and after normal work hours.

Located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and home to the University of Montana, Missoula is an academic center situated in an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Depending on the season, you can hike, ski, fish, float rivers, ride mountain bikes, or just sit back and marvel at the surrounding scenery. Join us in a scenic, sophisticated, and service-oriented Missoula!
Missoula County covers over 2,618 square miles of mountain lands varying in topography and climate from temperate river valleys to snow-capped peaks. Five large valleys and two major rivers wind through this mountainous region.
Missoula County is large and diverse, featuring everything from the spectacular scenery of Clark Fork River running through town to lush ranches and a growing economy of small business. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, mothers and fathers, business owners, vacationers, fisherman, retirees, students, and many others have grown to love Missoula County's boundless opportunities.

This summary outlines the benefit programs; actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

Missoula County will reward your contributions to our community with competitive compensation and generous benefits, including but not limited to:

Excellent Medical Health Benefits- Group health benefits, including dental and vision coverage, are available to eligible County employees. The medical health benefits premium is covered for full-time employees. The County contribution is pro-rated on hours paid for part-time employees. The employee pays the premium portion for dependent coverage. Family health benefits coverage is $258.00 per pay period.

Medical deductible is $500 for an individual and $1,000 for a family.

Flexible Benefits Plan- Pre-tax out-of-pocket medical expenses and day care expenses.

Voluntary Life Insurance Coverage, Long and Short-Term Disability, Critical and Accident Insuranceare offered through Mutual ofOmaha.

Public Employees Retirement System- Montana public employees of the state, university system, local governments and certain employees of school districts are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New members to the PERS have an opportunity to choose between two retirement plan options: the Defined Benefit Plan or the Defined Contribution Plan.

Sheriffs' Retirement System (SRS)- A public pension plan for all Montana Sheriffs hired after July 1, 1974 and Detention Officers hired after July 1, 2005.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Working for Missoula County may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness. Look here to learn more and understand whether you may be eligible.

Supplemental Retirement Benefitsare offered through Valic or Nationwide.

Sick Leave- Full-time employees accrue 7.38hours per month and are eligible to use sick leave once you have been an employee for 90 days.The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Vacation Leave- Full-time employees accrue 9.24 hours per month and are eligible to use leave after continuous employment for a period of 6 full months. The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Holidays- The County observes eleven legal holidays in even numbered years and ten legal holidays in odd numbered years.

Paid Parental Leave (PPL)-In recognition of the importance of bonding and care of a newborn child or a child placed for adoption, Missoula County 6 continuous weeks of PPL to eligible full-time employees that have been with the county for 180 days. The hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.

Tuition Assistance- Because we value the professional and personal development of our employees, Missoula County is proud to offer reimbursement of certain education expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 4/3/2026 5:00 PM Mountain

Salary:

$37.26 - $43.33 Hourly