Senior City Planner - Community and Strategic Planning

City of Loveland•Loveland, CO

23h•$85,273 - $115,118•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Principal Planner, this position manages complex and diverse Community and Strategic Planning projects that play a vital role in shaping Loveland’s future. The position requires a high degree of independent judgment, creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to work closely with other divisions and groups to successfully complete projects. This position is the project manager level of the professional planner series and includes planning, organizing, reviewing, and participating in the undertaking of strategic and long-range planning projects. The salary range for this position is $85,272.51 - $115,118.02 annually with a hiring range of $85,272.51 - $100,195.26 , depending on qualifications and experience. This opportunity will be available to applicants until filled. Applicant reviews will begin February 18, 2026. A current resume is required, and a cover letter is preferred. Join Us as Our Next Senior Strategic Planner — Shape the Future of a Growing City Step into a leadership role where your vision can truly make a difference. Our department enjoys a strong, positive relationship with City Council, giving you a supportive environment to advance innovative ideas and guide impactful initiatives. With major opportunities on the horizon—including the transformative development potential of the Hwy 402 corridor and an upcoming update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan —you’ll play a central role in charting our community’s long-term trajectory. Housing affordability is one of our city’s most urgent challenges, and you’ll play a key strategic role in supporting a coordinated, community-focused response. Working alongside residents, local organizations, nonprofits, and regional partners, you’ll help assess and advance innovative approaches aimed at reducing housing scarcity and lowering housing costs. This is your opportunity to contribute thoughtfully and collaboratively to a healthier, more vibrant community for all. If you’re inspired by long-range planning, energized by cross-sector partnerships, and ready to help shape a thriving future, we invite you to bring your expertise to a city committed to thoughtful, well-planned growth. Please view our video Working at Loveland to learn more about our exceptional Loveland community and the benefits of working for the City.

Requirements

4 Year/Bachelors Degree Urban or Regional Planning or closely related field.
5 years increasing responsible experience in the field of urban planning.
2 years project management.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Strong communication and customer service skills are required.
Extensive knowledge of urban planning principles and practices, physical design, and comprehensive planning regulations and methods of assessment.
Knowledge and experience with the development review process and how to apply zoning and development codes.
Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely, and effectively; Work collaboratively with development review staff and applicants.
Obtain guidance as appropriate from more experienced staff.
Establish and maintain productive working relationships with fellow employees, developers, consultants, City officials, and the general public.
Handle conflicts and address concerns from dissatisfied members of the public with professionalism and efficiency.
Attend neighborhood meetings and assist other planners in negotiating solutions to neighborhood concerns related to land development proposals.
Ability to manage high workloads, diverse demands, and deadlines effectively.

Nice To Haves

Graduate Degree Urban or Regional Planning or closely related field.
2 years' experience in long range planning.
An equivalent combination of education and or experience may substitute for education requirements on a year-to-year basis.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing and implementing long-range planning initiatives, including corridor plans, comprehensive plan updates, and amendments to land use codes
Maintain a working understanding of new land use legislation and planning policies and assist in developing needed amendments to comply with State laws
Assist in implementing a broad range of planning projects and programs and resolving planning challenges
Apply current planning theory, best practices, and strategic leadership to manage complex and sensitive strategic and long-range planning projects.
Prepare reports and recent findings and recommendations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other boards or commissions
Answer questions from the public regarding the City of Loveland Comprehensive Plan, the land development process, historic preservation, and other strategic and long-range planning projects, issues, and initiatives
Coordinate with City divisions, regional planning bodies, other jurisdictions, and State and Federal Agencies to successfully complete planning projects
Evaluate and revise land use regulations to align with City Council policies and address emerging needs.
Act as the City’s representative in regional planning efforts, advocating for local priorities
Develop and lead public participation strategies to foster community engagement in planning projects
Negotiate solutions to complex neighborhood and community concerns related to strategic and long-range planning projects
Compile and analyze data on economic, social, and physical factors affecting land use and respond to questions on City demographics, population forecasts, and planning strategy implementation
Prepare special planning studies and make recommendations for ordinances, resolutions, and policies.
Responsible for the project management of specified development review projects.
Perform related work as assigned.
Process current planning land use applications as necessary to assist current planning staff.
Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation
Participates in continued education and staying current with professional standards through attending conferences and workshops that relate to the position.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Two (2) Medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
A Dedicated, exclusive Employee Health and Wellness Center
Discounted Chilson Center passes
Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and medical leave
Flexible spending including Dependent Care
Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
A Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
Voluntary 529 College Invest program
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Referral Program
Personal and Professional Development opportunities
Employee Recognition Program
Exceptional work-life balance
Market based pay & regular performance reviews
Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program