Planner bei El Paso County
El Paso County · Colorado Springs, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Onsite
- Professional
- Optionales Büro in Colorado Springs
About the Department
Bring your planning expertise to the heart of community development! As a Planner, you’ll guide projects from concept to completion reviewing zoning, plats, and plans to ensure alignment with County codes and the Master Plan. You’ll serve as the primary contact for complex development projects, lead multidisciplinary teams, and present before key decision-makers. This role offers the opportunity to shape growth, solve challenges creatively, and mentor more junior planners while advancing through a clear career progression path. If you’re ready to make an impact where planning meets possibility, Every great location starts with a planner, ready to be that person?
Planner
Full Salary Range: $67,850.00 - $101,870.00 annually
Hiring Range: $74,000.00 - $83,000.00 annually
Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.
Reviews zoning, rezoning, preliminary plans, final plats, and sketch plans for conformance with current zoning, planning standards, and Master Plan. Acts as the primary contact for more complex development projects. Presents projects to the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners as part of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). This position is part of the Planner career progression series, which includes Associate Planner, Planner, and Senior Planner. An employee is eligible to advance to the next position within the series when the employee has met the criteria for advancement as notated within the classification specification and has received a recommendation from the Hiring Authority. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.
Position Duties
- Responsible for coordinating projects from pre-application assistance to project close-out; reports project needs and solutions, as well as code shortcomings.
- Assembles appropriate MDT to perform team-based project Early Assistance for the customer; organizes and facilitates the functions of MDTs.
- Provides MDT and the customer with accurate feedback on project requirements at Team Early Assistance. Schedules and chairs project meetings, requests assignment of appropriate MDT members, and ensures the appropriate levels and functions of staff are present at project meetings to facilitate decision-making. Responsible for moving projects in meetings to decision-making. Documents meeting results; prepares a tailored "road map" to assist the customer with processing a future application.
- Coordinates processing and review of sketch plans, rezoning, preliminary plans, final plats, and related administrative and construction applications through the development review system.
- Coordinates processing and review of administrative actions and related construction permits, consisting of complex Type B or simple Type C projects through development review system.
- Coordinates input of technical review agencies and the public; meets with customers and staff of various agencies and County departments to ensure that issues are resolved, an efficient process is followed, and projects are reviewed within agreed upon timelines.
- Independently reviews and analyzes data; formulates recommendations relating to occasional complex and controversial zoning applications, new subdivisions, land development, and other planning issues.
- Responsible for reviewing projects for consistency with applicable adopted plans, codes, and standards, as well as preemptively identifying any related issues.
- Identifies and proactively presents acceptable options for project design and clarification on code interpretations and specific code language.
- Reports project needs and solutions as well as code shortcomings.
- Communicates with public and private entities and individuals regarding land development, planning goals, and specific projects.
- Prepares and presents staff reports to the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and the Board of County Commissioners for items being processed through the development review system.
- Advises engineers, site planners, and others engaged in development on proper land use and conformance with the Land Development Code.
- Facilitates issue resolution process and team decision-making; escalates decision-making to a higher authority if a policy decision is required and ensures timely resolution in accordance with the issue resolution process.
- Actively maintains project files and provides proactive notice for project signoffs and permit issuance; coordinates preparation and processing of project-related legal documents.
- Manages and performs special projects, which may include revisions to the Land Development Code, management or participation of long-range planning projects, and other assigned planning-related projects.
- Maintains customer service and performance standards. Serves as a role model and mentor for junior planners.
- Serves as "planner of the day" by being the primary point of contact for walk-in or remote customers with technical planning questions or needs.
- Performs other duties as required.
Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.
Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of principles of planning, public administration, and related disciplines. Knowledge of geography and urban and regional land use preferred.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of planning as applied to the design, methods, and development project construction and approval techniques.
- Knowledge of plan review methods and ability to exercise sound, independent judgment within established guidelines, including compliance with codes and regulations.
- Skills and abilities in setting, evaluating, and maintaining goals and performance standards; organization of complex projects, running effective meetings, and critical path project management.
- Ability to successfully complete the Planner matrix.
- Ability to interact with diverse public and private interests in a professional and courteous manner, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to work independently, make sound judgments, and direct projects to avoid conflicts, or last-minute problems.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical and design procedures; planning and zoning regulations; Federal, State, and County regulations.
- Ability to independently apply principles of logical thinking to define complex problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to analyze, prepare, and interpret complex reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photos, and other topographical data; solve potential problems or conflicts; maintain files and records.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computer, typewriter, calculator, telephone, copier, and fax machine.
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
- Bachelor's degree in planning or related field.
- Four years of professional county/city land development review or planning experience may substitute for the required degree.
- Three years of experience in county, city, or regional planning; or
- Must successfully meet the requirements of the Planner matrix.
- Master's degree in planning or related field.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
Other Qualifications
Duties are primarily performed in an office environment; some travel is required. Out-of-office meetings, evening neighborhood meetings, and some field work are required.
The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.
