JOB DESCRIPTION

OVERALL JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Associate Planner is responsible for implementing the City's Land Use Code through the review of land use and building permit applications. While the position is primarily focused on current planning, it also supports occasional long-range planning projects and related work. Key responsibilities include reviewing development and permit applications; preparing staff reports for boards and commissions; providing land use information to the public; conducting code compliance reviews; analyzing and presenting planning-related data; and assisting with the development and maintenance of planning policies, ordinances, and long-range plans, including the City's Comprehensive Plan.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to the Senior Planner and works collaboratively with other Community Development staff, City departments, boards and commissions, and external agencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duty statements are intended to describe the primary responsibilities and essential functions of this position and are not an exhaustive list of all duties or working conditions. The City reserves the right to modify job duties or essential functions at any time to meet organizational needs.

Land Use and Development Review

• Reviews and coordinates development and subdivision applications to ensure consistency with City goals and Land Use Code requirements.
• Evaluates proposals for compliance with applicable plans, ordinances, regulations, and policies; communicates review outcomes to applicants; verifies application completeness; and processes associated fees.
• Prepares and presents staff reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Board of Adjustment, Board of Appeals, and City Council, as assigned.
• Prepares staff reports, enforcement notifications, zoning certifications, and general correspondence.

Building Permit Review

• Reviews building permit applications for zoning compliance and ensures required agency reviews are completed prior to City approval and submittal to the Chaffee County Building Department; coordinates Certificates of Occupancy when City approval is required.

Code Enforcement

• Assists with the implementation and enforcement of the Land Use Code, including field inspections; contacts violators and coordinates with the Police Department or other City departments, as needed, to resolve violations.

Historic Preservation

• Assists with and coordinates communications, agenda and packet preparation, meeting support, and minute-taking for the Historic Preservation Commission, including coordination of board training sessions.

Long-Range Planning

• Participates in evaluation and revision of the Comprehensive Plan, Three Mile Plan and other planning related documents as necessary.

Community Education

• Responds to inquiries from developers, the public, elected and appointed officials, City staff, and external agencies by providing timely, accurate, and professional information on planning and development matters.

Policy Development

• Assists with reviewing and updating Land Use Code ordinances, including coordinating public participation efforts such as focus groups, public meetings, and outreach, as needed.
• Assists in recommending updates to the Land Use Code and departmental policies and procedures based on identified issues, trends, and special land use considerations.

Regional and Inter-Department Collaboration

• Coordinates assigned activities with the other City departments, Chaffee County Building Department and other outside agencies.

Grants

• Assists with research, preparation, and monitoring of departmental and other grants.

Organization and Process

• Assists with maintaining and updating departmental maps, plats, codes, and ordinances.
• Works collaboratively with Community Development staff to coordinate and implement special projects.

Other

• Performs other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Senior Planner and/or Community Development Director.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree in Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, Public Administration, or a related field required; Bachelor's or Master's degree in Planning or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in planning or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience with historic preservation and/or planning preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban, rural, and regional planning, including applicable federal, state, and local laws related to land use planning and development.
• Understanding housing market trends and related planning challenges.
• Strong customer service skills, including the ability to resolve concerns and de-escalate complaints in a professional manner.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear written materials and make effective public presentations.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications, including word processing and spreadsheets.
• Ability to learn and apply land use codes, ordinances, planning regulations, and review processes.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn AutoCAD, GIS, and related software.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment while remaining highly organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to a dynamic work environment.

• Flexible with the ability to work in a dynamic environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

The majority of this position's duties are performed in an office environment. The position requires the ability to work at a computer for extended periods; sit, stand, walk, write, bend, and reach frequently; and stand at a public service counter for extended periods. Occasional lifting of items weighing up to 30 pounds and reaching or lifting above shoulder level is required. Regular field visits are required, including walking outdoors and on active construction sites.

BENEFITS

The City offers a full benefits package for this position including medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(a) and 457 retirement plan options with employer match, Personal Time Off, life insurance, disability benefits, swim benefit at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, and discounted golf.