Planner I presso City of Durango, CO

About the Department

The City of Durango’s Community Development Department works to make Durango a safe, thriving, and authentic place for generations to come. As a Planner I, you will perform general and specialized planning tasks to support the community’s livability. You’ll provide excellent customer service while processing permit applications and assisting with current planning projects. This role also involves managing and coordinating ongoing programs, including the City’s permitting software and vacation rental program. It’s an excellent opportunity to grow your municipal career while making meaningful contributions to your community.

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence
The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

Position Duties

What You’ll Do in This Role:

• Assist in professional planning tasks, including customer service, code interpretation, permit reviews, data analysis, research, and report preparation.
• Manage the process for development proposals and applications, including site plans, special use permits, limited use permits, variances, design review applications, building permit applications, sign permits, fence permits, and more.
• Interpret and explain code requirements to developers, builders, and the public; develop and distribute informational materials to aid understanding and suggest code modifications when necessary. 
• Conduct both current and long-range planning studies, analyzing social, economic, land use, and population data to identify trends and potential impact on the community; prepare written reports and make recommendations on planning activities.
• Work closely with developers, contractors, and the public to ensure compliance with regulations and ordinances.
• Perform field inspections related to development and building proposals, ensuring adherence to planning standards and contributing to land use surveys and studies.
• Provide staff assistance to boards and commissions, including preparing and presenting staff reports and participating in public meetings to facilitate community engagement.
• Collaborate with other city departments and external organizations and agencies.
  

Minimum Qualifications

You Have:

• A bachelor’s degree with coursework in planning, landscape architecture, political science, public administration, geography, or a related field.
• One year of progressively responsible experience in urban planning, local government, or a related field.
  

You Will Succeed in This Role If You:

• Understand the principles and practices of urban planning, community and economic development, and placemaking.
• Know the laws and rules for comprehensive plans, zoning, subdivisions, and other local, state, and federal regulations.
• Can effectively use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other mapping software for community development projects.
• Are skilled at gathering information, analyzing data, and preparing easy-to-understand reports.
• Can interpret and explain planning and zoning ordinances and regulations to a variety of audiences.
  

Other Qualifications

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. 
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.  
• Flexible scheduling and work-life balance. 
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.  
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.  
• Long-term disability coverage. 
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA). 
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being. 
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.  
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.  
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.

To view the full job description, click here.

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