Senior Planner

Senior Planner

We are seeking two forward-thinking professionals with a growth mindset who are dedicated to building a better Eagle County for all. Salary Range: $81,926-$118,792. $5000 bonus: $2500 sign-on bonus, paid out on employee's first paycheck & up to $2500 retention bonus, paid out after 6 months of employment, based on attendance and performance. The Senior Planner manages high-priority, complex land use applications and building permits while supporting strategic long-range planning initiatives. Operating with a high degree of independence and professional judgment, the ideal candidate brings an open, collaborative communication style to team projects and lends a focus to exemplary public service. Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evening meetings. Hybrid work (remote & in office) and/or flexible work arrangements available after training. Travel throughout Eagle County, included but not limited to the Eagle & El Jebel offices. Employee Housing available: 1bd/1ba (brand new) apartments at Parkside Apartments in Edwards - $1750/month. Applicants are encouraged to apply by Sept 22nd; however, the job will be posted until filled.

Essential Functions

• Current Planning
• Manage at least ten active land-use files, some of which will be of high complexity.
• Effective scoping, scheduling, planning and executing projects.
• Reviews applications for compliance with the requirements of the Eagle County Land Use Regulations and other County guidelines, state statutes, and federal regulations.
• Compiles pertinent site-related information through field reconnaissance and historic county data.
• Prepare and present high quality written materials including staff reports, studies and needs assessments, topical reports, and white papers.
• This work will be in coordination with Eagle County GIS department to include high-quality graphic materials and analysis.
• Complete public records into EnerGov database.
• Prepare policy recommendations and process text amendment applications to the Land Use Regulations.
• May lead weekly Development Review Team meetings.
• Assist with building permit process improvements and reviewing high priority or complex building permits.
• Help train, coordinate and support junior planners and administrators as needed.

Customer Service

• Supports Planner of the Day (POD) functions.
• This may include answering questions from internal partners, assisting customers to answer questions and provide solution-oriented advice.
• Attends pre-application meetings with property owners, prospective developers, and representatives from all applicable county departments.
• Collaborates with local municipalities, other County departments, and external stakeholders to review for consistency and support the implementation of long-range plans including the Eagle County Comprehensive Plan, and Area Community plans.
• Work with applicants to ensure their projects implement adopted plans by meeting land use regulations and building code requirements while also helping to effectively and efficiently guide them through the environmental review and permitting processes.
• Act in a manner consistent with Eagle County's Strategic Plan as developed by the Board of County Commissioners, while providing service of the highest level to our internal and external customers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local municipalities, non-profits, business interests, and other agencies with a focus on economic development.
• Use sound judgment to determine when to make independent decisions and when to seek direction from the Community Development Director or Deputy Director.

Other Responsibilities and Special Projects as Needed

• Serves the community by demonstrating Eagle County Government mission and core values and following relevant policies and procedures.
• Attends civic, local government meetings, and conferences.
• Assists and leads long-range planning processes, including but not limited to consultant procurement and management, on an as needed and capacity available basis.
• Observes safety and security procedures, uses equipment and materials safely and reports potentially unsafe conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban/Regional Planning or a related field from an accredited college or university AND at least 6 years of related work experience.
• A master's degree in urban/regional planning or a related area of study (political science, public policy, public administration, etc.) is preferred.
• May substitute for 2 years of experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience planning in local government preferred.
• At least 1 year of proven experience effectively managing and presenting land use files that are politically sensitive and/or complex in scope (generally involves commercial planning, mixed use planning and/or code writing)
• Licensure/Certification
• Valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record preferred.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.

Knowledge

• Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics.
• Knowledge of and experience applying planning principles and methodologies.
• Knowledge of environmental impact analysis principles and methodologies.

Skills

• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Has oversight and responsibility for project approval of multiple complex projects.
• Effectively interprets data dealing with complex problems and situations.
• Demonstrates critical thinking and analysis capability, synthesizes complex facts and issues in order to propose successful solutions tailored to competing interests.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects.
• Has the organizational savvy to build allies and relationships across the Community Development, Engineering, Resiliency, Environmental Health, Open Space & Natural Resource, the Attorney's Office, and other Eagle County departments, programs, and partner agencies.
• Works with allies to build consensus and create results, is appropriately diplomatic, understands others' roles and perspectives, and promotes projects and ideas across the Department, County, and the western Colorado region.
• Strong relationship building, interpersonal, and influence skills in dealing with all levels and ability to quickly establish credibility and working relationships.
• Proficient in Google Workspace as well as Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
• Working knowledge of GIS is desirable.
• Proficiency with document management systems (Laserfiche) and permitting software (EnerGov) is preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are desirable.

Abilities

• Ability to interact with the public in a positive, collaborative, non-confrontational manner.
• Capacity to manage conflict to an effective and positive outcome.
• Able to effectively influence and motivate via oral and written communication.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently or in a team setting.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback, support, and coaching to other members of the team.
• Demonstrates the willingness and availability to represent the Community Development Department and the County at public events and meetings as needed.
• Demonstrates initiative and personal motivation to be successful in the challenging and stimulating environment of Eagle County.

Culture & Benefits

Working in local government is one of the best career paths in the mountains. 'Your Career will Soar with Eagle County'. Get started with us today! Why is Eagle County recognized as a Best Place to Work in 2022? Culture of flexibility and support for mental health / wellness. Check out more awards here. Purpose! A modern, values-driven workplace with more than 550 employees embracing a welcoming culture, supportive leaders and an organization focused on our mission: Creating a Better Eagle County for All. Learning organization focused on professional development opportunities, FREE CMC classes and Tuition reimbursement. Future-focused with our Strategic Plan on improving housing, climate change and more. As a certified healthy workplace, our culture recognizes the importance of individual needs and enjoying life outside of work. Other perks may include flexible work arrangements, paid volunteer time, and daytime fitness classes/bike rides. Great benefits! See the details Comprehensive and low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance (as low as $85/month for employee only) Wellness program where you can earn cash or extra days off 15 paid holidays Paid time off (starting at 12 days) and additional medical leave Paid volunteer hours 8% (dollar-for-dollar match) retirement plan Free classes at Colorado Mountain College Eagle County University classes (internal training) Tuition reimbursement programs Bilingual Pay Incentive Free bus pass and more Relocation & Housing Information