Senior Planner

The city’s Planning Division operates across three Senior Planner focus areas: current planning, long-range planning, and housing. While planners often participate in two or more areas, this specific position maintains a long-range focus. This requires a candidate with proven experience in plan management, tracking, and implementation. The ideal candidate will also possess experience in grant management and current planning work, including development review and code writing. This is a full-time, benefit-eligible position at approximately 40 hours per week. 

The successful candidate will participate in advanced, highly complex professional planning activities that require creative problem solving and collaboration. A demonstrated knowledge of urban planning principles is essential. All positions within the division require high-quality customer service and clear communication skills, as the role involves frequent contact with the public, City Council, various boards and commissions, external agencies, and city staff. 

As an inner-ring suburb of Denver, Wheat Ridge has experienced significant growth and change over the last decade. The city prioritizes community engagement through platforms such as What’s Up Wheat Ridge and Wheat Ridge Speaks.  

To support our staff, the City of Wheat Ridge encourages and funds AICP certification and maintains a flexible work policy where team members may earn the privilege of working from home for part of the workweek. Please note that planners attend occasional evening meetings and infrequent weekend meetings. 

Essential Duties 

(The following list of tasks is illustrative and not a comprehensive listing of all functions performed by this class): 

• Manages, tracks, and implements Planning division long-range documents, including interdepartmental coordination and advocacy. 

• Current efforts are centered on the 2025 City Plan, the 44th Avenue Subarea Plan, and the Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan. 

• Supports long-range plan implementation for other departments, including Parks & Rec Pathways, Open Space, Sustainability, Prosperity, and Stormwater. 

• Participates in establishing programs and funding streams (such as CIP or parks projects) based on long-range objectives. 

• Supports and assists in managing state and federal grants for plan implementation. 

• Develops project budgets, administers the bidding process, and verifies contract expenditures and compliance. 

• Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social, and economic issues. 

• Prepares amendments to the zoning and development code to support plan implementation. 

• Prepares or assists in the preparation of long-range planning documents, sub-area plans, and special studies; often involves managing the work of consultants. 

• Attends evening meetings and presents to Planning Commission, City Council, task forces, and community groups. May represent the city on regional advisory committees, such as DRCOG. 

• Coordinates neighborhood engagement efforts related to long-range planning in partnership with the Communications team. 

• Develops interdepartmental relationships and collaborates within the division to analyze community development issues and create innovative solutions. 

• Performs Planner-of-the-Day duties on a rotational basis and participates in weekly division and development review meetings. 

Supervision and Independence 

• Supervision Received: Works under the direct supervision of the Planning Manager or Community Development Director. 

• Supervision Exercised: The Senior Planner may be assigned to supervise one or more planners at the discretion of department leadership. 

• Independence of Action: This is an advanced position performing complex work. The Senior Planner exercises independent judgment in selecting and interpreting information, handling deviations from standard methods, and resolving problems. Work is reviewed for the attainment of objectives and adherence to deadlines, though a supervisor is available for assistance with major problem-solving. 

Working Conditions/Physical and Mental Effort: 

The role is primarily an indoor office position requiring high-level cognitive focus, dexterity for computer work, and long periods of reading and writing. Additionally, it involves occasional outdoor field work in various weather conditions and on uneven terrain. 

City Values: All team members are expected to adhere to the organizational values of ACTION! (Accountability, Change, Teamwork, Integrity, Opportunity, Now!) and are responsible for contributing to the achievements of the organization. 

Desired Attributes: 

• Strong work ethic and self-accountability for high-quality, timely work. 

• Self-motivation and an internal drive to pursue projects. 

• Resourcefulness in identifying tools for complex problem solving. 

• Adaptability to changing and occasionally difficult situations. 

• Active listening skills to translate the needs of diverse customers. 

Communication: Requires strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills. Must be able to express facts and ideas effectively to all levels of the organization, including elected officials. 

Diversity: Values diversity in backgrounds and experiences; maintains sensitivity to cultural diversity, race, gender, and individual differences. 

Equipment Used: Proficiency in Microsoft 365, ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Bluebeam Revu, and Google SketchUp is required. Must also operate standard office equipment and city vehicles. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies: 

• Modern land use planning, economics, and urban design principles. 

• Local government practices and best practices for public engagement. 

• Legal principles of land use, including zoning, subdivision regulations, and development review. 

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with residents, customers and staff from diverse backgrounds. 

• Skill in handling difficult situations with composure, tact, and diplomacy. 

• Demonstrated proficiency in building public trust and project managing diverse teams. 

• Ability to research and articulate new ideas to solve unique municipal challenges. 

• Excellent facilitation, mediation, and group dynamic skills. 

Evidence of Qualifications: 

• Education: Master’s degree in urban planning or a related field required. 

• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of related experience in long-range planning, development review, and land use planning for a municipal agency or equivalent. 

• Certification: AICP preferred. 

Special Requirements: 

• Possess a current and valid Colorado Driver’s License (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire) and meet city policy standards pertaining to driver’s license requirements. 

Salary : $90,320 - $112,898