PLANNER II / SENIOR PLANNER

Lafayette•Lafayette, CO

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Performs a variety of advanced-level professional planning work (both long-range and current) including project and program management, complex development review, historic preservation applications, assisting in developing land use regulations, and conducting planning research in a variety of social, economic, and physical areas. Makes presentations to city boards, commissions, and council and responds to inquiries from the public.

Requirements

Knowledge of functions, principles, methods, and techniques of public planning including community planning, land use planning, and zoning.
Knowledge of the principles and tools relevant to land use planning, development, regulations, and permitting.
Perform independent research on planning issues, investigate assigned planning and planning-related problems.
Maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other employees and the public.
Work independently and complete assignments in a timely manner.
Demonstrated skill in the operation of equipment necessary to perform the functions of the job including computers, spreadsheets, word processing, PowerPoint and ArcMap GIS programs.
Interpersonal Skills – Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, cooperation, concern, and politeness to others and relates well to different people from varied backgrounds and different situations.
Oral Communication – Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively; taking into account the audience and nature of the information; makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues and responds appropriately.
Planning and Evaluating – Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
Reading – Understands and interprets written material, including technical material, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs, or tables; applies what is learned from written material to specific situations.
Writing – Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in planning or related field.
City Planner II: Minimum three (3) years of municipal planning experience and AICP certification; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Senior City Planner: Minimum five (5) years of municipal planning experience and AICP certification; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Possession of a current and valid Colorado Driver’s license or ability to obtain within thirty (30) days from date of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience in graphics design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite and Sketch-up is desired, but not required.

Responsibilities

Conducts building permit reviews for compliance with planning approvals.
Reviews and processes sign permits.
Responds to citizens’ requests for information and to inquiries from other governmental agencies and to professional inquiries.
Answers inquiries about zoning code, subdivision regulations, procedures for Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment hearings and all other current planning functions.
Utilizes a city-wide network project database that records all contacts, decisions, permits, and other pertinent information related to projects.
Maintains planning related files.
Host pre-application meetings with residents, business owners, and/or developers to discuss application processes and submittal requirements.
Attend and present at meetings of the Planning Commission, City Council, the Zoning Board of Adjustment or other boards and commissions.
Performs staff review of subdivisions, special uses, site plan and architectural reviews, landscape and lighting plans, etc.
Coordinates the review process, rezoning, or amendment process of project team members, reviews each team member’s comments to determine consistencies and address potential problems, issues, and concerns, and resolves conflicts.
Works with a team of city personnel to review a customer’s project or request, determines which permits, licenses, approvals, standards, guidelines, ordinances, rules, and regulations a customer needs to obtain for a project or request to move forward.
Works with customers to ensure plans and applications conform to applicable codes, rules, and regulations, the comprehensive plan, and other specialized city plans.
Assists in maintaining City’s address data base and may be responsible for assigning new addresses.
May advise planning committees, neighborhood groups, City Council, and other stakeholders on planning issues, procedures, processes, historical preservation procedures, zoning issues, ordinance changes, and environmental regulations and requirements.
Serves as a consultant to other city agencies and boards on routine zoning issues and explains the zoning code and rules and regulations to the public.
Analyzes data, formulates recommendations, and prepares reports.
Represents the City on multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional planning efforts ranging from affordable housing, transportation, and other regional collaboration opportunities.
Assists in the preparation of technical and statistical information, such as existing conditions reports and general research.
Prepares a variety of visual materials including advanced graphics, maps, and charts to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to a variety of internal and external audiences.
Assists with data collection for annual reports and economic development projects.
Provides maps for other departments upon request.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Identifies and participates in implementation process and customer service improvements.
Performs increasingly responsible duties as the employee gains experience and independence in performing planning duties.