Assistant Planner

City of Lone Tree • Lone Tree, CO

3d • $66,152 - $81,036 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Planner is an entry-level position in the City of Lone Tree’s Planning Division, performing professional current planning work under guidance. The role reviews development applications and building permits, conducts site inspections, and administers and enforces the Comprehensive Plan, zoning and subdivision codes, design standards, and related regulations. It also supports Planning Division administrative processes and coordinates with City departments, consultants, agency partners, applicants, and the public. The position may include public presentations and occasional meetings outside regular business hours.

The Assistant Planner handles daily current planning activities and general customer support, applying a general understanding of planning and land-use review. Employees receive regular instruction and assistance. The position works under the general supervision of the Principal Planner and has no supervisory responsibilities.

This is an exempt, full-time position. The City’s standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but the actual schedule is determined upon hire and requires evening and weekend availability. Flextime and hybrid schedules are offered at managers’ discretion. The Planning Division offers a coordinated 3-2 schedule, with three days in the office and two days working remotely, while maintaining daily in-office presence across the Division. The position is mainly office-based, with some fieldwork at construction, developed, and undeveloped sites.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning, urban design, community or regional development, natural resources, public administration, or a closely related field, and at least one year of relevant experience; or a master’s degree in one of these fields; or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, procedures, regulations, specifications, site and building plans, environmental impact reports, data, and maps to development proposals.
• Ability to research, compile, interpret, and analyze data and technical information to support planning decisions.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with City staff, government agencies, consultants, developers, property owners, and the public.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts, including fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions, to practical planning tasks.
• Ability to review plans for compliance with applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations, and to read and interpret site and building plans, maps, permits, plats, and zoning documents.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic, professional, and educational backgrounds.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, credibility, thoroughness, flexibility, collaboration, and ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Precision and attention to detail when reviewing regulations, development applications, plans, maps, and reports.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and complete correspondence, technical documents, reports, and other written materials.
• Ability to learn quickly, use critical thinking to solve practical problems, and handle complicated situations with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to uphold the American Planning Association’s Ethical Principles in Planning and align daily work with the City’s core values and organizational goals.
• Relevant work or internship experience in a planning, building, or engineering office, or a related field, is identified as a common way to demonstrate applicable practical experience.
• Must be physically capable of safely operating motor vehicles in the normal course of assignments.
• Ability to perform primarily sitting, standing, and walking; may need to bend, stoop, reach, climb, carry, and lift for varying periods, including walking at field sites.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds for short periods.
• Visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents; ability to answer telephones, communicate in conversation, and respond to verbal inquiries.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of GIS and/or graphic programs such as SketchUp.
• Experience with Esri GIS software platforms, online or desktop.
• Experience with Smartsheet, Bluebeam, and Accella.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Planning Division operations, including land-use application tracking, webpage updates, and process improvements.
• Manage development review activities, including public notices, landowner notifications, staff report packets, public hearing schedules, document recordation, and project closeouts.
• Assist the public and development professionals with zoning, land-use regulations, City master plans, design standards, and related policies.
• Consult with prospective applicants about appropriate review processes, application requirements, and site-specific planning guidance.
• Review development proposals for compliance with City codes, policies, design standards, and best planning practices, and collaborate with applicants to refine plans and develop compliant solutions.
• Process land-use applications of limited complexity; coordinate with referral agencies and community members; prepare materials for the Planning Commission and City Council; and present proposals at public meetings.
• Review building and grading permit applications for conformance with approved development plans and land-use regulations.
• Assist the Associate Planner with reviewing sign permits.
• Conduct on-site inspections to ensure exterior site and building plans comply with approved site plans before building permits and certificates of occupancy are issued.
• Prepare graphics, maps, charts, and tables of limited complexity for Planning Division projects, analyses, and operational needs.
• Research and compile information from multiple sources on planning-related topics to support projects, initiatives, and decision-making.
• Administer and oversee Accela, the Planning Division’s online application and permitting system, including routine updates and configuration changes.
• Maintain accurate records and collect, compile, analyze, and present technical, statistical, and graphical information related to planning and zoning.
• Provide courteous, responsive customer service and explain technical requirements and procedures to the public.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and supplemental health plans.
• Access to an onsite gym and the Lone Tree Recreation Center.
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness initiatives.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and voluntary life insurance options.
• Retirement savings options including 457, 401(k), and Roth IRA plans, plus participation in PERA and FPPA pension plans.
• RTD EcoPass for public transportation.
• Flextime and hybrid remote work schedules, offered at managers’ discretion and consistent with City policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level