Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.

Bernalillo County

Department of Human Resources

Job Descriptions

What does the red Zia symbol mean? The Zia sun symbol represent the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four period of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night), and the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, and old age). The centre of the sun symbol stands for life itself. The yellow field with red symbol pays recognition to the Aragon Realm of the conquistadors and their homeland in Spain.
JCM420: Planning Manager

Planning Manager

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM420
9
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
78,582.00 - 98,696.00 - 124,093.00 USD Annual
$37.78 - $47.45 - $59.66
$78,582.00 - $98,696.00 - $124,093.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Planning Manager provides advice on the adequacy, safety, and reliability of services for the people of Bernalillo County. They supervise, coordinate, monitor, and review plans, standards, and specifications for interdependencies with other systems. They assess the impact of changes on other systems and sectors. The position performs professional and technical planning work, including data gathering, analysis, and presentation in written, graphic, and oral formats. The Planning Manager independently manages departmental planning and project functions, engages in public contact, coordinates with agencies and County departments, and makes key decisions. They manage technical and professional staff on County planning projects. Supervision includes hiring, training, performance evaluation, coaching, discipline, and termination.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Supervise, administer, and implement major current and long-range planning functions.
  • Provide staff support to the County Planning Commission and other agencies as needed. Oversee procedures and coordination related to the County Planning Commission.
  • Develop work programs and manage projects to ensure completion within established schedules.
  • Support staff development by providing technical guidance and encouraging individual initiative.
  • Supervise staff in planning functions. Review all planning cases presented to the CPC and BCC for accuracy and completeness.
  • Assist in budget preparation and administration.
  • Manage projects, including conducting policy analysis and making recommendations.
  • Coordinate interdepartmental information related to land use cases, special projects, and legislative amendments.
  • Collect and analyze specialized data for reports and for tracking community needs, goals, and services.
  • Lead staff and public teams in creating and updating major plans, guidelines, and procedures.
  • Meet with civic, business, and government groups to explain policies, plans, and procedures. Provide policy advice and recommend actions.
  • Conduct public presentations on planning and related projects.
  • Attend evening meetings as needed.
  • Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive records, plans, documents, or decisions.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Planning, Architecture, Park or Land Resources, Business Management, or a related field.
  • Nine (9) years of work experience in parks management, site plan review and evaluation, plan development, policies and ordinances, or capital projects administration.
  • Two (2) years in a managerial role.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Successfully complete a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
  • This position is classified as safety-sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations.
  • Follow all County safety guidelines.
  • Possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of employment and maintain it throughout employment.
  • Complete all required FEMA trainings assigned to this position.
  • Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Most duties are performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment. Some duties may require occasional outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
  • The primary work surface is level, dry, and covered with carpet or tile.
  • Work is performed independently most of the time, with occasional collaboration in group or team settings.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Use telephones, calculators, computers, fax machines, copy machines, and related office equipment to perform essential duties.
  • Handle various forms of paperwork and, at times, monetary transactions as part of essential job functions.
Revision: 8/21/2025 1:40:29 PM