Development Services - Planner I, II, or III Level

About the role

Under the general administrative supervision of the Development Services Director or designee, Planners I, II, and III provide land use planning functions through the administration of the Planning Division for the county, agencies, and the public. This includes preparation and presentation of land use development and zoning requests, special projects, and long-range planning to ensure sustainable and manageable development throughout Park County.

Responsibilities

Planner I

• Assists with new development reviews as permit applications come into the Building and Environmental Health Departments
• Provides information to the public regarding development and land use regulations
• Answers citizen and customer questions at the counter, on the phone, and/or via email, and assists in resolving issues
• Reviews and approves administrative plat amendments
• Reviews and approves applications for sign and event permits
• Reviews or assists in review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations
• Reviews applications for, prepares presentations, and presents easy land use cases to the Board of Adjustments, Planning Commission, and Board of County Commissioners
• Oversees the work of interns

Planner II

Same duties as Planner I, plus:

• Initiates actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of regulations
• Assists with updates and maintenance of Strategic Master Plan and Land Use Regulations
• Conducts extensive research in specific or general project areas
• Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence
• Writes or assists in writing a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls
• Attends community meetings when requested by Development Services Director or Planning Director

Planner III

Same duties as Planner II, plus advanced-level work:

• Performs advanced professional work related to a variety of planning assignments
• Manages complex planning studies and development applications and reviews consultant proposals
• Reviews and processes complex development applications, land use cases, annexations, site plans, plats, and Major Subdivisions
• Provides professional planning assistance to member communities on varied land use projects
• Works in regional program areas relating to natural/water resources planning, community development, hazard mitigation, and others
• Coordinates updates and maintenance of Strategic Master Plan and Land Use Regulations
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans
• Schedules and conducts meetings with advisory boards and the Board of County Commissioners
• Presents reports and other findings to staff, planning and zoning boards and commissions, and elected officials and serves as liaison between these groups
• Provides information to the public regarding development and land use regulations
• May be assigned to act in a lead, supervisory role for Planning Department

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Planner I: Knowledge of planning principles and practices; knowledge of relevant planning specializations (e.g., land-use/zoning, environmental planning) is desired; knowledge of legal descriptions, title processes, and parcel legality; knowledge of research and data collection principles and methodology; effective writing techniques; knowledge of computer hardware and software programs (e.g., Microsoft Office, GIS applications); ability to work on several projects simultaneously; ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Planner II: Well-developed knowledge of planning principles and practices; in-depth knowledge of relevant planning specializations; oral communication and interpersonal skills to present research findings; creative problem-solving skills; group facilitation skills for community workshops (desired).
• Planner III: Advanced knowledge of planning principles and practices; in-depth knowledge of relevant planning specializations; advanced oral communication, interpersonal, and group facilitation skills; ability to manage complex projects and act in a supervisory role.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Regularly required to talk or hear
• Frequently required to walk, sit, use hands and fingers, and reach with hands and arms
• Occasionally required to stand, lift and/or move up to 20 lbs
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Occasionally required to drive a County vehicle

Other Requirements

• Careful handling of sensitive information
• Frequent contact with internal staff, residents, and external agencies
• Equipment used includes: computer and software, copy machine, printer, county vehicle, maps, telephone, and calculator
• All offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a background check

Qualifications

Planner I

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public policy, or related field, or one (1) year of experience in the planning profession (work as a planning technician or intern will be considered)
• Combination of education and experience will be considered

Planner II

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public policy, or related field, or two (2) years of experience in the planning profession
• Combinations of education and experience will be considered

Planner III

• Bachelor’s degree in a planning-related field, or four (4) years of experience in the planning profession
• Master’s in Planning and Development is preferred
• AICP certification is preferred and required to be obtained within 3 to 5 years
• Comparable combinations of education and experience will be considered

Location

Park County Development Services, 856 Castello Ave., Fairplay, Colorado