Long Range Planner

Job Summary

Working under the general direction of the Planning Manager, this position will be responsible for project management, technical, and administrative work in the Planning Department. The position will primarily focus on leading updates to the County’s land use plans (including the County’s Master Plan and subarea plans), amending regulations (subdivision, zoning, transfer of development rights, marijuana, etc.) to ensure compliance with state law, and reviewing and improving internal processes and policies.

This position will lead and support other long‑range planning projects and topics, including transportation and housing, and will assist with current planning projects, development review, and code enforcement cases, as needed.

• Identify, initiate, and manage long‑range planning projects, including updates to plans and studies and amendments to regulatory documents. This may involve managing the work of consultants.
• Provide information, guidance, and recommendations on planning issues and topics.
• Serve as the transportation liaison to CDOT and the project lead for 1041 (State Interest) Permits when necessary.
• Prepare staff reports, memos, presentations, and documents for internal review and public meetings.
• Provide capacity and support to Clear Creek Regional Housing Authority.
• Assist in timely, accurate, and reliable customer service, including general development questions regarding County processes or standards. Knowledge of how to direct inquiries as appropriate.
• Evaluate land use and development proposals. Understand the characteristics of the development proposal and decide what regulations/policies are appropriate to apply to a case/property.
• Perform other related work as assigned.

Master's Degree in Planning or a related field and one to two years of related work experience; or Bachelors degree in Planning or related field and four to five years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees/coursework must be from an appropriately accredited institution. AICP preferred but not required.

• Considerable knowledge of the "planning processes" and long‑range planning policy.
• Thorough understanding of land use principles and how transportation, environmental, historic, and demographic trends impact an area.
• Experience with rural planning and rural planning topics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate complex land use concepts effectively.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, as well as GIS capabilities.
• Experience developing scopes of work and writing RFPs for planning projects.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, apply creative problem solving, and understand complex processes and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and also be an active, engaged team member, willing to pitch in where needed.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously, prioritize workload, set and meet deadlines, and perform well with minimum direct supervision.
• Ability to effectively cope with change, shift gears comfortably, and handle risk and uncertainty.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the development community; general public; local, state, and federal agencies; public officials; community leaders; and fellow County employees.
• Ability to stay up to date on changes in state statute as it relates to planning policy and regulations.
• Experience with project management.
• Experience managing consultants.
• Experience with public outreach and engagement.
• Strong research and critical thinking skills.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.

This role does not supervise others.

Work in this class may include sitting, walking, bending, stooping, and lifting weights of approximately 35 lb or less unassisted and over 65 lb with assistance. Work may consist of both indoor and outdoor activities in which the employee is exposed to natural elements, including cold, heat, rain, snow, sleet, and ice. Employees must be able to…