Senior Planner

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Planning and Building Director, the Senior Planner is responsible for various functions related to comprehensive planning, land development, and zoning, including reviewing complex site development plans and preparation of planning documents for the Town. This position ensures plans adhere to all applicable codes, regulations, and standards.

Planning and Zoning
Full job description – Senior Planner (PDF)

• Interpret, apply, and enforce Town Land Use Code (LUC), Design Guidelines, and Master Plan
• Implement planning, building, and housing-related programs that reduce energy, waste, or reduce carbon impacts
• Work across departments on zero waste and carbon-neutral goals to achieve Town sustainability efforts
• Meet with applicants to provide information and guidance on development applications, local codes, adopted plans, regulations, and planning programs and services
• Review and evaluate complex proposals and applications for compliance with the LUC, Design Guidelines, and Master Plan
• Review projects for compliance with approved plans
• Administer the Town’s Tree Removal Permit process
• Evaluate, recommend, and propose revisions to Town LUC, Design Guidelines, and Master Plan
• Recommend to the Planning and Building Director the adoption of new policies, procedures, and ordinances necessary to implement planning programs set by the Town Council
• Participate in long-range planning
• Other tasks as assigned

Boards and Commissions

• Advise, attend, and present at public meetings on behalf of the Town, including the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission, Town Council, and other boards and commissions as needed
• Develop and present the Planning and Zoning Annual Report to Town Council
• Manage the P&Z agenda in coordination with the Planning and Building Director
• Determine development review process and maintain scheduled Planning and Zoning applications in cooperation with the Planning and Building Director
• Provide technical support and training to the Planning and Zoning Commission members
• Coordinate Planning and Zoning members education and development programs
• Assist with the preparation of Historic and Architectural Review Commission (HARC) and Planning and Zoning meeting packets as needed

Administration

• Seek contracts and manage consultant services
• Provide support and assistance to the Historic Preservation department and other departments as needed
• Coordinate application and project review with other departments
• Prepare reports; update maps and planning documents
• Assist with the application and administration of planning grants
• Maintain records in accordance with Town Records Retention Policies; responsible for Planning Division recordkeeping processes
• Administer Telluride Affordable Housing Mitigation with all new construction; implement Wetland Mitigation program
• Stay informed on green building programs; regional and national trends

Safety

• Participate in Town cybersecurity training
• Work safely to prevent accidents and notifies the Planning and Building Director of unsafe working conditions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
(Education/Experience/Licenses/Certifications):
High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, environmental science, urban and regional planning, or related field required; Master’s degree in planning, architecture, environmental science, or related field preferred; sustainability emphasis preferred; three (3) or more years of experience in planning, architecture required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Knowledge of: planning techniques, principles, programs, and processes; standard office, planning, and presentation software; Town of Telluride Land Use Code and Design Guidelines; local codes; use of GIS applications; design review proposals and land use applications;

Skill in: Preparing and maintaining accurate and reliable demographic and statistical data; communicating effectively orally and in writing with architects, contractors, developers, property owners, supervisors, employees and the general public; writing reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; prioritizing workload; maintaining composure under stressful situations; conducting research for planning assignments; maintaining interpersonal relationships; professionalism; performing duties with limited supervision; proposing resolutions to complex development issues; multi-tasking.

Environmental Factors:
Work is performed primarily indoors in a standard office environment and in and around the Town’s buildings and facilities. The employee may perform site visits/inspections in various weather conditions. Work involves performing multiple tasks, due dates, and occasional work beyond normal business hours.

Physical Factors:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit for extended periods of time; may occasionally be required to lift and/or move items weighing up to twenty-five pounds (25 lbs). The employee must be able to attend meetings at various sites within the Town and to inspect various work, building, or construction sites.

Salary

• Full-Time Year Round
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Grade: 65
• Salary Range: Minimum $74,701 – maximum $ 104,581
• Hiring Range: min $74,701 mid $89,641 DOQ

Benefits
The Town of Telluride offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, retirement with Town match, paid time off, sick leave, comp time, 10 paid holidays, and a merchant ski pass! For more information on the Town’s benefit package, please visit our Employees Benefit page on the Town’s website. 

To Apply
Email your cover letter, resume, and completed Employment Application(PDF) to Sydney Roop, HR Coordinator.

Email Sydney Roop