Planning Manager

Archuleta County•Pagosa Springs, CO

17h•$66,114 - $98,155

About The Position

Under general direction from the Development Services Division Director, the Planning Manager manages, coordinates, and directs the County’s planning efforts, from current to long-range projects. The role serves as technical planner, land use compliance officer, zoning administrator, and floodplain manager. It acts as a community liaison by assisting, advising, and answering inquiries, and administering County rules and regulations and other applicable local regulations and State and Federal laws. The position requires a broad working knowledge of the practical and lawful application of regulations to provide appropriate advice to potential applicants. It provides service to external and internal customers and seeks mutually agreeable and beneficial outcomes or solutions. The Planning Manager directly supervises Planning Department staff and provides mentorship, guidance, and training to less experienced staff throughout the Development Services Division. The role manages complex and sensitive planning projects, advises boards, commissions, and elected officials, supports the Planning Commission, and oversees planning issues, operations, budgets, and compliance. It also reviews proposed development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and issues floodplain development permits in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program.

Requirements

At least two years of experience in the planning profession.
Two years of supervisory experience.
Knowledge of planning and development and local government policies and procedures.
Knowledge of planning specializations such as zoning, land use law, transportation, and economic development.
Knowledge of research methods and statistical principles related to growth and development.
Knowledge of technical report preparation and presentation methods and techniques.
Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including recent changes.
Understanding and application of basic environmental engineering concepts such as drainage, simple hydrology, and erosion.
Knowledge of supervision, training, personnel management, and budgeting procedures.
Knowledge of local governmental planning and administration, local government procedures and practices, and citizen involvement techniques and processes.
Knowledge of computer hardware and software, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, or GIS.
Detail-oriented and experienced with sometimes highly visible or controversial projects.
Ability to manage multiple high-priority assignments and work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
Strong interpersonal skills to build internal and external working relationships and resolve complaints.
Strong analytical skills to interpret research data, prepare reports, and identify locally appropriate techniques for practical situations.
Reading comprehension sufficient to understand technical and legal materials.
Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management.
Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in planning or a closely related field.
AICP certification.

Responsibilities

Perform and manage complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research, and analysis.
Monitor and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
Provide overall management of department-related planning issues.
Mentor and provide guidance and training to less experienced staff throughout the Development Services Division.
Advise boards, commissions, and elected officials on planning-related issues.
Serve as liaison to the Planning Commission and perform necessary functions in its support.
Assign work to planning staff and ensure appropriate training is provided.
Evaluate operations and activities within assigned responsibilities.
Prepare reports on operations and activities and recommend improvements or modifications.
Handle sensitive personnel matters.
Participate in budget preparation and administration, and monitor and control expenditures.
Attend a substantial number of evening and weekend meetings.
Review proposed development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and issue floodplain development permits in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Maintain files and records to ensure compliance with State and Federal agencies.
Engage in training to fulfill the listed duties and other assigned duties.
Fulfill responsibilities of other Department positions during extended absences or vacancies.
May represent the County with local, state, and federal agencies and organizations to accomplish County goals and priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned and required.