Senior City Planner (Community and Strategic Planning)

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.

This opportunity will be available to applicants until filled with a first review of applications on Friday, January 24, 2025.

A current resume is required, and a cover letter is preferred.

The salary range for this position is $84,012 - $113,417 annually with a hiring range of $84,012 - $98,714 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Do you thrive in a fast paced, people-oriented environment?  Is attention to detail one of your strengths?  Then the Senior City Planner position may be perfect for you!  Development Services is looking for an exceptional individual with a passion for providing excellent customer service.  Our team is highly collaborative, welcoming, and appreciates the contributions of both experienced and newer Planners.  Our office is located in downtown Loveland, with close proximity to dining, the art community, and many cultural events, as well as easy access to nature, outdoor activities, and our park systems.  

Please view our video Working at Loveland to learn more about our exceptional Loveland community and the benefits of working for the City.

Essential Functions

• 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
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required Education: 4 Year/Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or closely related field.  An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may substitute for education requirements on a year-for-year basis.
• Preferred Education: Graduate Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or closely related field

• Required Experience
  • 5 years: Increasing responsible experience in the field of urban planning.
  • 2 years: Experience in Project management.
• Preferred Experience:  2 years of experience in long range planning.

Certifications

• Must possess valid driver's license.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Physical Demands 

Frequent:  Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal.

Working Environment

Frequent:  Exposure to routine office noise and equipment.
Occasional: Exposure to hazards that are predictable or well protected against.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

City of Loveland job descriptions are designed to describe the general nature and level of work necessary to perform well in the job; they are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. City of Loveland job descriptions may be updated periodically, and additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be assigned by management as deemed appropriate.

With over 300 days of sunshine, and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park in the heart of northern Colorado, Loveland is an ideal community for anyone to call home.  Known as the Sweetheart City, this vibrant cultural hub is home to nearly 500 sculptures and public art installations, the world-famous Valentine Remail Program, and picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains.  The community is bustling with a thriving arts, brewery, foodie, and shopping scene.  Enjoy headliner concert and theatre productions, professional hockey events, endless community recreation and open space opportunities, art and sculpture shows, and several local festivals.  Loveland also boasts an award-winning golf course and an inclusive library and community center. Loveland, Colorado has EVERYTHING YOU LOVE!

In 2020, Loveland was the only Colorado City to win the Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence, is the top residential recycling City in the state for 4 consecutive years and has been ranked as one of the top places to live, work and raise a family in the U.S. and as one of the Most Idyllic Picturesque towns in America.

Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness.  The City of Loveland is a diverse and welcoming community organization, and our employees enjoy a competitive benefits program, various opportunities for growth and development, and an exceptional work-life balance.

A vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty, where you belong!

Benefits Information

Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes:

• 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

The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

The City of Loveland participates in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation. Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information.

Hybrid Remote Work Eligibility:  This position may be eligible for up to two days per week working remotely. Probationary employees (within the first six months of employment) may not be eligible. Subject to change based on business needs and performance expectations.

Employment offers will be conditional on the successful completion of a driving record and criminal history background check.

Salary : $84,012 - $113,417