Entry Level Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Application closing date: 10/02/2026

Hiring pay range: Planner II: $65,811.20 - $80,620.80 ($31.64 - $38.76) Planner III: $75,358.40 - $92,310.40 ($36.23 - $44.38)

Full pay range: Planner II: $65,811.20 - $95,430.40 ($31.64 - $45.88) Planner III: $75,358.40 - $109,262.40 ($36.23 - $52.53)

FLSA: Exempt

SUPERVISION:

Non-Supervisory for I, II, III.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Planner I: This is the entry level position and the first in the planning classification series. This position initially works under general supervision and as experience is gained they perform a broader range of duties.
• Planner II: This is the full competent level classification and the second in the series. Incumbents work independently and perform professional planning assignments with limited supervision. This position differs from the Planner I in that in addition to the above incumbents may provide assistance to entry level Planner I and may make presentations to internal and community groups as well as decision-making authorities.
• Planner III: This is the advanced level and the third in the series. Incumbents use independent judgment to perform diverse, complex assignments, which require extensive coordination with other land use agencies, County departments and other agencies. Additionally, incumbents are required to make presentations to the public, the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. This class is distinguished from the Planner II by specialized, diverse and complex assignments, requiring independent judgment while the latter class performs general journey level work assignments.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB:

Assist the community in achieving its current and future objectives through developing relevant projects, policies, processes, and plans. Acts as a technical analyst, researcher, reviewer, program developer, educator, and/or facilitator.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

(These duties are illustrative of typical essential responsibilities of the job, and may vary according to assignment)

Planner I:

• Implements adopted plans and planning processes, prepares code analysis staff reports, and schedules public meetings and hearings as necessary.
• Assesses current land uses and the effectiveness of existing policies and codes.
• Reviews specific projects to ensure compliance with land use and development code, and the comprehensive plan.
• Through the staff reports, advises various County Boards regarding development applications and develops strategic alternatives for solving problems.
• Comprehends present and future data trends in population, education, health, the inner workings of state and federal government, and the dynamics of social change.
• Identifies code enforcement issues.
• Conducts site visits across the County to visually inspect properties subject to development applications.
• Conduct pre-application conferences and advise customers of the staff position concerning certain issues, answers questions, and performs customer service.
• Discusses and addresses neighborhood concerns, especially contentious land use issues.
• Solicits input from other agencies as necessary.
• Writes code analysis staff reports and draft resolutions.
• Determines applicable fees and calculates fees as necessary.

Planner II:

• • Under some supervision performs all essential functions of the I.
  • Considers and analyzes the physical, social, and economic aspects of communities and examines the connections between them.
  • Helps draft regulations on environmental, social, and economic issues.
  • Assimilates information from a collaborative process and possesses knowledge of the following disciplines, among others: economic development, regional design, transportation, housing, tourism, health, sociology, civil engineering, surveying geology, law, water issues, agriculture, and environmental management.
  • Visualizes futures, compares alternatives, and describes implications so that public officials and citizens can make knowledgeable choices.
  • Interprets population statistics, economic and social data, geographical information, resource inventories, and environmental indicators.
  • Stays abreast of local happenings in the community, including development proposals, planning issues, and identified areas of concern.
  • May manage special projects at the supervisor?s direction.

Planner III:

• Under minimal supervision, performs all essential functions of the I and II.
• Formulate recommendation plans and policies to meet the social, economic, and physical needs of the community.
• Projects future growth of regions, urban areas, industry and commerce, and recreation and open space.
• Reviews and offers comment on proposed state legislation and other agency referrals.
• Manages high-level, high-visibility special projects as directed by Director, Building & Planning.
• Acts as primary staff person to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment as needed.
• Prepares and writes grant application components as needed.
• Strives to meet the certification requirements of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or actively pursues equivalent training and certifications.
• Assists in training the Planner I & II.
• May assist in developing the planning component of the departmental budget.

Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

(Representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of the position)

• Public Service: A commitment to the mission of providing exceptional services to the citizens of Garfield County. It is who we are, and what we do.
• Customer Service: A commitment to providing exceptional service to all customers (internal & external), which includes being helpful, professional, courteous, and taking the time to understand customer?s needs.
• Stewardship & Innovation: Is a good steward of public resources and looks for ways to be innovative and improve efficiency.
• Teamwork: Able to work together with a diverse group of people towards a shared goal, while considering the needs of others.
• Business Technology: Ability to utilize the technology required of the position and demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies as required to assist the County in providing exceptional services, innovation, and work efficiencies.
• Communication: Proficient in communication, and able to communicate using the English language, including written, verbal, or other communication channels as required by the position.
• Planning Expertise: Knowledge of physical design of community and the various components of a community along with the legal foundation and techniques for land use regulations. Understands current trends and policy approaches to planning issues such as affordable housing, economic development, and oil and gas development.
• Building Regulations: Understands building codes, land use codes, environmental regulations, and zoning regulations, along with basic construction processes and terminology.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Vision, Dental
• Disability & Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Employee Gyms

To view the complete benefits information, please visit https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/human-resources/benefits-brochure/