Planner I/II

Lake County Government•Leadville, CO

6d•$54,000 - $69,000

About The Position

This position encompasses the full range of professional planning duties within Lake County’s Community Planning & Development Department. The role is flexibly staffed at either the entry-level (Planner I) or intermediate level (Planner II) based on experience and qualifications. At the Planner I level, the role provides support for land use, zoning, and compliance activities under supervision, ideal for those building their planning career and developing technical and community engagement skills. At the Planner II level, the role performs planning duties more independently, applying professional judgment and initiative on complex projects involving land use, zoning, building codes, and development regulations. Planner II positions require prior related experience (government planning preferred) This position involves both office work and site visits, with responsibilities including application processing, assisting Director with scheduling and administrative planning department tasks, regulatory interpretation, planning studies, community and board presentations, evening meetings, minute taking, and interagency coordination.

Requirements

Planner I: Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, environmental planning, public or business administration, or related field — or equivalent relevant experience.
Planner II: Bachelor’s degree as above, plus at least three years of progressively responsible planning experience, including at least two years comparable to Planner I level. Additional specialized training may be required.
Principles and practices of urban planning, land use, zoning, and development regulations.
Lake County Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, and related policies.
Ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal planning laws and regulations.
Experience preparing detailed written reports and delivering presentations.
Familiarity with GIS, Microsoft Office Suite, and modern office procedures.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; bilingual Spanish preferred.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Strong verbal and written communication skills; bilingual Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Review, process, and manage a variety of land use and development applications including lot consolidations, boundary line adjustments, conditional use permits, variances, special event permits, site plans, temporary use permits, and sign permits.
Assist Director with schedule management and planning department administrative duties.
Respond to public and developer inquiries regarding land use regulations, zoning, permitting processes, and building code issues.
Coordinate with state and federal agencies, utility providers, and local jurisdictions on planning-related matters.
Prepare legal notices and coordinate public hearings.
Assist with code enforcement cases by coordinating with property owners and businesses.
Apply and interpret the Lake County Land Development Code, Comprehensive Plan, and relevant local, state, and federal regulations.
Review, process and manage a variety of more complex land use processes to include subdivision, development agreements, planned unit development, and legislative proceedings.
Contribute to the drafting or revision of land use codes, planning policies, and procedures.
Support the development and implementation of master plans and long-range planning strategies.
Conduct planning studies and data analysis on housing, growth management, resource protection, and community development topics.
Assist in grant writing and monitoring for planning-related projects, as needed.
Train and support administrative staff or planning technicians.
Prepare and present clear, concise staff reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, Board of Adjustment, and advisory committees.