Job: Planner

Job Description

Job Type: Full time, Salaried

Wage: $62,000-$85,000/yr. 

Location: Salida, CO.

Job Description

Chaffee County, Colorado seeks a full-time Planner within the Chaffee County Planning Zoning (P&Z) Department. The P&Z Department offers a broad and progressive opportunity to develop new and innovative projects while also furthering current initiatives. The open Planner position may be filled as a Planner II, Planner III, or Planner IV, depending upon the candidate's experience and qualifications.

As a Planner with Chaffee County, you will work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with considerable opportunity to showcase your skillset across a range of prospective planning disciplines. You may manage or direct sections or projects within the Planning Zoning Department, function as a deputy for the Planning Director, or utilize your particular expertise or specialization(s) as part of the P&Z team.

This is a responsible and complex position that may combine elements of long-range, comprehensive, land use, rural, water, natural resources, agricultural, transportation, regional, and community development planning (to name a few…), as well as grant writing, GIS mapping, reporting and presentations, and special projects. This position will require the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain strong organization, and address recurring and non-recurring assignments.

You will work in a vibrant, growing, transitioning county setting with abundant, world-class natural amenities, public lands, a wealth of outdoor activities, agriculture, history, and a strong, active, and purpose-driven community. Chaffee County offers an environment where work-life balance is understood, valued, and encouraged: our four-day work week (Mon-Thurs) provides ample opportunities to explore all that Chaffee County and central Colorado have to offer. On-the-job training and formal education opportunities are available to help you expand your skills and remain current in the field's best practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: The following is an outline of the potential essential functions of the job and does not include other duties that may be required or assigned.

• Performs technical and professional planning activities; uses knowledge of planning and growth management theory, public policy, and land use law to manage planning projects and development issues.
• Prepares staff reports for presentation to the Planning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, and other groups, as necessary.
• Provides professional and technical recommendations regarding planning projects and land use applications.
• Researches and develops amendments to the County Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Code (LUC); assures amendments recommended for approval comply with the LUC and are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and other County policies.
• Completes special projects, including researching regulatory approaches by other communities, locating technical ordinance language, reviewing federal and state environmental impact statements.
• Assists with oversight and management of consultant, cross-departmental, and cross-jurisdictional collaborative projects.
• Coordinates activities with other County Departments, County Boards and Committees, municipal and community partners, and government agencies.
• Serve as departmental liaison for various County Boards and Commissions, coordinating, facilitating, and/or attending meetings as required.
• Some meetings may be convened during evening hours.
• Maintains and updates files and records.
• Performs customer service as needed to meet workload demands, including responding to inquiries, addressing complaints, and resolving technical problems.
• Takes planning and development applications from pre-application conference to final action; assures projects recommended for approval comply with the Land Use Code (LUC) as well as the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and other policies of the County; alternatively, reviews planning and development applications for compliance with specific conditions or subject matter areas.
• Supports the relationship between Chaffee County Government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and County staff; Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum education: Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field; AND

o Planner II: 2-3 years of experience with planning or community development programs or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

o Planner III: 4-6 years of experience with planning or community development programs or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Master’s Degree desired.

o Planner IV: At least 5 years of experience in the planning profession. Supervisory experience desired. Master’s Degree preferred.

Certificates or licenses: Professional certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or a clear path to such certification is preferred, not required. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Colorado Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

The ideal candidate will have:

o The ability to apply professional knowledge, skills, and experience (and common sense) to identify and address planning issues in a rapidly growing community;

o Have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills;

o Have well-honed project management and organizational skills;

o Have the proven ability to adeptly manage multiple projects and multiple priorities concurrently; and

o Proficiency with word processing and data management programs, such as Microsoft Word/Google Docs, Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets, and Microsoft PowerPoint/Google slides;

o Familiarity with progressive planning tools and resources including GIS, XR/scenario visualization, drone data, etc.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

This Position Reports to: Planning Director This Position has supervisory and/or management responsibility for: Between zero (0) and four (4) Planning Zoning Department members.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Computers, telephones, mobile devices, scanner, printer, copier, fax machine, and other related office equipment.
• Possible use of County vehicles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to conduct activities involving substantial standing and sitting. Ability to lift and/or carry burdens weighing up to 25 lbs. on a frequent basis. Ability to grasp and manipulate office equipment, record books, and similar other tools and materials. Ability to conduct activities involving climbing, stooping, kneeling/bending, crouching, twisting, and reaching on a moderate basis. Ability to participate in routine conversation in person or via telephone, and distinguish telephones, printers, computers, and other auditory tones. Ability to work on computers for significant amounts of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The majority of this position's duties are performed within an indoor environment. The incumbent may be exposed to noise, mechanical and electrical, and other related hazards associated with an office environment. Occasional visits to outdoor locations, with related possible exposure to weather and associated hazards, are likely. Occasional in-county and regional travel may be necessary.

**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.