Senior Planner

Department: Historic Preservation, Planning and Building

Reports to: Historic Preservation and Planning Director

FLSA: Exempt

Grade: 75

The application period for this position closes at 8am MT on Monday August 10th, 2026.

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Historic Preservation and Planning Director, the Senior Planner is responsible for functions related to long-range planning, land development, and zoning.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Planning and Zoning

• Interpret, apply, and enforce the Town of Telluride Land Use Code (LUC), Design Guidelines, and Master Plan
• Review and evaluate land use applications for compliance with the LUC, Design Guidelines, and Master Plan
• Administer Tree Removal and Mitigation Permits
• Meet with the public to provide information and guidance on development applications, local codes, adopted plans, regulations, and planning programs and services
• Ensure development applications adhere to applicable codes, regulations, and standards
• Evaluate, recommend, and propose revisions to the LUC, Design Guidelines, and Master Plan to the Historic Preservation & Planning Director
• Assist with longrange planning, special projects, and data collection
• Assist with implementation of LUC compliance and design review
• Other tasks as assigned

Boards and Commissions

• Attend and make oral presentations at Planning and Zoning (P and Z) Commission and P and Z Chair public meetings, and other boards and commission meetings as needed
• Write staff memos and prepare meeting packets for public meetings
• Assist the Historic Preservation and Planning Director with P and Z agendas and review process
• Provide technical support and training to the P and Z members

Administration

• Assist the Historic Preservation and Planning Director with the administration of contracts and grants
• Coordinate project review with other departments
• Assist with updating maps and planning documents
• Maintain department records in accordance with Town Records Retention Policies
• Assist with the Telluride Affordable Housing Mitigation Program with all new construction
• Assist with the Wetland Mitigation program

Safety

• Participate in Town sponsored trainings
• Work safely to prevent accidents

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education/Experience/Licenses/Certifications):

Bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, environmental science, or related field required; Master’s degree in planning, architecture, environmental science, or related field strongly preferred; sustainability emphasis preferred; at least four (4) years of experience in planning required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge of: local, state, and federal codes, regulations, and statues that pertain to planning and zoning; planning techniques, principles, programs, and processes; standard office, planning, and presentation software; Town of Telluride Land Use Code, Master Plan, and Design Guidelines; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Affordable Housing Mitigation Program guidelines; Wetland Mitigation program.

Skill in: preparing and maintaining accurate and reliable demographic and statistical data; proficiency in interpreting and applying codes and policies; effective written and oral communication; prioritizing workload; maintaining composure under stressful situations; conducting research for planning assignments; maintaining interpersonal relationships; professionalism; performing duties with limited supervision; proposing resolutions to complex development issues; multi-tasking; public speaking.

Environmental Factors:

Work is performed primarily indoors in a standard office environment and in and around the Town’s buildings and facilities. The employee must be able to attend various meetings and conduct site reviews outside and subject to adverse weather conditions.

Physical Factors:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for extended periods of time; may occasionally be required to lift and/or move items weighing up to twenty (20) pounds.

About Town of Telluride

The Town of Telluride is proud to be an employer of choice, offering competitive pay, great benefits, and an inclusive, mission-driven workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. Our staff supports Town Council goals and keeps daily operations running with care, professionalism, and pride. We embody our staff core values: Connect Community by being stewards and ambassadors who engage with respect, support work-life synergy, and stay open to change. Enable Communication by being approachable, authentic, and clear while adapting to others’ needs. Empower Teamwork by building trust, offering help, and solving problems together. Pursue Excellence by taking ownership, learning and growing, and sharing tools and time fairly. Join us to make a difference and help build a better Telluride, together.