Planner II - Durango, Colorado
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Help shape the future of Durango as a member of our Community Development team. As a Planner II, you’ll conduct planning studies, analyze data, and prepare reports to guide our land use code and long-range plans. You’ll collaborate with and assist developers, businesses, City staff, and the public through planning and development processes, ensuring compliance with regulations while promoting community engagement. Additionally, you will assist in the historic preservation program by gathering information on potential projects, offering recommendations, and ensuring adherence to the historic preservation ordinance. Apply today and join us in building community together.
Essential Job Duties
What You’ll Do in This Role:
Perform professional planning tasks: Conduct studies, analyze data, prepare reports, and present findings to support assigned projects.
Review development proposals and applications: Analyze zoning requests and variances, interpreting code requirements and making recommendations.
Conduct planning studies: Analyze social, economic, and land use data to make recommendations on planning activities; present findings to relevant boards and commissions, including the Community Development Commission, City Council, and others.
Ensure compliance with development standards: Review building permits, site plans, and subdivision applications for adherence to zoning regulations.
Conduct field inspections: Verify compliance with codes and ordinances through inspections of development proposals, land use surveys, and construction projects.
Update codes and plans: Draft and implement amendments to the Land Use Development Code and Comprehensive Plan, aligning them with the city’s strategic plan, policy objectives, and community vision.
Facilitate community engagement: Conduct public engagement meetings and subcommittee meetings to involve the community in code and plan updates.
Support historic preservation: Research potential projects, make recommendations, and ensure compliance with the historic preservation ordinance.
Assist with design review and sign permit applications: Participate in the design review process for new commercial projects and remodels.
Develop and implement neighborhood plans: Lead public meetings and prepare citizen participation materials, such as brochures, flyers, and handouts, for neighborhood plans and upcoming projects.
Manage grant funding: Prepare and monitor grant proposals and administer grant funds.
Perform environmental reviews: Assess the architectural, site planning, and land use merits of projects during environmental reviews.
Collaborate with City departments and external organizations: Work with internal departments and divisions and external agencies to support planning initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
You Have:
Bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, political science, public administration, geography, or a related field.
Four years of experience in urban planning, local government, or a related field.
Strong understanding of urban planning and design, economic and community development, and placemaking.
Ability to interpret and apply laws underlying comprehensive plans, zoning, and subdivisions.
Proficiency in data analysis, mapping, and technology, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), SketchUp, Photoshop, and similar software.
Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
Supplemental Information
What We Can Offer You:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
Long-term disability coverage.
Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.
Free transit pass and family member discounts.
Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.
Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.
To view the full job description, click here.
Belong at the City of Durango:
We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences.
The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.