Johnstown, Colorado, is a town of approximately 19,000 people located 30 minutes north of the Denver Metro area, centrally located along the Northern Front Range of Colorado, along Interstate 25, and CO Hwy 34. Johnstown is consistently one of the fastest growing municipalities in Colorado, with a steady stream of development and ongoing prospects – with varying municipal priorities ranging from maintaining a traditional small-town feel, welcoming appropriate growth, building infrastructure, and managing strong oil and gas interests. As a department, we face interesting challenges in our future – establishing a GIS program, recent update of our Comprehensive Plan, Code rewrites to ensure appropriate implementation, fast-pace of development, updating and innovating on record-keeping, administrative, and development review processes. We are seeking an outstanding candidate to fill our Planner I position opening, dependent upon appropriate qualifications and experience. 

In this high-energy, high-production environment, a candidate must be eager to learn, grow as a professional and a planner, and ready to jump in with both feet. As a member of the Planning team, our Planner I performs a wide variety of municipal planning functions, including land use planning, research, and administration associated with development review; daily “on-call” planning questions; and ancillary land use and development review and support functions. 

Candidates work under the direct supervision of the Director to carry out assigned duties, functions, roles, and projects in both routine and complex circumstances. Attendance at some evening meetings is required.

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 Town of Johnstown retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

• Process and manage development projects from pre-application discussions, through reviews and public hearings, to final inspections of constructed improvements and audits of development agreements.
• Actively assist and respond to business owners, the public, consultants, and developers requiring information and technical assistance on planning and zoning matters, land use cases, development processes, and other community development-related questions.
• Review and evaluate technical aspects of all land use and development applications.
• Interpret and apply applicable codes and regulations, including the town's comprehensive plan, area plans, municipal development codes, guidelines, and standards and specifications.
• Prepare professional staff reports, supplemental materials, and provide professional-level presentations to internal and external advisory boards: Town Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment/Appeals, and outside partners.
• Read and interpret complex agreements and contracts to ascertain their application to a specific development plan and developer obligations. 
• Manage compliance / enforcement issues on code complaints and new/aging developments to educate and obtain compliance approved plans and town codes and standards.
• Evaluate and prepare recommendations for updates to comprehensive plan documents, land use code, and other regulations, policies, and departmental procedures.
• Research and generate records and reports on local demographics and development activity for administration and outside agencies.
• Represent planning department and Town at regional or local meetings, events, and conferences.
• Attend evening meetings, as needed, with the understanding that some schedule flexibility is required to accommodate these occurrences. 
• Perform research methods and discover sources of information related to urban growth and development, economic development, town demographics, housing, etc.
• Perform related duties as established by law/ordinance or reasonably directed by the town. 
• Assist other town departments, as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• High level of customer service skills and abilities to handle frequent requests for information, educate the public on basic planning and land use principles, and be resourceful in providing appropriate responses and guidance.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public, town staff, outside agencies, appointed and elected officials.
• Basic familiarity with principles of land development, architecture, engineering, construction and real estate.
• Knowledge of urban planning principles and practices; familiarity with applicable federal, state, and local land use regulations; ability to conduct research for planning assignments.
• Knowledge and experience with the development review process, how to apply zoning and development codes, and long-range planning principles; regulations associated with zoning processes and land use decisions.
• Computer skills, including but limited to: general use of Microsoft Office programs, preparing reports, spreadsheets, project management/tracking software, and ArcGIS.
• Knowledge of urban design and architectural design principles. Ability to clearly and concisely present findings and recommendations through written and verbal communications.
• Ability to work in a busy environment with frequent interruptions and fixed deadlines. 
• Desire to learn new skills and acquire additional knowledge.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in urban/regional planning or related field required (exceptional professional experience may substitute);
• One year of experience in municipal entity or consultant performing land use/site planning in performance of similar duties and responsibilities;
• Face-to-face customer service experience, in any industry, a plus;
• Must have a current Colorado Driver's License or the ability to obtain one upon hire, and a satisfactory driving record.

This position description is not intended to be an exclusive list of all of the requirements, duties, tasks, roles or responsibilities associated with the position. Nothing in this position description restricts the Town's ability to assign, reassign, or eliminate duties and responsibilities at any time. The Town is an at-will employer, and Town employees may be separated from employment at any time at the discretion of management.

The Town of Johnstown provides generous benefits including vacation, holiday, sick time, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plan contributions, and health savings accounts.

Expected Hiring range: $59,784 - $71,741

Application deadline: April 7, 2024

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

The Town of Johnstown is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection be based on job-related factors.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume.