Associate Planner

Associate Planner At the City of Lone Tree, we are committed to hiring individuals who are passionate about their community, eager to grow in their careers, and motivated to make a meaningful impact. Here, you won’t just take on a job, you’ll join a dedicated team working to shape a vibrant, forward-thinking City. Whether you’re driven by public service, energized by problem-solving, or simply seeking purposeful work alongside exceptional colleagues, you’ll find your place with us. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF POSITION Under guidance, this position performs responsible and professional level work in the field of current and long-range planning by conducting plan reviews, planning studies and related activities pertaining to the administration, development and enforcement of the Comprehensive Plan, zoning and subdivision codes, design standards, and related regulations, with performance of related work as required. This position works in a team environment within the Planning Division and with other City departments, consultants and agency partners. Work includes extensive public contact, including public presentations and occasional attendance at meetings outside of regular working hours. Definition and Class Characteristics This is the full journey level position within the Planning Division. Incumbents possess and apply a broad and comprehensive scope of knowledge in the independent performance of a wide range of planning related activities. Associate Planners are responsible for daily current planning activities, as well as more complex planning assignments, with latitude for initiative and independent judgement. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. They are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the functional work area. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following essential job functions and examples of duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive. Duties may be modified, added or deleted at the discretion of the supervisor. - Assists the public and customers with zoning and land use inquiries: answers technical questions related to land use and zoning ordinances; meets with property owners, architects, developers, realtors, appraisers, and members of the public to provide information on land use and zoning laws and regulations. - Responsible for review of development proposals for compliance with City codes, guidelines and policies and best planning practices; works with applicants to refine their plans to ensure maximum conformance with City regulations and guidelines, negotiating development solutions where possible. - Responsible for processing land use applications through the development review process including conducting pre-submittal meetings, reviewing zoning and subdivision applications, communicating with referral agencies and community members, developing information packet materials for Planning Commission and City Council, presenting in public forums, and inspecting development projects for compliance with approved plans. - Reviews building/grading permit applications for conformance with approved development plans and land use regulations. - Reviews sign permits. - In conjunction with the Building Division, makes on-site inspections of developments to ensure compliance with site plans prior to issuance of building permits and certificates of occupancy. - Gathers and analyzes data, prepares staff reports, maps and notices for public hearings; formulates department recommendations regarding land use requests and makes presentations at public meetings throughout the City. - Researches information and prepares reports for the Planning Commission and City Council on a wide variety of planning related issues. Under the supervision of the Principal Planner and/or Planning Manager, prepares staff recommendations to the City Council and Planning Commission for action on development proposals. - May assist the Planning Manager, Principal Planner, and/or Senior Planners with specialized policy initiatives and projects in areas that may include, but not be limited to, hazard mitigation, parks and trails planning, and sustainability. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES TO SUPPORT SUCCESS Interpersonal and Technical Skills - Strong interpersonal, oral, and verbal skills. Must have the ability to interact effectively with individuals of varying cultural, economic, professional and educational backgrounds. This includes relationships with staff, City Council, commissions/committees, other agencies, community groups, and individual citizens. - Demonstrated personal effectiveness, professionalism, integrity and credibility, thoroughness, flexibility, and collaboration skills. To include the ability to work within strict deadlines and to follow oral and written instructions. - Precision and attention to details when reviewing development plans, maps and reports. - Provide courteous and responsive communication to the public through effective customer service skills. - Resolve complicated situations requiring diplomacy and tact and know when to engage supervisors for additional support. - Excellent writing skills: the ability to prepare clear, concise, and complete correspondence, technical documents, reports, and other written materials using proper spelling, grammar, and professional writing style. - Critical and creative thinking skills: the ability to assess complex planning issues and problems, analyze data, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective courses of action regarding zoning policies and land use ordinances. - Flexible, detail-oriented, and have excellent time management and organizational skills. Knowledge of - Objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information services, and trends in the field of local government planning. - Zoning, land use, urban design, demographic, environmental, and social/economic concepts and principles as applied to local government planning. - Terminology, symbols, methods, and techniques used in planning, site plans and plats. - Principles and procedures pertaining to site planning, architectural review, and design. - Purposes, roles, and authorities of councils, commissions, and others involved in the planning process. - Requires solid knowledge of the federal, state and local regulations related to planning. - Modern office procedures and methods including computer equipment, word processing, spreadsheets, database organization, graphic presentations and other needed specialized software applications, and internet and electronic communication. Working knowledge of GIS and/or graphic programs such as SketchUp preferred. Ability to - Uphold the American Planning Association’s Ethical Principles in Planning and embody the City’s core values by aligning daily work with organizational goals. - Interpret and apply laws, policies, procedures, regulations, specifications, site and building plans, environmental impact reports, data, and maps to development proposals. - Ability to take initiative, be a problem solver, and work in a fast-paced and professional environment. - Must be adaptive and work well within a range of team and leadership frameworks. - Interpreting and explaining policies and regulations accurately and tactfully to the public to ensure understanding by the lay person. - Must have outstanding presentation and public speaking skills including ability to present information concisely at public meetings. - Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions using a variety of abstract and concrete variables. - Precision and attention to minute details when reviewing development plans, maps and reports to ensure accuracy and completeness of review, balanced with an understanding of larger organizational objectives. - Maintain accurate records and collect, compile, analyze and present technical, statistical, and graphical information pertaining to planning and zoning data and research. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the general supervision of the Principal Planner. SUPERVISION EXCERCISED None. QUALIFICATIONS Education/Experience Any combination of education and experience, which demonstrates the candidate possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities is qualifying. Common ways to demonstrate such capabilities include: - Master’s degree in planning, urban design, community or regional development, natural resources, public administration or a closely related field from an accredited college or university AND a minimum of one (1) year paid professional experience in a public or private sector land use planning capacity performing duties comparable to those of the Associate Planner position. - Bachelor's degree in planning, urban design, community or regional development natural resources, environmental studies, geography, public administration, or closely related field AND a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in local government or private sector planning performing duties comparable to those of the Associate Planner position. - Associate’s degree in geography, geographic information systems, landscape architecture, environmental or natural resource sciences, or a closely related field, AND five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in local government or private sector planning performing duties comparable to those of the Associate Planner position. Equipment Used, Work Environment and Physical Activities: - Driving: Must be physically capable of operating motor vehicles safely in the normal course of assignments. - Office equipment: Daily use of a copier, scanner, and printer. - Computer equipment and software: Daily use of a personal computer, MS Office software, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and virtual meeting and presentation software. Experience with Esri GIS software platforms (either online or desktop) strongly desired. Experience with Smartsheet, Bluebeam and Accella preferred. - Physical activities: Primarily sitting, standing and walking. May bend, stoop, reach, climb, carry and lift for varying periods. Requires continuous and repetitive arm-hand-eye movement. Field work includes walking in construction sites as well as developed and undeveloped sites. - Requires continuous and repetitive arm-hand-eye movement. - Lifting: May involve lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. for short periods of time. - Vision and hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents; must be able to answer telephones, communicate conversation and respond to verbal inquiries. - Exposure to environmental conditions: Work is mainly in an office setting, but some outside fieldwork is required. Position Type and Expected Hours of Work This is an exempt, full-time position. The City of Lone Tree’s business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Actual work schedule will be determined upon hire and will require availability to work evenings and weekends. Flextime and hybrid remote work schedules are offered for employees at the discretion of managers, consistent with City policies; the Planning Division offers a 3-2 schedule (three days in the office, two days remote work) that is coordinated by the Planning Manager to ensure daily in-office presence of the Division. POSITION RANGE Hiring Range: $74,090 - $90,761 Annually Salary Range: $74,090 – $107,431 Annually FLSA Exempt Anticipated closing date is November 30, 2026; however, applications will be continued to be accepted until the position is filled. Comprehensive Benefits Package At the City of Lone Tree, we understand the value of investing in our employees’ well-being and financial security. That’s why we offer a robust benefits package designed to support you and your family. Our benefits include: - Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and supplemental health plans. - Access to onsite gym and Lone Tree Recreation Center. - Work-Life Balance: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives to support your overall well-being. - Financial Security: Employer-paid basic life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and voluntary life insurance options. - Retirement Planning: Multiple retirement savings options, including 457, 401(k), and Roth IRA plans, as well as participation in PERA and FPPA pension plans. - Commuter Perks: Enjoy the convenience of an RTD EcoPass for public transportation. The City of Lone Tree provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Human Resources at HR@cityoflonetree.com within three business days' notice.