JOB DESCRIPTION

General Description

The Planner provides technical and administrative support to the Community Development Department and interacts daily with residents, development professionals, Town staff, and elected and appointed officials. This role requires prompt, accurate, and professional customer service in person, by phone, email, and online platforms. The position is in‑office at Town Hall during standard business hours (Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm) with occasional evening and weekend meetings.

For entire job description- please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/townofmead/jobs/5185174/planner-i-ii-iii

Planner I is an entry‑level position focused on routine planning tasks.

Planner II performs more complex duties with greater independent judgment.

Planner III is a senior role responsible for advanced planning work, project management, and mentoring or supervising junior staff.

Supervision Received

• Planner I: Direct supervision from the Community Development Director
• Planner II: General supervision
• Planner III: Minimal supervision

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following examples illustrate the primary duties of the position:

• Serve as the initial point of contact for inquiries regarding the Town's Land Use Code, Comprehensive Plan, zoning, and development processes; provide accurate, timely responses in person and through all communication channels.
• Assist with development application intake, referrals, scheduling, and coordination with applicants, planners, and Town staff.
• Support or lead Town initiatives such as Comprehensive Plans, Transportation Plans, impact fee studies, and other long‑range planning efforts.
• Represent the Town before the Planning Commission and attend Board of Trustees meetings as needed.
• Review, monitor, coordinate, and approve plans, licenses, and permits for compliance with Town codes and regulations.
• Serve as the Planner on Duty, providing in‑person support to residents, consultants, developers, and Town staff during business hours.
• Assist the Permit Technician with building permit processing, including intake, completeness checks, fee calculations, and issuance.
• Provide staff support during Planning Commission meetings, Pre‑Application Consultation meetings, Development Review Committee meetings, and neighborhood meetings, including note‑taking and follow‑up coordination.
• Conduct initial review of development referrals from nearby jurisdictions and assist with preparing official responses.
• Attend Municipal Court as a professional witness when required.
• Coordinate document recording, prepare public notices, and support community outreach related to development applications.
• Conduct research, gather data, prepare maps and reports, maintain databases, and contribute to department documentation.
• Present reports and findings to boards, committees, and commissions as requested.
• Assist with intake, inventory, and distribution of land use applications.
• Attend evening or weekend meetings when assigned.
• Assist with code enforcement cases where needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Additional Duties for Planner II & III

• Establish project schedules for PAC meetings, DRC reviews, and public hearing packets.
• Serve as primary project manager for development applications, guiding applicants through the review process and ensuring compliance with codes, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct long‑range planning research, analysis, and policy development.
• Prepare staff reports, resolutions, ordinances, exhibits, and other materials for public hearings and present findings to the Planning Commission and Board of Trustees.
• Maintain and update department databases, maps, and planning documents.
• Serve as backup to the Community Development Director when needed.
• Planner III: May supervise, lead, or mentor junior staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, the employee must demonstrate:

• Knowledge of planning principles, land use practices, and municipal development processes.
• Ability to review plans, permits, and applications for compliance with regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex codes and procedures to individuals with varying levels of experience.
• Professional, courteous, and effective customer service skills, with the ability to engage residents, developers, officials, and staff.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and follow verbal or written instruction.
• Research, data interpretation, and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with standard office software and equipment; experience with GIS mapping and database management is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Creative problem‑solving ability, particularly when addressing complex or challenging issues.

Education and Experience Requirements

Planner I

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, public policy, or related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant professional experience, preferably with a municipality.

Planner II

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of municipal planning experience.

Planner III

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of municipal planning experience.
• Supervisory or mentoring experience is desirable.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

• Colorado Driver's License required within three months of hire.
• AICP Certification desirable for Planner II and III.