Legislative Research Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Description

Job Summary

The Senior Planner performs advanced professional planning, development review, research, policy analysis, and project coordination work related to the administration of the City's land use regulations, development standards, plans, and community development initiatives. This position independently reviews complex development applications, prepares technical reports and recommendations, conducts field inspections and research, and presents planning matters to advisory boards, commissions, City Council, and other stakeholders. The Senior Planner also provides technical guidance on planning and development matters, evaluates legislative and regulatory changes, and supports the effective administration of the City's planning programs and processes.

Pay Range: $74,255.40 to $99,007.21 per year depending on experience

Duties and Responsibilities

• Complies with all City policies and procedures, as well as applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and requirements related to the performance of assigned duties.
• Demonstrates a respectful, collaborative, and team-oriented approach to work and establishes and maintains effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, external partners, and the public.
• Reviews complex land use applications including annexations, zoning, platting, site plan and other land development applications; ensures complete and thorough analysis and evaluation of such land use applications.
• Provides oversight and coordination of department planning issues and advises the Planning Manager on all planning-related matters.
• Designs, prepares and delivers staff reports and public presentations to hearing bodies, local and regional committees, community groups, special interest groups, elected officials, Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Meets with applicants, consultants, and developers to identify and resolve issues related to specific projects and to discuss proposed and current development applications.
• Conducts field inspections to review for compliance with local, regional and State regulations and plans and to gather data relevant to the development review process; verifies development projects comply with approved plans.
• Participates in budget preparation and administration; monitors and controls expenditures.
• Executes complex and sensitive professional planning projects, conducts research and analysis.
• Provides information and technical assistance with project reviews, impact fees, application fees, departmental procedures, and compliance issues.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with citizens and co-workers.
• Identifies new and amended legislation, regulations, and policies to contribute to more effective operation of community development and planning activities; drafts and presents proposed ordinances to the Planning Manager, Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisor Duties

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This position primarily performs work in a professional office environment utilizing computers, planning and permitting software, mapping and geographic information systems (GIS), office equipment, and related technology. Duties regularly involve meetings with residents, developers, consultants, contractors, elected officials, advisory boards, commissions, and other governmental agencies. The position frequently requires preparing technical reports, conducting research and analysis, reviewing development plans and applications, and presenting information during public meetings. Occasional travel throughout the City and surrounding areas may be required to conduct site visits, field inspections, attend meetings, or evaluate development projects. The work environment is generally quiet to moderately active, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions during field activities.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
• Requires a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in urban planning, community development, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Requires a valid Colorado driver's license.  
• Requires AICP Certification.
• Substantial knowledge of urban planning and development and local government policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of local and Colorado State Laws and ordinances relating to planning, zoning, and land use.
• Thorough knowledge of housing, zoning, subdivision regulations, and economic development.
• Strong written and verbal report preparation and presentation.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes.
• Able to obtain the following ICS Certifications: IS100, 200, 700, 800.

Required Capabilities

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to analyze and resolve problems involving multiple variables while exercising sound judgment and independent decision-making.
• To perform the essential job functions and to ensure the safety of themselves, their coworkers, and the public, employees must have the ability to regulate attention; plan and organize work; understand, remember, and apply information; effectively interact with others; concentrate and maintain pace; and adapt or regulate behavior in a professional manner.
• Ability to proficiently read, speak, write, and understand English. Proficiency in additional languages is highly valued.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations, analyze statistical information, compute rates, ratios, percentages, and interpret charts, graphs, maps, plans, and technical data.
• Demonstrated strong verbal, written, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Ability to read, interpret, and prepare technical reports, ordinances, regulations, policies, plans, correspondence, and other professional documents while effectively communicating complex information to a variety of audiences.
• This position requires the ability to effectively read, review, prepare, and interpret documents, plans, maps, computer screens, and other materials necessary to perform assigned duties.
• This position requires the ability to effectively communicate and exchange information with others and to receive, interpret, and respond to verbal, written, electronic, and other communications, including work-related instructions, notifications, and safety information necessary to perform assigned duties.
• This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, move about the work environment, and utilize hands and fingers to operate computers, equipment, tools, controls, and other resources necessary to perform assigned duties. The position may occasionally require reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or similar physical movements.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds and frequently lift up to ten (10) pounds.
• This position requires effective proficiency in the use of computer software, business applications, office equipment, and professional communication practices. This position may frequently require multitasking while utilizing computers, phones, office technology, equipment, and related systems while performing assigned duties and interacting with others.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

 ** This exempt position will be open from July 30, 2026, or until filled. **