Principal Planner

City of Greeley•Greeley, CO

13h•$97,919 - $141,982

About The Position

The Principal Planner provides leadership in the day-to-day operations of either the Development Review team or the Long-Range/Historic Preservation/Neighborhood Resources team within the Planning Division of the Community Development Department. Reporting to the Planning Manager, the role leads the division’s development review or long-range planning functions and may supervise junior staff members or interns. When the Planning Manager is absent, the Principal Planner assumes the manager’s responsibilities, including supervision of all other Planning staff. The successful candidate is an experienced planner with strong writing, organizational, public outreach, and analytical skills. The position manages complex planning projects, reviews land use and zoning applications, supports development review, and leads updates to long-range plans and development codes. It works with applicants, developers, community members, City departments, outside agencies, and other stakeholders. The role also provides staff guidance and training, may serve as planner on-call, and participates in City-wide initiatives. The position requires occasional local travel within the County. Work may occur in City buildings or field locations and may involve evening, weekend, or holiday hours. The role is primarily desk- and computer-based, with public contact, meetings, and occasional light to moderate physical effort.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Planning or a directly related field, or a combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that enables successful performance of the essential functions.
Six years of community development or planning experience, or a combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that enables successful performance of the essential functions.
AICP certification or ability to obtain certification within one year.
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of business operations, Colorado municipal structures, and political environments.
Knowledge of customer service principles, including needs assessment, de-escalation, and service recovery.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for conveying information to diverse audiences.
Interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with internal teams, external partners, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software and systems.
Organizational and time-management skills, including prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing competing responsibilities.
Ability to work independently using sound judgment and collaboratively as part of a team.
Professionalism, including a strong work ethic, initiative, confidentiality, and a positive problem-solving attitude.
Analytical and research skills to interpret complex data, evaluate trends, and support evidence-based decisions.
Critical-thinking skills to identify problems, assess options, and determine effective solutions.
Ability to interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, and procedures.
Ability to prepare clear, concise reports, briefings, and presentations.
Customer-focused approach and ability to handle difficult interactions with diplomacy and professionalism.
Conflict-management skills to mediate disagreements, reach consensus, and maintain cooperation.
Leadership and influence skills to guide others and promote alignment on goals and actions.

Nice To Haves

Seven years of community development or planning experience.
One year of previous supervisory experience.
AICP certification.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Experience with ArcGIS or ArcGIS Urban.
Urban Design experience.
Specialized expertise in community engagement, project management, process improvement, digital engagement, or graphic communication.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day leadership and project management support for planning initiatives and staff.
Manage complex, high-profile, or sensitive planning projects, including setting priorities and schedules and allocating resources.
Prepare for and present at Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, City Council, and community meetings.
Respond to citizen and applicant inquiries and explain procedures, regulations, and policy issues.
Negotiate with applicants to resolve land use concerns and support collaborative solutions.
Review and process land use and zoning applications, including conducting site inspections.
Manage planning case files, project documentation, and research for reports and special projects.
Lead updates to the Comprehensive Plan, neighborhood plans, and other long-range planning documents.
Develop revisions to the Development Code to align with current development trends.
Prepare planning-related reports, including the Growth and Development Report, and contribute to code amendments and strategic annexation efforts.
Assist the Planning Manager with the development review process and participate in the Administrative Review Team (ART).
Lead or supervise assigned staff, interns, or project teams as needed, and assume Planning Manager duties in their absence.
Coordinate planning efforts with City departments, outside agencies, and stakeholders.
Meet with developers and community members to address development issues, negotiate development terms, and maintain working relationships.
Serve as planner on-call and participate in City-wide initiatives as assigned.
Manage projects and tasks delegated by the Planning Manager.
Update standard operating procedures and provide staff with process guidance and training.
Organize and delegate assignments; hire, train, motivate, coach, and evaluate employees; set goals and hold employees accountable.
Provide constructive feedback and employee development opportunities, and resolve conflicts and complaints.
Analyze information and processes to develop more effective or efficient procedures; establish and achieve business and financial objectives; and ensure compliance with safety procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.