Associate City Planner - Affordable Housing

City and County of Denver•Denver, CO

1d•$68,773 - $113,476•Hybrid

About The Position

The City and County of Denver’s Community Planning and Development Department is seeking an organized, motivated Associate City Planner to join the Project Coordination Team’s Affordable Housing Review Team (AHRT). The role supports AHRT’s efforts to move affordable housing projects through permitting more quickly while providing excellent customer service. The program is also implementing an expedited review process to comply with state affordable-housing regulations, including Proposition 123. The position was created through a federal HUD PRO Housing grant award and is intended to expand the team’s review capacity and support more projects through due diligence and permitting. The position reviews plans for new affordable housing developments, including construction documents and zoning permit applications, for compliance with applicable codes, policies, and standards. Working with the Senior City Planner, the Associate City Planner provides customer service and problem-solving support so the review and approval process is timely, coordinated, well communicated, and predictable, with a focus on successful project outcomes. This is a limited-term position with an anticipated end date of September 30, 2029. Extension or conversion to a permanent role may be considered based on funding and organizational needs. The position is based at the Wellington Webb Building in Denver and follows a hybrid workplace model, currently requiring employees to work in the office at least three days per week. Business needs and initial onboarding may require additional in-office days.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in City or Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, Engineering, or a related field.
Three years of entry-level professional planning experience, including participation in and assistance with planning projects, goals, and guidelines, and conducting planning studies and research in social, economic, and physical areas.
One year of appropriate experience may substitute for each required year of post-high-school education; additional appropriate education may substitute for minimum experience requirements.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex information, regulations, and development codes.
Knowledge of architectural, site-planning, and development principles, practices, and procedures.
Experience reading and interpreting site plans, blueprints, and construction documents.
Strong customer-service and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex or technical information clearly and constructively.
Strong organization, prioritization, and time-management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and compressed deadlines.
Ability to learn and apply new codes, processes, systems, or technical information.
Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to collaborate as part of a team and effectively support internal and external customers.
Ability to work under pressure and multitask efficiently.

Nice To Haves

Experience with zoning, which is highly preferred.
Experience in development review, plan review, or other relevant planning, architecture, design, or development work.
Experience with Bluebeam, AutoCAD, or similar plan-review or drafting software.

Responsibilities

Provide exceptional customer service and efficiently assist development projects through the development review and approval process.
Provide zoning review and support for development project review.
Provide urban design review and guidance for projects within Design Review Districts.
Apply relevant codes and review development plan proposals with a focus on successful place-making and well-designed outcomes.
Review development permit applications for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable regulations.
Coordinate and distribute applications to appropriate sections and agencies for review within established timeframes.
Document decisions, outcomes, and approvals of development project proposals.
Review and interpret construction documents and zoning permit applications in collaboration with the Senior City Planner.

Benefits

Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance; the City pays the majority of premiums.
Pension plan, with an employee contribution of 8.45% and employer match of 17.95%.
457(b) retirement plan with no early withdrawal fee.
Paid time off, including over three weeks in the first year, and 14 paid holidays.
Merit increases.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance, HSA, FSA, and life insurance.
CARE Bank and family leave benefits.
Employee Assistance Program and Employee Volunteer Program.
Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per year and eligibility for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
Learning and development opportunities, courses, and career development resources.
EcoPass with unlimited free RTD bus and train rides.