Planner I

Join the City of Durango’s Community Development Department in our mission to make Durango a safe, thriving, and authentic place for many generations to come.
We are currently looking for a Planner I who is ready to perform general and specialized planning functions to enhance our community’s livability. In this role, you will prioritize customer service while processing permit applications and assisting with current planning projects. You will manage and coordinate ongoing projects and programs, including the City’s permitting software and vacation rental program. This position offers an excellent opportunity for you to grow and expand your career in municipal planning, providing a platform to make impactful decisions and engage meaningfully with your local community.What You’ll Do in This Role: 

• Assist in professional planning tasks, including customer service, code interpretation, permit reviews, data analysis, research, and report preparation.
• Manage the process for development proposals and applications, including site plans, special use permits, limited use permits, variances, design review applications, building permit applications, sign permits, fence permits, and more.
• Interpret and explain code requirements to developers, builders, and the public; develop and distribute informational materials to aid understanding and suggest code modifications when necessary. 
• Conduct both current and long-range planning studies, analyzing social, economic, land use, and population data to identify trends and potential impact on the community; prepare written reports and make recommendations on planning activities.
• Work closely with developers, contractors, and the public to ensure compliance with regulations and ordinances.
• Perform field inspections related to development and building proposals, ensuring adherence to planning standards and contributing to land use surveys and studies.
• Provide staff assistance to boards and commissions, including preparing and presenting staff reports and participating in public meetings to facilitate community engagement.
• Collaborate with other city departments and external organizations and agencies.

You Have: 

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in planning, landscape architecture, political science, public administration, geography, or a related field.
• One year of progressively responsible experience in urban planning, local government, or related field.
• Understanding of the principles and practices of urban planning and design, economic and community development, and placemaking.
• Knowledge of laws underlying Comprehensive Plans, zoning, and subdivisions, as well as pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations,
• Proficiency in applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other mapping software to community development projects.
• Ability to research, analyze, and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports.  
• Skill in interpreting and explaining planning and zoning ordinances and regulations.   

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits 
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays 
• Retirement perks: 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan 
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage 
• Disability support: FMLA/short term and long-term disability 
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Commitment to employee wellness: Free access to Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area 
• Free transit pass and family member discounts 
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning 
• Community engagement: 16 hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations

Belong at the City of Durango:
The City of Durango believes in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences.

The City is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, projective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

To view the full job description, click here.

Salary : $56,689 - $85,034