Associate Planner/Planner/Senior Planner

Need help with applying? Visit our Talent Acquisition page here for application guidance and resources.

VISION

El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.

PURPOSE

We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.

VALUES

Service Focused

• Collaborative
• Accountable
• Trustworthy
• Transparent
  
  
  

Job Summary

Bring your planning expertise to the forefront of community development with El Paso County! As an Associate Planner, Planner, or Senior Planner, you will help shape the future of our communities by guiding development projects from concept to completion. In this role, you’ll review zoning applications, plats, and development plans to ensure alignment with County codes and the Master Plan while serving as the primary contact and project manager for complex projects.

You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, present recommendations to boards and decision-makers, and play a key role in balancing growth, innovation, and community vision. This position offers the opportunity to solve complex challenges, mentor fellow planners, and grow within a clearly defined career progression path.

If you’re ready to make a lasting impact where planning meets possibility, El Paso County, CO is the place to build your future. Every great community starts with a planner. Are you ready to be that person?

All candidates must provide a Staff report you have composed or compiled and/or a project you have reviewed at the time of application submission.

Associate Planner

Hiring Range: $62,000.00 - $70,000.00 Annually

Planner

Hiring Range: $74,000.00 – $81,000.00 Annually

Senior Planner

Hiring Range: $83,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annually

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 4:30pm; subject to change.

Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.

This planning position primarily focuses on providing information to the public regarding development regulations either in person, by telephone, or via email, and secondarily focuses on the review of land use applications for consistency with County policies and the Land Development Code. This position independently reviews and analyzes applications, plans, regulations, and other information and has the discretion and independent judgment to formulate recommendations regarding applications for moderately complex and occasionally controversial Site Development Plans, Uses by Special Review (USRs), subdivisions and other land development matters. Provides front counter assistance to walk-in customers regarding various land use questions and requests. Provides customer service as a member of Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT). Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Independently reviews and analyzes data and formulates recommendations with respect to site development plans, USRs, replats, land development, and other planning issues.
• Serves as Project Manager and provides the MDT members and customers with feedback on project requirements at Team Early Assistance meetings, including approvals required, project feasibility, distribution needs, application cost, and timeline estimates.
• Responsible for reviewing projects for consistency with all applicable adopted plans, codes, and standards, identifying any related issues, and making appropriate recommendations. Identifies acceptable options for project design and clarification on code interpretations and specific code language.
• Responsible for actively participating in and making agreements, decisions, or commitments within the regulatory framework for an assigned project.
• Responsible for being fully prepared for a project meeting, including understanding the project, researching current and historical information, and evaluating applicable Codes, County policies, and regulations.
• Responsible for briefing their replacement when they cannot attend a scheduled project meeting.
• Serves as the single point of contact for the customer and staff and keeps the team members informed of separate discussions and decisions with the customer when the team member is not present.
• Responsible for the project team meeting the project schedule, including completing assignments by the established deadlines.
• Responsible for inputting accurate information into the project tracking system.
• Facilitates communications with public and private entities and individuals regarding land development, planning goals, and specific projects.
• Prepares for public hearings by researching and preparing written reports to be submitted to the Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, and Board of County Commissioners.
• Facilitates the presentation of projects to the Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, and Board of County Commissioners.
• Advises engineers, site planners, and others engaged in development on proper land use and conformance with the Land Development Code.
• Assists in special projects, including revisions to the Land Development Code.
• Provides front counter, telephone, and web-based assistance and project scoping to customers regarding various land use questions and requests.
• Works independently with Planning Customers and Clients.
• Performs other duties as required
  
  
  

Additional Planner Functions:

• Responsible for coordinating projects from pre-application assistance to project close-out; reports project needs and solutions, as well as code shortcomings.
• Assembles appropriate MDT to perform team-based project Early Assistance for the customer; organizes and facilitates the functions of MDTs.
• Provides MDT and the customer with accurate feedback on project requirements at Team Early Assistance. Schedules and chairs project meetings, requests assignment of appropriate MDT members, and ensures the appropriate levels and functions of staff are present at project meetings to facilitate decision-making. Responsible for moving projects in meetings to decision-making. Documents meeting results; prepares a tailored "road map" to assist the customer with processing a future application.
• Coordinates processing and review of sketch plans, rezoning, preliminary plans, final plats, and related administrative and construction applications through the development review system.
• Coordinates processing and review of administrative actions and related construction permits, consisting of complex Type B or simple Type C projects through development review system.
• Coordinates input of technical review agencies and the public; meets with customers and staff of various agencies and County departments to ensure that issues are resolved, an efficient process is followed, and projects are reviewed within agreed upon timelines.
• Independently reviews and analyzes data; formulates recommendations relating to occasional complex and controversial zoning applications, new subdivisions, land development, and other planning issues.
• Responsible for reviewing projects for consistency with applicable adopted plans, codes, and standards, as well as preemptively identifying any related issues.
• Identifies and proactively presents acceptable options for project design and clarification on code interpretations and specific code language.
• Reports project needs and solutions as well as code shortcomings.
• Communicates with public and private entities and individuals regarding land development, planning goals, and specific projects.
• Prepares and presents staff reports to the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and the Board of County Commissioners for items being processed through the development review system.
• Advises engineers, site planners, and others engaged in development on proper land use and conformance with the Land Development Code.
• Facilitates issue resolution process and team decision-making; escalates decision-making to a higher authority if a policy decision is required and ensures timely resolution in accordance with the issue resolution process.
• Actively maintains project files and provides proactive notice for project signoffs and permit issuance; coordinates preparation and processing of project-related legal documents.
• Manages and performs special projects, which may include revisions to the Land Development Code, management or participation of long-range planning projects, and other assigned planning-related projects.
• Maintains customer service and performance standards. Serves as a role model and mentor for junior planners.
• Serves as "planner of the day" by being the primary point of contact for walk-in or remote customers with technical planning questions or needs.
  
  
  

Additional Senior Planner Functions:

• Assembles appropriate MDT via appointment or at the front counter to perform team-based project Early Assistance for the customer. Documents meeting results and prepares a tailored "road map" to assist the customer with processing future applications.
• Reviews and analyzes data then formulates conclusions with respect to complex or controversial development projects. Conclusions typically include required approvals, project feasibility, and distribution needs.
• Communicates the respective application processing and review requirements to MDT members and the applicant at the Early Assistance meeting.
• Coordinates the processing and conducts the plan review of complex development applications that require notice and/or a public hearing.
• Responsible for reviewing applications for consistency with all adopted plans, codes, and standards.
• Provides clarification on code interpretations and specific code language.
• Organizes and facilitates the functions of MDTs. Coordinates the input of technical review agencies and the public and meets with applicants and staff of various County departments and agencies to ensure that issues are resolved and an efficient process is followed.
• Responsible for coordinating and participating as part of the project team from early assistance to project close-out. Ensures that project close-out activities are completed in a timely manner.
• Facilitates the issue resolution process, facilitates team decision making, escalates decision to higher authority if policy decision is required, and ensures timely resolution of issues in accordance with the issue resolution process.
• Responsible for maintaining customer service and performance standards in a complex, controversial, or highly political environment.
• Responsible for inputting accurate information into the El Paso County Development Review Program (EDARP).
• Works with the MDT to ensure quality and effectiveness of the team and responsible for getting projects through to a decision point. Works with the customer and team to achieve solutions to project issues.
• Ensures that active project data is maintained and ensures preparation, review, and processing of project-related legal documents. Ensures that adequate noticing for projects occurs and appropriate sign-off occurs prior to permit issuance. Coordinates revisions to approvals if construction or design changes dictate revisions.
• May mentor, train, and serve as a role model and mentor for all planners, including assisting with the processing and review of simple development applications that require notice and/or public hearing.
• Recommends policy and Land Development Code changes and modifications.
  
  
  

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of plan review methods and the ability to exercise sound, independent judgment within established guidelines, including compliance with codes and regulations.
• Must be well organized and possess strong attention to detail.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and explain technical plans and procedures, planning and zoning regulations, basic Federal, State, and local regulations, and applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
• Ability to analyze maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photos, and other topographical data.
• Ability to manage time and project load appropriately.
• Ability to apply logical and creative thinking principles to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to utilize database and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interact with a variety of people in a professional and courteous manner; ability to provide excellent customer service. Ability to provide proactive feedback to customers in a timely manner.
• Ability to successfully complete the Planner matrix.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
  
  
  

Planner:

• Knowledge of principles of planning, public administration, and related disciplines. Knowledge of geography and urban and regional land use preferred.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of planning as applied to the design, methods, and development project construction and approval techniques.
• Skills and abilities in setting, evaluating, and maintaining goals and performance standards; organization of complex projects, running effective meetings, and critical path project management.
• Ability to work independently, make sound judgments, and direct projects to avoid conflicts, or last-minute problems.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical and design procedures; planning and zoning regulations; Federal, State, and County regulations.
• Ability to independently apply principles of logical thinking to define complex problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to analyze, prepare, and interpret complex reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photos, and other topographical data; solve potential problems or conflicts; maintain files and records.
  
  
  

Senior Planner:

• Knowledge of project management and team building theories, practices, and principles; ability to be creative and think of appropriate options with little prep time.
• Knowledge of plan review methods and the ability to exercise sound, independent judgment within established guidelines, including compliance with codes and regulations.
• Knowledge of principles of planning, public administration, and related disciplines.
• Knowledge of geography, urban and regional land use, planning, or engineering principles preferred.
• GIS proficiency preferred.
  
  
  

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in planning or a related field.
• Four years of professional county/city land development review or planning experience may substitute for the required degree.
• One year of planning experience.

Planner:

• Three years of experience in county, city, or regional planning; or
• Must successfully meet the requirements of the Planner matrix.
  
  
  

Senior Planner:

• Five years of experience in county or city land development review; or
• Must successfully meet the requirements of the Planner matrix.
  
  
  

Preferred Education and Experience:

Planner:

• Master's degree in planning or related field.
  
  
  

Senior Planner:

• Master's degree in planning or a related field.
• County experience with similar project load and complexity.
  
  
  

Licenses/Certificates:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
  
  
  

Senior Planner:

• AICP Certification preferred
  
  
  

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
  
  
  

Work Conditions

Duties are primarily performed in an office environment. Some field work may be required, possibly in inclement weather.

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.

El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.

El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.