Planner I/II - Reviewer

Colorado Springs, CO, United States

Do you want to be an integral part in the development of one of America’s best places to live? A career with El Paso County’s Planning and Community Development team will put you there! As a Planner I/II – Reviewer with El Paso County, you will be responsible for high level challenging reviews, and presenting complex projects to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners, all while having a flexible work schedule and exceptional work life balance. Come join our team and help ensure El Paso County remains the best!

Please be advised this position may close on or after 03/01/2024 without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.

Hiring Range:

Planner I - Reviewer: $60,000.00 - $68,000.00 annually

Planner II - Reviewer: $70,000.00 - 76,500.00 annually

(salary to be commensurate with qualifications)

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 4:30pm, subject to change. Under FLSA guidelines, this position is exempt.

Planning position primarily focuses on providing information to the public regarding development regulations either in person, by telephone, or via email, and secondarily focuses on the review of land use applications for consistency with County policies and the Land Development Code. Independently reviews and analyzes applications, plans, regulations, and other information and has the discretion and independent judgment to formulate recommendations regarding applications for moderately complex and occasionally controversial Site Development Plans, Uses by Special Review (USRs), subdivisions and other land development matters. Provides front counter assistance to walk-in customers regarding various land use questions and requests. Provides customer service as a member of Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT). This position is part of the Planner - Reviewer career progression series, which includes Planner I – Reviewer, Planner II – Reviewer, and Planner III - Reviewer. An employee is eligible to advance to the next position within the series when the employee has met the criteria for advancement as notated within the job description and has received a recommendation from the Hiring Authority. Independently reviews and analyzes data and formulates recommendations with respect to site development plants, USRs, replats, land development and other planning issues.

Serves as Project Manager and provides the MDT members and customer with feedback on project requirements at Team Early Assistance meetings, including approvals required, project feasibility, distribution needs, application cost and timeline estimates.

Responsible for reviewing projects for consistency with all applicable adopted plans, codes, and standards, identifying any related issues and making appropriate recommendations. Identifies acceptable options for project design and clarification on code interpretations and specific code language.

Responsible for actively participating in and making agreements, decisions, or commitments within the regulatory framework for an assigned project.

Responsible for being fully prepared for a project meeting, including understanding the project, researching current and historical information, and evaluating applicable Codes, County policies, and regulations.

Responsible for briefing their replacement when they cannot attend a scheduled project meeting.

Serves as the single point of contact for the customer and staff and keeps the team members informed of separate discussions and decisions with the customer when the team member is not present.

Responsible for the project team meeting the project schedule including completing assignments by the established deadlines.

Responsible for inputting accurate information into the project tracking system.

Facilitates communications with public and private entities and individuals regarding land development, planning goals and specific projects.

Prepares for public hearings by researching and preparing written reports to be submitted to the Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners.

Facilitates the presentation of projects to the Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, and Board of County Commissioners.

Advises engineers, site planners and others engaged in development on proper land use and conformance with the Land Development Code.

Assists in special projects including revisions to the Land Development Code.

Provides front counter, telephone and web-based assistance and project scoping to customers regarding various land use questions and requests.

Works independently with Planning Customers and Clients.

Performs other duties as required.

Additional Level II Functions:

Responsible for coordinating projects from pre-application assistance to project close-out; reports project needs and solutions, as well as code shortcomings.

Assembles appropriate MDT to perform team-based project Early Assistance for the customer; organizes and facilitates the functions of MDTs.

Schedules and chairs project meetings, requests assignment of appropriate MDT members, and ensures the appropriate levels and functions of staff are present at project meetings to facilitate decision-making. Responsible for moving projects in meetings to decision-making. Documents meeting results; prepares a tailored "road map" to assist the customer with processing a future application.

Coordinates processing and review of sketch plans, rezoning, preliminary plans, final plats, and related administrative and construction applications through the development review system.

Coordinates processing and review of administrative actions and related construction permits, consisting of complex Type B or simple Type C projects through development review system.

Coordinates input of technical review agencies and the public; meets with customers and staff of various agencies and County departments to ensure that issues are resolved, an efficient process is followed, and projects are reviewed within agreed upon timelines.

Independently reviews and analyzes data; formulates recommendations relating to occasional complex and controversial zoning applications, new subdivisions, land development, and other planning issues.

Identifies and proactively presents acceptable options for project design and clarification on code interpretations and specific code language.

Reports project needs and solutions as well as code shortcomings.

Prepares and presents staff reports to the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and the Board of County Commissioners for items being processed through the development review system.

Facilitates issue resolution process and team decision-making; escalates decision-making to a higher authority if a policy decision is required and ensures timely resolution in accordance with the issue resolution process.

Actively maintains project files and provides proactive notice for project signoffs and permit issuance; coordinates preparation and processing of project-related legal documents.

Manages and performs special projects, which may include revisions to the Land Development Code, management or participation of long-range planning projects, and other assigned planning-related projects.

Maintains customer service and performance standards. Serves as role model and mentor for junior planners.

Serves as "planner of the day" by being the primary point of contact for walk-in or remote customers with technical planning questions or needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of plan review methods and the ability to exercise sound, independent judgment within established guidelines, including compliance with codes and regulations.

Must be well organized and possess strong attention to detail.

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Ability to successfully complete the Planner matrix.

Ability to analyze, interpret and explain technical plans and procedures, planning and zoning regulations, basic Federal, State, and local regulations and applicable laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to analyze maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photos, and other topographical data.

Ability to manage time and project load appropriately.

Ability to apply principles of logical and creative thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to utilize database and spreadsheet programs.

Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.

Ability to interact with a variety of people in a professional and courteous manner. Ability to provide pro-active feedback to customers in a timely manner.

Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computer, typewriter, calculator, telephone, copier, and fax machine.

Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Planner II - Reviewer:  Knowledge of principles and practices of planning as applied to the design, methods, and techniques of development project construction and approval.

Skills and abilities in setting, evaluating, and maintaining goals and performance standards; organization of complex projects, running effective meetings, and critical path project management.

Ability to interact with diverse public and private interests in a professional and courteous manner, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to work independently, make sound judgments, and direct projects to avoid conflicts, or last-minute problems.

Ability to independently apply principles of logical thinking to define complex problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to analyze, prepare, and interpret complex reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photos, and other topographical data; solve potential problems or conflicts; maintain files and records.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in planning or a related field.

Minimum one year of planning experience.

Any equivalent combination of related education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered.

Planner II - Reviewer:  Minimum three years of experience in county, city, or regional planning; or

Must successfully meet the requirements of the Planner matrix.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Planner II - Reviewer:  Master's degree in planning or related field.

Licenses/Certificates:

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Duties are primarily performed in an office environment. Some travel and field work may be required, possibly in inclement weather.

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