Planner I

The City of Durango’s Community Development Department works to make Durango a safe, thriving, and authentic place for generations to come. As a Planner I, you will perform general and specialized planning tasks to support the community’s livability. You’ll provide excellent customer service while processing permit applications and assisting with current planning projects. This role also involves managing and coordinating ongoing programs, including the City’s permitting software and vacation rental program. It’s an excellent opportunity to grow your municipal career while making meaningful contributions to your 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:  

• A 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 a related field. 

You Will Succeed in This Role If You: 

• Understand the principles and practices of urban planning, community and economic development, and placemaking.
• Know the laws and rules for comprehensive plans, zoning, subdivisions, and other local, state, and federal regulations.
• Can effectively use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other mapping software for community development projects.
• Are skilled at gathering information, analyzing data, and preparing easy-to-understand reports.
• Can interpret and explain planning and zoning ordinances and regulations to a variety of audiences.

What We Can Offer You: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.  
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.  
• Flexible scheduling and work-life balance.  
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.  
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.   Long-term disability coverage.  
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).  
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.  
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.  
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.  
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations. 

Belong at the City of Durango: 

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. 

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.