Principal Planner

City of Greeley • Greeley, CO

3d

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 Community Development Department’s Planning Division. The position reports to the Planning Manager and leads the Planning Division’s Development Review or Long-Range functions. It may supervise one or two junior staff members and/or interns. In the Planning Manager’s absence, the Principal Planner assumes the manager’s responsibilities, including supervision of all other Planning staff.

The successful candidate will bring planning experience, strong writing and organizational abilities, public outreach skills, and analytical skills. The role manages complex planning projects, supports development review and long-range planning, works with applicants and community members, and coordinates with City departments, agencies, and stakeholders. This position requires occasional local travel within the County and may require evening, holiday, or weekend work and extended hours.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Planning or a directly related field.
• Six years of community development or planning experience.
• AICP certification or ability to obtain it within one year.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Alternatively, a combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that enables successful performance of the essential job functions.
• 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 for working with internal teams, external partners, and people 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 diplomatically and professionally.
• 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.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• ArcGIS or ArcGIS Urban experience.
• 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; set priorities and schedules and allocate 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; assume the Planning Manager’s duties in their absence.
• Coordinate planning efforts with other City departments, outside agencies, and stakeholders.
• Meet with developers and community members to address development-related 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 provide constructive feedback and development opportunities.
• Resolve conflicts and complaints, analyze processes, develop more effective or efficient processes, establish and achieve business and financial objectives, and ensure compliance with safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Benefits-eligible position; benefits are described in the City of Greeley benefits guide.
• The City describes its total rewards program as supporting employee development and recognition.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior