Planner II/ Senior Planner

JOB TITLE:                             Planner II/ Senior Planner 

DEPARTMENT:                     Planning

REPORTS TO:                       Director of Planning

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:   Full Time

FLSA STATUS:                      Exempt

SALARY RANGE:                 Planner II: $60,000- $70,000/ year

                                                Senior Planner: $75,000- $90,000/year

OPENING DATE:                 09/26/2024

CLOSING DATE:                  Minimum 2 weeks or position filled

Town of Monument:

The Town of Monument aspires to provide leadership that delivers municipal services responsibly, while working to inspire public confidence to achieve the vision of the future. The Town of Monument is focused on meeting the community’s needs with the utmost integrity, obligation of service, and responsibility by being held accountable and respecting the diversity and values of its constituents.

Position Summary: 

Planner II/Senior Planner:

Under the direction of the Director of Planning, Planner II/Senior Planner engages in various functions related to comprehensive planning, land development and zoning, including reviewing site development plans and preparation of planning documents for the Town. The Planner II/ Senior Planner processes special use permits, land use applications and master plan amendments and interacts with the various stakeholders, internally and externally. Planner II/Senior Planner ensures adherence to all applicable codes, regulations, and standards. This role reports directly to the Director of Planning, may aid to more entry level Planners and Planning Techs.

* Town of Monument will aid with relocation to the Colorado Springs/Monument area

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D
• Voluntary additional Accident Coverage, Hospitalization Coverage
• Voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
• Legal Shield/ID Shield benefit
• FMLA/Bereavement/Jury Duty Leave
• ADAA & PDA
• Compulsory enrollment in 401(a), employer 2:1 contribution
• Voluntary enrollment in 457(b) retirement program, employer 2:1 contribution
• Vacation and Sick leave
• 14 observed holidays, 1 additional personal day
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement for Career oriented courses
• Membership to Tri-Lakes YMCA

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required.  The organization retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

Planner II:

• Acts as project manager in the review of rezonings, preliminary and final development plans, minor subdivisions, conditional use permits, special use permits, variances, administrative site plans and other proposals.
• Assists in the development and updating of the Town’s long-range plans, regulatory codes and development guides and processes.
• Reviews and evaluates project proposals including ensuring compliance with applicable code, regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Processes and reviews Land Use Applications; coordinates schedules, staff, and referral agency for multi-department reviews
• Compiles and analyzes data on economic, social, and physical factors affecting land use, and prepares graphic and narrative reports on data; presents staff reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission and Town Council.
• Acts as liaison with other public and private agencies; confers with property owners and developers to devise and recommend arrangements of land and physical facilities for residential, commercial, industrial, and community uses.
• May attend and present at public meetings on behalf of the Town including Planning Commission, Town Council, planning workshops, and partner agency meetings.
• May negotiate with applicants and mediate conflicts, development agreements, and monitor project implementation.
• Participates in long-range planning; assists in preparation of planning documents for the Town, including but not limited to, its comprehensive plan, municipal code and policies.
• Attends workshops, seminars, and training.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Senior Planner:

• Lead and manage high profile and/or complex planning projects from inception to completion.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, and timelines.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and consultants.
• Ensure projects follow local and state regulations.
• Research and analyze planning issues and trends that would apply to the Town of Monument and surrounding areas.
• Develop and recommend policies, ordinances, and regulations related to land use, zoning, and urban design.
• Assist the Director of Planning in the formulation and implementation of the municipality's comprehensive plan.
• Organize and facilitate public meetings, workshops, and hearings.
• Attend and present at public meetings on behalf of the Town and the Planning Department.
• Engage with residents, community organizations, and other stakeholders to gather input and feedback on planning initiatives.
• Promote community participation in the planning process.
• Provides specialized technical guidance and support to planning staff.
• Review and evaluate development proposals, site plans, and zoning applications once reviewed by Planner I and Planner II.
• Conduct research and prepare reports on planning and zoning matters.
• Collaborate with other municipal departments, including public works, transportation, and economic development, to ensure coordinated planning efforts.
• Work with external partners, such as regional planning agencies and neighboring municipalities, on joint planning initiatives.
• Monitor and enforce zoning and land use regulations.
• Ensure that development projects adhere to approved plans and permits.
• Conduct site inspections and compliance checks as needed.
• Assist the Director of Planning in the development and management of the Planning Department budget.
• Ensure that projects are completed within budget constraints.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The essential duties listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The list below is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all knowledge, skills and abilities that are required.

• Understanding qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including data collection and analysis techniques.
• Ability to analyze data, interpret research findings and apply them to planning scenarios.
• Attention to detail in reviewing plans, reports, and other documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, including policy updates, community needs and economic conditions.

Planner II:

• In-depth knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, and policies that affect planning and development, urban planning, including specialized areas such as transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, and sustainable development.
• Knowledge of public policy formation and the administrative processes within local government.
• Aptitude to interpret, apply, explain, and reach sound decisions in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, developers, and private sector representatives, to build consensus and negotiate outcomes.
• Ability to manage multiple, complex planning projects from inception through completion, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• High-level skills in problem-solving, with the ability to make informed decisions in complex, ambiguous situations.
• Strong skills in preparing technical documents, reports, and presentations that effectively communicate planning concepts and findings to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with advanced use of word processing, spreadsheets, and other standard software to create documents.
• Proficiency in using planning software and tools.
• Initiative and exercising sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Organizational skills to maintain technical and specialized files.
• Capability to compose correspondence from brief instruction.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town staff and others encountered in the course of work.
• Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive situations, concerned people and customers.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate and concise records and reports and confidence to present information clearly and persuasively to various audiences.
• Able to successfully pass a pre-employment background and drug screening.

Senior Planner:

• A deep understanding of urban and regional planning principles, theories, and best practices. Familiar with local, state, and federal planning laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong knowledge of land use, zoning regulations, transportation planning and environmental planning, urban design, historical preservation, and environmental regulations.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to develop project scopes, budgets, and timelines.
• Policy development, the expertise in developing, implementing, and evaluating planning policies and regulations. Including the ability to analyze existing policies, propose changes and draft new policies to address current and future planning needs.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including the community.
• Effective communication, facilitation, and public presentation skills Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills both verbal and written.
• Proficiency in GIS, CAD, and other planning software is a plus.
• Knowledge of environmental planning, impact assessments, transportation systems, traffic management, transit planning to assess the effectiveness of plans and environmental or transportation impacts for planning and development.
• Leadership and mentoring skills as well as the ability to resolve conflicts and address disagreements between stakeholders, community,
• Knowledge and/or experience in the construction process.
• Knowledge of principles, methodology and practices of research and data collection.
• Excellent project management and leadership skills.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to present complex issues clearly and effectively.
• Effective collaboration and team-building skills are necessary for success.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screening.

Qualifications:

Planner II Education/Experience:

• Master’s degree in urban or regional planning preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field required.
• Minimum of Two (2) years’ experience working in planning or closely related field as part of a municipal government setting.
• Governmental relationships with community groups, agencies, private business and other levels of government are preferred.
• GIS skills desirable.

Senior Planner Education/Experience:

• Master’s degree in urban planning, geography, or related area of study preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field required.
• Minimum six (6) years’ experience in urban planning (Note: Planning is defined as urban, regional, land use, and/or comprehensive long-range planning working with or for a municipal government.)
• Experience working in a municipal government setting.

Licenses/Certifications:

• AICP Certification preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit, walk, and stand; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively, handle and operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; lift, up to 15 pounds; bending, stooping, squatting, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, upward and downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Requires manual dexterity in combination with eye-hand coordination for efficient keyboard input, data entry and filing.
• Occasionally must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office setting with one primary location. This position is not a remote or hybrid position. This is an in-person position requiring regular attendance at the primary location. Working environment may involve use of communication through computer and telephone and could involve frequent interruptions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with one primary location with the ability to travel to multiple Town owned locations safely as needed. Working environment may involve use of communication through computer and telephone and could involve frequent interruptions. Work may require attendance at evening and/or weekend meetings.

*The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000