Planner/Senior Planner

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

El Paso County is hiring a Planner or Senior Planner to help shape the future of the County’s communities by providing information to the public about development regulations and reviewing land-use applications for consistency with County policies and the Land Development Code. The role independently reviews and analyzes applications, plans, regulations, and other information, and develops recommendations on land-development matters. It provides front-counter assistance to walk-in customers and customer service as part of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). Regular in-person presence is an essential job function. The position coordinates development projects from pre-application assistance through close-out, organizes and facilitates MDT meetings, coordinates technical and public input, and helps applicants understand requirements and resolve project issues. It reviews applications and projects for consistency with adopted plans, codes, and standards; prepares and presents staff reports to County boards and commissions; advises development professionals on land use and code conformance; and maintains project records and customer-service standards. The position may also work on special planning projects, including Land Development Code revisions and long-range planning. The Senior Planner additionally handles complex or controversial projects, including applications requiring notice or a public hearing; coordinates early assistance and plan reviews; ensures project data, notices, sign-offs, and legal documents are handled appropriately; helps resolve project issues and move projects to decisions; and may mentor, train, and guide other planners. The classification has no supervisory authority, though it may provide limited direction, training, or quality oversight. It receives general supervision and is periodically reviewed. The anticipated schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., subject to change. Duties are primarily performed in an office, with some field work possibly required in inclement weather. Employment is subject to the County Personnel Policies Manual. Applicants must pass a conditional post-offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen. A valid driver’s license must be maintained.

Requirements

Planner: Bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field, or four years of related professional experience in lieu of the degree.
Planner: Three years of experience in county, city, or regional planning, or a related field.
Senior Planner: Bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field, or four years of related professional experience in lieu of the degree.
Senior Planner: Five years of experience in county, city, or regional planning, or a related field.
A master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience for either level.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Must pass a conditional post-offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
Knowledge of planning principles, public administration, and related disciplines.
Ability to organize complex projects, run effective meetings, manage critical paths, work independently, exercise sound judgment, and direct projects to avoid conflicts or delays.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical and design procedures, planning and zoning regulations, and Federal, State, and County regulations.
Ability to define complex problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and analyze and interpret reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photos, and topographical data.
Ability to solve potential problems or conflicts and maintain files and records.
Senior Planner: Knowledge of project management and team-building theories, practices, and principles; ability to develop appropriate options with limited preparation time.
Senior Planner: Knowledge of plan-review methods and ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines, including compliance with codes and regulations.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Nice To Haves

Planner: Knowledge of geography and urban and regional land use.
Planner: Master’s degree in planning or a related field.
Senior Planner: Knowledge of geography, urban and regional land use, planning, or engineering principles.
Senior Planner: GIS proficiency.
Senior Planner: Master’s degree in planning or a related field.
Senior Planner: County experience with a similar project load and complexity.
Senior Planner: AICP Certification.

Responsibilities

Coordinate projects from pre-application assistance through project close-out and identify project needs, solutions, and code shortcomings.
Assemble and facilitate multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), organize project meetings, ensure appropriate participants are present, and move projects toward decisions.
Provide accurate feedback to customers and MDT members on project requirements and prepare tailored road maps for application processing.
Coordinate processing and review of development applications, plans, plats, administrative actions, construction permits, and related documents.
Coordinate technical review agency and public input; work with applicants, agencies, and County departments to resolve issues and meet agreed-upon timelines.
Independently review and analyze applications, plans, data, and regulations, and formulate recommendations on land-use and development matters.
Review projects for consistency with adopted plans, codes, standards, and regulations; identify issues and present acceptable design options and code interpretations.
Communicate with public and private entities and individuals regarding land development, planning goals, and specific projects.
Prepare and present staff reports to the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Board of County Commissioners.
Advise engineers, site planners, and others on land use and conformance with the Land Development Code.
Facilitate issue resolution and team decision-making, escalate policy decisions when needed, and support timely resolution.
Maintain project files and active project data; coordinate project sign-offs, permit issuance, and preparation and processing of legal documents.
Manage or participate in special planning projects, including Land Development Code revisions and long-range planning.
Maintain customer-service and performance standards and serve as planner of the day for customers with technical planning questions.
Serve as a role model and mentor for associate planners.
Senior Planner: Coordinate early assistance and plan review for complex development applications, including applications requiring notice or a public hearing.
Senior Planner: Ensure accurate information is entered into the El Paso County Development Review Program (EDARP), adequate project noticing occurs, and required sign-offs are completed before permit issuance.
Senior Planner: Coordinate revisions to approvals when construction or design changes require them and recommend policy or Land Development Code changes.
Senior Planner: May mentor and train planners and assist with processing and review of applications requiring notice or a public hearing.