City Planner I / Permit & GIS Technician

Job Description

Job Description

• DEPARTMENT: Community Development 
• REPORTS TO: Community Development Director / City Planner 
• FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt (Full-Time, 40 hours/week) 
• PAY RANGE: $20.43 - $23.50 per hour (Dependent on experience) 
• SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, Standard City Hall Hours (Attendance at evening Planning & Zoning Commission and occasional City Council meetings required) 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The City of Monte Vista is seeking a versatile, service-oriented professional to fill the entry-level role of Planner I / Permit & GIS Technician. This combined classification serves as the Community Development Department’s primary front-counter intake contact for building permits, land use applications, and zoning inquiries; performs entry-level current planning duties; and serves as the City’s day-to-day GIS technician. Designed as a career-entry role in a small-city environment, the incumbent will work across the full range of municipal development functions. The successful candidate will receive direct supervision from the Community Development Director, with expectations to grow into independent case management and progress toward a Planner II classification as experience and professional certifications are obtained. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Permit Administration & Counter Services (approx. 40%) 

• Serves as the primary public contact at the front counter, by phone, and via email; provides accurate information regarding permitting standards, land use procedures, submittal requirements, fees, and review timelines.
• Receives, reviews, and processes building, sign, fence, demolition, and temporary use permit applications for completeness, plan accuracy, contractor licensing, and insurance; calculates and collects fees. 
• Routes accepted plans to the Building Official, Public Works, and referral agencies; coordinates inspection calendars, relays correction notices, issues Certificates of Occupancy, and maintains permit tracking software. 
• Maintains digital and physical records in compliance with municipal retention schedules and the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA); prepares monthly and annual construction activity reports. 

Current Planning & Code Administration (approx. 35%) 

• Reviews building permits and land use requests for compliance with the Land Development Code (zoning, setbacks, lot coverage, parking, landscaping, and signage); processes administrative site plans, minor subdivisions, variances, special uses, and vacations. 
• Prepares public notices, property owner mailing lists, and legal publications; drafts clear staff reports, findings of fact, resolutions, and recommendation packets for the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council; attends evening board meetings to present routine cases and record official minutes. 
• Conducts field visits to verify development compliance; assists in investigating zoning, sign, and property maintenance complaints, issuing courtesy notices or violation letters, and coordinating referrals with Police Code Enforcement.
• Compiles spatial and demographic data for comprehensive planning, economic development, housing initiatives, and Land Development Code amendments. 

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (approx. 15%)

• Serves as a GIS technician for the City, editing and maintaining core geospatial datasets including parcels, zoning, corporate limits, annexations, utility corridors, addressing, and floodplains.
• Maintains the official municipal address database, assigning and verifying addresses for new construction and subdivisions while coordinating with County Assessor, E-911 dispatch, and USPS.
• Produces maps and analytical exhibits for staff reports, public notices, council presentations, and grant applications; builds and maintains public-facing web maps and spatial dashboards. 
• Provides mapping and field GPS data collection support to Public Works, Police, Finance, City Clerk, and the Urban Renewal Authority. 

General Departmental Support (approx. 10%) 

• Maintains department webpages, application checklists, and public informational handouts; provides administrative backup across departments as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS  

Education and Experience Tiers:

• Option A: Associate’s Degree in planning, geography, GIS, public administration, construction management, architecture, or related field PLUS two (2) years of administrative, customer service, construction, GIS, or municipal experience; OR 
• Option B: High School Diploma or GED PLUS four (4) years of directly related municipal, planning, permit, or GIS experience; OR 
• Option C: Bachelor’s Degree in urban/regional planning, geography, GIS, public administration, or related field (no prior experience required); OR 
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Technical Knowledge & Competencies: 

• Demonstrated working proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Esri Field Maps, or QGIS) to edit feature data, run queries, and produce map products.
• Strong customer service, de-escalation, and verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret municipal codes, read site plans and legal descriptions, and maintain composure in public hearing settings. 

Licenses & Certifications: 

• Valid Colorado Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire). 
  • Required Post-Hire Certifications (City-Funded): ICC Permit Technician Certification (required within 12 months of hire); Colorado Notary Public Commission (required within 6 months of hire).
• Supported/Desirable Certifications: ICC Zoning Inspector, Esri Technical Certification, AICP Candidate, or GISP credential tracking. 

TOTAL COMPENSATION & BENEFITS SUMMARY  

The City of Monte Vista offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, retirement, and work-life balance: 

• Health & Wellness: Optional comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance programs. 
• Financial Protection: City-provided Life Insurance coverage. 
• Retirement Options: Mandatory 401(a) municipal retirement plan alongside voluntary 457(b) deferred compensation plan options. 
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid holiday schedules, accrued vacation leave, and accrued paid sick leave under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). 
• Professional Development: 100% City-funded study materials, training coursework, and examination fees for ICC Permit Technician, Notary, and Esri certifications. 
• Equipment & Travel: Access to City fleet vehicles for field inspections and local municipal travel. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 13, 2026 

Applications received by November 13, 2026 will receive first consideration. The City of Monte Vista reserves the right to continue accepting applications until the position is filled  

The City of Monte Vista is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.