Planning Tech/ Planner I, Planner II

Alamosa County•Alamosa, CO

2d•$48,000 - $65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Alamosa County is seeking candidates for the Land Use Department for the positions of Planning Tech, Planner I, and Planner II. The Planning Tech is a paraprofessional and technical role assisting in the daily operations of the Land Use & Building Department, involving significant administrative tasks and direct customer service regarding planning issues. Successful candidates may perform basic professional-level duties and assist in enforcing the Land Use Development Code and Comprehensive Plan. The Planner I performs professional-level planning and zoning work under basic supervision, focusing on processing land use cases, research, and special projects. The Planner II handles more complex and specialized duties with minimal supervision, requiring prior planning experience. All positions serve as a resource to the public and other County departments, support the Director, and are expected to participate in training and professional development. This is a full-time, 37.5 hour/week position eligible for county benefits.

Requirements

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Understanding of the various ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning, building, and site development.
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, water, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge and use of phones, copiers, fax machines, computer hardware and software.
Knowledge in the use and understanding of information from a GPS device.
Master level of computer proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation slide programs, and databases.
Skilled in writing reports, research, and data management.
Proficient in interpreting maps, and identifying and resolving contradictions or discrepancies between mapped data and actual physical characteristics of land.
Proficient in reading and using site plans, construction drawings, profiles, and cross sections.
Ability to accomplish tasks or projects in a consistent and accurate manner and in a variety of situations.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Skilled in organization, decision making and time management skills.
Exercise independent judgment and critical thought.
Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism.
Ability to pay attention to detail, be dependable, and be responsible.
Ability to process paperwork, maintain files, and generate reports and communications.
Ability to work effectively in an environment that can be very busy or very slow.
Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to adapt to changes in work assignments.
Ability to accurately and effectively transmit and receive information that is necessary to the accomplishment of goals and objectives including effective written and oral communication.
Ability to engage effectively with property owners, professionals, and the general public.
Ability to listen and respond effectively in stressful situations and during conflict.
Ability to keep customers, peers, and supervisors informed.
Ability to maintain courteous and effective working relationships with the public, county departments, co-workers and other agencies.
All Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of land use concepts and procedures.
Planning Tech: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in planning, geography, social science, history, English or related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Planner I: Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field or 1-2 years of related experience.
Planner II: Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field AND 1+ year related experience OR Master’s Degree in Planning or related field.
Valid Colorado Driver’s License.
Must pass Alamosa County background check and pre-employment drug testing.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
Experience with GIS software including ESRI is preferred.
AICP candidate status or AICP certification.

Responsibilities

Provide information, process applications, and perform inspections as needed to assure compliance with adopted codes and standards.
Assist in the analysis, drafting, refinement, and amendment of department policies, land use regulations, and the comprehensive plan.
Provide the public with technical assistance and information on the Land Use Development Code, county and state regulations, planning projects and Department policies and procedures.
Research, evaluate, and make recommendations for compliance with planning principles and relevant regulations of site plan, subdivision, use permit, variance, and other land use applications.
Participate in pre-application meetings; process applications; perform site visits and research prior decisions and actions; prepare recommendations, staff reports and meeting materials; present to county and public Boards and Commissions; track compliance and perform enforcement as appropriate.
Investigate violations of planning regulations and ordinances, including site visits.
Prepare a variety of maps, written reports, memos, and correspondence for use by the Department, County Staff and Officials, and the public.
Maintain accurate records of permits, inspections, and other job-related activities in automated tracking systems, hard copy files, and other records.
Research, compile, and compare information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
Provide administrative support and make oral presentations as needed to the Planning Commission, County Commission, and Board of Adjustment.
Attend public meetings as necessary, including those in the evenings and on weekends.
Participate in professional training.
Communicate effectively, answer telephones/emails, assist customers at the front counter.
Perform routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying, answering telephone, and responding to e-mails.
Perform other tasks and duties to support the department and as required by the Director.