Planner I

Jefferson County • Golden, CO

1d • $65,000 - $72,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Division is seeking a Planner I to join the team! The Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Division provides land use and development services, including interpreting zoning and land use regulations and issuing permits for fences, signs, driveways, buildings, and other projects in unincorporated areas. The Planner reviews development and zoning applications, manages projects, and analyzes demographic and statistical data to support planning initiatives. This role presents proposals at public hearings, represents the county at external meetings, develops and updates community plans and regulations, and provides accurate planning information and responsive customer service to the public, applicants, consultants, and county partners.
SCHEDULE: This position operates on our four-day work week (Monday-Thursday). This position is hybrid, with remote work and in-office work as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Land Use, Planning, Urban & Regional Planning, Geography or similar work and education experience
• Criminal History and MVR Background Checks are required for every position.
• Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle shall have a Colorado Driver’s license within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer.

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of experience in planning, zoning, or a similar field
• Membership in the American Planning Association (APA) or progress toward professional involvement in planning organizations
• Experience with permitting and development review processes (permitting software experience preferred but trainable)
• Working knowledge of GIS and other geospatial applications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to interpret and analyze technical planning, zoning, and land use documents
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex planning issues
• Experience providing direct customer service, including managing challenging public interactions
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with comfort in in-person collaboration
• Demonstrated reliability and strong professional work ethic

Responsibilities

• Process permits by reviewing for adherence to regulations.
• Evaluate land use and development proposals.
• Understand the characteristics of the development proposal and decide what regulations and policies are appropriate to apply to a case or property.
• Ensure proposals are within zoning regulations.
• Resolve proposal issues.
• Research and manage AE, MVR, SE, and other administrative cases.
• Simple BOA cases (consent Agenda).
• Comment and provide professional input on development cases.
• Receive and respond to inquiries from the public, other agencies, and county personnel.
• Provide information concerning land use proposals, historical preservation, demographics, zoning and subdivisions based on considerable knowledge and interpretation of county plans and state regulations.
• Provide technical planning and zoning expertise and assistance to county residents, businesses, divisions and other jurisdictions.
• Issue standard zoning verification letters and research legal stipulations.
• Utilize various mapping, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs to enter, store and retrieve information.
• Develop case files.
• Decide which database programs would yield the best results during research.
• Efficiently organize case materials.
• Make presentations at public hearings related to proposed development applications.
• Prepare staff reports and present staff recommendations to appropriate boards and commissions based on background research compiled and analyzed.
• Decide what information to present to referral agencies, boards and commissions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and holidays, including a starting bank of 40 hours of PTO for new hires; retirement matching; wellness programs; tuition reimbursement; flexible schedules; remote work options; and more.
• dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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