Category: 
Job


Location: Lone Tree, CO

Assistant Planner

Salary: $50,069.00 - $61,047.00

Who We Are
At the City of Lone Tree, we lead the way with continuous improvement, collaborative partnerships, and exemplary service. Our Six Big Ideas are demonstrated by our commitment to do things the best way- not just the expected way, our ability to work together using all areas of expertise to achieve a common goal, and our commitment to fulfilling the needs of our community through thoughtful interactions. Our team members serve with integrity, respect and appreciate individual differences, and work effectively with all people and their diverse backgrounds.  We achieve organizational goals through inclusive problem solving, planning, and decision-making.

The Lone Tree Planning Division prides itself on a system of “perfecting planning through the process.” That means we apply a flexible and collaborative development review process when City regulations allow, and when such an approach will result in a better project for the community. Big-picture, outside-the-box thinkers thrive in this environment and find value in bringing new ideas to the table.

The Lone Tree Planning Division functions as a dynamic team; we work closely together to accomplish objectives and undertake projects large and small.  Successful team members possess excellent organizational and oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to proactively solve problems, redirect priorities, and participate in process improvement.

We foster a fun, supportive environment that enables people to thrive professionally and personally. We work hard, we play hard, and above all else, we enjoy the support of a leadership team focused on employee health and providing a work-life balance.

Position Overview
Under guidance, this position performs professional level work in the field of current planning by conducting plan reviews and related activities pertaining to the administration, development and enforcement of the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning and Subdivision Codes, Design Guidelines and Standards, and supplementary plans and regulations. This team member performs a wide range of activities including, but not limited to, the review and analysis of development applications, the review of building permits for conformance with land use approvals, site inspections to support the issuance of certificates of occupancy and administrative functions for the Planning Division. 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 entry level position within the Planning Team. Candidates possess a general understanding of the principles of planning and land use review and apply this knowledge in the performance of a wide range of planning related activities. Assistant planners are responsible for daily current planning activities and general customer support. Employees at this level receive regular instruction and assistance to guide the fulfilment of their duties.

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.
  • Provides information related to City master plans, City Codes and Design Standards and Guidelines, and other City policies and regulations to the public, other City staff, and various outside professionals in a clear, concise manner.
  • Conducts consultations with potential applicants to identify appropriate planning processes for proposed development, provides site-specific information, explains formal application requirements and procedures, and answers questions the applicant may have.
  • Responsible for the 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 of limited complexity through the development review process, which may include, but not be limited to, communicating with referral agencies and community members, developing information packets for Planning Commission and City Council, and presenting in public forums.
  • Reviews building/grading permit applications for conformance with approved development plans and land use regulations.
  • Assists the Associate Planner in reviewing sign permits.
  • Conducts on-site inspections of developments to ensure exterior site and building plans comply with site plans prior to issuance of building permits and certificates of occupancy.
  • Prepares graphics, maps, charts and tables of limited complexity.
  • Researches and compiles information on a variety of issues from multiple sources.

Core Competencies
The successful candidate will possess the following competencies:   

  • Time Management – Uses time effectively and efficiently; can independently prioritize tasks; can attend to a broad range of activities; makes decisions in a timely fashion. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Learning on the Fly / Technical Learning – Picks up technical concepts quickly, comfortable learning new information and processes quickly. Is comfortable asking questions. 
  • Perseverance – Pursues tasks with curiosity, energy, and persistence.
  • Organizational Agility – Comfortable learning the processes necessary to complete tasks; knows how to organize tasks and people to get things done. Uses interpersonal skills and relationships to work through available processes and resources, using both informal and formal channels to achieve results.
  • Patience – Is tolerant and sensitive with people and processes. 
  • Dealing with Ambiguity – Can shift gears comfortably; can effectively cope with and manage change. 
  • Teamwork / Working Independently – Is comfortable working in team settings and also independently with limited supervision.

Interpersonal and Technical Skills
Interpersonal and Technical Skills Include:

  • Personal effectiveness, professionalism, credibility, thoroughness, flexibility, time management and collaboration skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Maintaining accurate records and collecting, compiling, analyzing, and presenting technical, statistical, and graphical information pertaining to planning and zoning data and research.
  • Precision and attention to details when reviewing regulations, development applications, plans, maps, and reports.
  • Exercising patience, tact, and diplomacy in contentious situations.
  • 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.
  • Learning quickly, applying critical thinking to gather relevant information to solve practical problems.
  • Prioritizing workload within a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, to establish and meet deadlines.

Knowledge Of

  • Local government planning principles, practices, and procedures.
  • Terminology, symbols, methods, and techniques used in planning, site plans and plats.
  • Land use, urban design, demographic, environmental, housing, and social/economic concepts, and principles as applied to local government planning.
  • Principles and procedures pertaining to site planning, architectural review, and design.
  • Computer programs and applications, to include Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, GIS applications, database management and Internet applications. Experience with Smartsheet, Bluebeam and Accela a plus.

Ability To

  • Adhere to the American Planning Association Ethical Principles in Planning.
  • Articulate and embody the core values of the organization. Seek to connect current work assignments to the goals and objectives of the organization.
  • Interpret and apply laws, policies, procedures, regulations, specifications, site and building plans, environmental impact reports, data, and maps to development.
  • Explain technical rules and procedures clearly to the public in layman’s terms and to interact effectively with individuals of varying cultural, ethnic, economic, professional, and educational backgrounds.
  • Research, compile, interpret and analyze a variety of information, data and materials.
  • Prioritize and manage multiple tasks and work on several projects or issues simultaneously with minimal supervision.
  • Establish effective working relationships with key staff members at all levels of the organization, governmental agencies, consultants, developers, property owners, and the general public.
  • Apply mathematical formulas, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. 
  • Review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
  • Read and interpret plans, maps, permits, plats, zoning documents and regulations.
  • Work independently or in a team environment as needed.

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. The ideal candidate is someone who:

  • Has attended an accredited college or university and has completed coursework in planning or a related field, such as, but not limited to, urban design, land use planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture, architecture, and/or construction management; AND 
  • Has completed some work or internship experience in a planning, building or engineering office, or related industry that provided direct professional experience applicable to the essential duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Planner position.

How to Apply
Apply online at: https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=5174687&B_ID=83&fid=1&Adid=0&ssbgcolor=FFFFFF&SearchScreenID=8403&CountryID=3&LanguageID=2