Planner I

Responsible for reviewing land development proposals for compliance w/ Land Use Codes. Duties incl reviewing site plans; plats & land use/building permit applications.  Must be a quick learner w/ excellent written/oral communication skills. Must be team oriented and committed to providing great customer service to the public.  Qualified candidate will possess a degree in urban or regional planning, or related field, w/ 1 yr relevant exp

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.

Communicates extensively with the public, building contractors and developers to process applications; communicates and ensures comprehension of the County's planning and land use goals and process; conducts pre-application conferences with applicants to explain permit requirements and processes; explains oil and gas procedures within the County.

Provide research and assistance in review of project proposals in assistance of senior-level planning staff.

Reviews and processes land use permit applications including lot consolidations, boundary adjustments, minor exemption subdivisions; determines applicable standards for each project, conducts analyses to determine impacts created by land use projects; reviews plats for completeness and records and files plats; monitors compliance with development improvement agreements.

Performs site plan and plat reviews for completeness and conformance with land use regulations; visits sites and inspects for conformance with approved plans.

Reviews building permit applications for compliance with subdivision and land use codes; 

Writes and organizes staff reports and planning packets for Board of County Commissioners, the Board of Adjustments, and the Planning Commission; makes recommendations on projects and presents staff reports to these bodies.

Reviews, researches and investigates potential violations of the land use regulations; conducts research and writes reports to staff, applicants, and boards.

Uses Geographic Information System to query information and conduct data analysis; maintains records and computer data bases.

Distributes Requests for Comments to various resource agencies with applicable information; determines appropriate agencies to involve in projects.

Prepares letters and maps to mail to adjacent landowners.

Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:

General office and computer equipment and software

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Urban Planning or a related field; and,

Six months to one year of progressively responsible related experience; or,

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid State Driver's License

Knowledge of:

Basic principles and practices of city and county planning, land use, zoning and subdivision law, theory and applications.

Local government structure and operations.

General business and management principles and practices.

Project review process.

Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.

All applicable state, federal and local laws, rules and regulations.

Computer applications related to the work.

Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.

Skill in:

Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.

Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.

Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a minimum of direction.

Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.

Communicating clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with  a variety of individuals.

Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.  

Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and speak and hear.

Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Statement

La Plata County prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with La Plata County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or genetic information.

La Plata County is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.  La Plata County takes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for protected classes, persons with disabilities and for covered veterans.  Covered veterans include: special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized.

Inquiries regarding La Plata County's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to:

Director of Human Resources

1101 E 2nd Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

Tel:  (970)382-6361

Fax:  (970)375-7985

Email: HR@co.laplata.co.us

Salary : $60,902