PRINCIPAL PLANNER

COUNTY WORKPLACE INFORMATION

Elbert County employees work 4 days weekly, Monday through Thursday, generally from 7:30 am - 5:00 pm. Our generous Benefit Package includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and a 401(a) with match. Leaves include Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Days, and Paid Vacation Days.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Elbert County is a rural county poised for growth with a variety of commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and residential projects on the horizon. This rural county is seeing growth pressures from the Denver Metro area as land use proposals have begun to reshape development patterns in certain areas. The Elbert County Community Development Services Department takes a leadership role in guiding development through the County process, creating plans and studies to better understand the changing land use dynamic, and taking a proactive approach to resolve issues.

COMPENSATION

Principal Planner: $85,000 - $113,776 Annually

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The position will be responsible for assisting in the management of all activities of the Community Development Services (CDS) Department including development, review, and implementation of land use activities. Performs technical review of land use applications. Works to identify and promote best practices for integrating land use and water planning. Prepares and presents staff reports to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners (BOCC); attends community meetings; provides customer service to citizens, landowners, and developers. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides information regarding planning, zoning, and subdivision questions.
• Provides knowledge and guidance facilitating the completion of applications in a timely manner.
• Provides assistance and consultation from pre-application meetings through construction facilitating timely completion.
• Integrates Water into Comprehensive Planning, ensuring land use decisions and future development are water conscious.
• Determines water impacts of land use to gauge how different land uses and development types impact water demand and water quality, helping to identify possible problems and create solutions.  
• Works with DOLA and CWCB to obtain resources that will aid in implementing land and water planning strategies. 
• Accepts, reviews, and evaluates various land use applications; prepares and presents staff reports, including analysis and recommendations.
• Evaluates and processes land use applications and plans for completeness and conformity to County land use regulations.
• Makes field visits and investigations pertaining to planning projects as needed.
• Prepares maps, tables, charts, and graphic presentations as needed.
• Presents appropriate staff findings, with recommendations of staff and the Planning Commission to the BOCC meetings.
• Provides a periodic review of County planning, zoning, and subdivision regulations and makes appropriate recommendations regarding amendments.
• Assists in the development and updating of the County Master Plan and Area Plans, including implementation strategies and action steps to achieve plan goals.
• Negotiates with developers and customers to protect environmental concerns, including natural resources, wetland, and wildlife habitats; reviews development proposals as needed to ensure compliance with County Environmental Regulations.
• Attends meetings and provides staff support to County-appointed boards, commissions, and authorities as necessary and at the Planning Manager’s direction.
• May attend professional group meetings to stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field as schedule and funding permits.
• May serve as the backup to the Planning Manager when the Manager is unavailable.
• Maintains confidentiality of information consistent with applicable federal, state, and county rules and regulations.
• Assists the Director of Planning in the development of department procedures and organization.
• Assists with the professional development of less experienced planning technician, planners, and/or interns.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a closely related field and three years of experience in land use planning, or Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a closely related field and two years of experience in land use planning.  (Any combination of experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, abilities and certification will qualify.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be six years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning or related field.)
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desired.  
• Familiarity with utilities and water planning
• Experience with water planning practices and principles

 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Understanding of the land use section of the Colorado Water Plan 
• Knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
• Understanding of local government 
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics.
• Knowledge of the theory, principles and techniques of the planning profession and development process including residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret county and state land use regulations, studies, reports, land development plans/plats, technical procedures, governmental regulations, architectural, building, construction, and site plans.
• Ability to research, prepare and analyze technical reports, including the ability to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to understand and manage sensitive or controversial political situations.
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgement within policy guidelines.
• Ability to work individually or in a team environment. 
• Ability to consider a situation from many competing points of view.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive community relations and interact effectively with citizens, staff, BOCC, Planning Commission, various officials, and organizations.
• Ability to prioritize and perform a variety of tasks while providing superior client service.
• Good written and oral communication skills, including writing, editing, and preparing land-use documents, staff reports and presenting information at public meetings.
• Effective negotiation, problem solving and organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Must have analytical and decision-making skills and be able to clearly communicate them;
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License with acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION

Primarily works indoors in a controlled, standard office environment.  Position requires sitting for extended periods of time. Field visits may require working during inclement weather conditions.

Driving:                                        Frequently

Balancing:                                   Occasionally

Bending/Stooping:                       Frequently

Twisting:                                      Frequently

Squatting/Crouching:                   Frequently

Kneeling:                                     Frequently

Crawling:                                     Occasionally

Climbing Stairs:                           Frequently

Climbing Ladders:                       Occasionally

Reaching at Shoulder Level:         Frequently

Reaching below shoulder level:    Frequently

Reaching above shoulder level:    Frequently

Standing/Walking:                        Frequently

Lifting:                                           1 lb. minimum/50 lbs. maximum

Carrying:                                      1 lb. minimum/50 lbs. maximum

Push/Pull:                                    1 lb. minimum/50 lbs. maximum