Community Development Principal Planner

Town of Frisco; Frisco (CO); On-site; USD 82,887 - 124,331; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Frisco is seeking a Principal Planner for a full-time, onsite, year‑round exempt position. You will initiate and implement community development programs and perform professional planning duties of high complexity and variety.

You will manage staff, prepare staff reports to the Planning Commission and Town Council, oversee budgeting and grants, and engage with residents and partners to advance the Comprehensive Plan and Code requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning, urban design, natural resources planning, architecture, public administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience acceptable.
• Computer Operations: Microsoft Office required; GIS software preferred; Bluebeam preferred; Permit Tracking software experience preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications: Colorado Driver’s License required; AICP membership preferred; CPR/AED & First Aid Certification required within first six months.
• Previous Work Experience: Minimum eight (8) years in community development or closely related field; at least two (2) years of GIS experience preferred.
• Previous Supervisory Experience: Minimum two years preferred.
• Language Ability: Effective communication in English required; Spanish proficiency compensated based on proficiency measurement.
• Other: Must pass a background investigation; strong public speaking and writing skills; municipal consulting experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and manage complex planning studies, development applications (zoning, PUDs, large development applications, subdivision plats) to determine compliance with the Town’s goals, Comprehensive Plan, and Code requirements.
• Prepare and present professional staff reports to the Planning Commission and Town Council.
• Manage Planning and Technician Staff, conduct performance evaluations, manage workflows, and resolve workplace conflicts.
• Create and deliver PowerPoint presentations, printed and digital materials, letters, public notices, and articles for Town newsletters.
• Respond to public inquiries via phone, e‑mail, and in‑person meetings regarding planning processes, code requirements, and building permit procedures.
• Assign and review work, advise on problems, and ensure accuracy and completeness of deliverables.
• Prepare grant applications and conduct special projects as assigned.
• Operate independently with broad direction; make sound decisions in the absence of a supervisor.
• Assist the Community Development Director in day‑to‑day department operations and perform certain Director duties in their absence.
• Communicate professionally and courteously with Town employees, citizens, customers, and vendors.
• Oversee staff selection, training, and performance management processes.

Skills

Public speaking

Writing skills

English proficiency

Spanish proficiency (optional)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning or related field

Tools

GIS software

Bluebeam

Permit Tracking software

Job description

Job Title: Principal Planner

Full‑time, onsite, year‑round exempt/salaried position responsible for initiating and implementing community development programs and services, and performing professional planning duties of high complexity and variety.

Compensation

Budgeted hiring wage range: $82,887.372 – $103,609.216 (Min $82,887.372, Mid $103,609.216, Max $124,331.059).

Essential Functions

• Review and manage complex planning studies, development applications (zoning, PUDs, large development applications, subdivision plats) to determine compliance with the Town’s goals, Comprehensive Plan, and Code requirements.
• Prepare and present professional staff reports to the Planning Commission and Town Council.
• Manage Planning and Technician Staff, conduct performance evaluations, manage workflows, and resolve workplace conflicts.
• Create and deliver PowerPoint presentations, printed and digital materials, letters, public notices, and articles for Town newsletters.
• Respond to public inquiries via phone, e‑mail, and in‑person meetings regarding planning processes, code requirements, and building permit procedures.
• Assign and review work, advise on problems, and ensure accuracy and completeness of deliverables.
• Prepare grant applications and conduct special projects as assigned.
• Operate independently with broad direction; make sound decisions in the absence of a supervisor.
• Assist the Community Development Director in day‑to‑day department operations and perform certain Director duties in their absence.
• Communicate professionally and courteously with Town employees, citizens, customers, and vendors.
• Oversee staff selection, training, and performance management processes.

Marginal Duties

• Develop detailed project plans, prepare RFQs/RFPs, manage consultant/contractor selection, and oversee contract expenditures.
• Investigate and track citizen‑initiated zoning complaints, conduct field inspections, and facilitate compliance.
• Prepare reports on departmental operations, recommending improvements and modifications.
• Perform complex administrative, technical, analytical, and professional tasks including public assistance, customer service, data and budget management, and housing research.
• Participate in regional program areas such as climate change, natural resource planning, community development, and hazard mitigation.

Other Essential Responsibilities

• Regularly attend the designated onsite worksite; physical presence is essential for effective performance of duties.
• Adhere to Town policies, mission, vision, values, and safety procedures.
• Attend Town and departmental training and meetings as required.
• Make independent decisions in the absence of supervision.
• Communicate with employees, citizens, customers, and vendors both verbally and in writing.
• Perform additional duties assigned by management.
• Demonstrate ownership and accountability for all job duties.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning, urban design, natural resources planning, architecture, public administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience acceptable.
• Computer Operations: Microsoft Office required; GIS software preferred; Bluebeam preferred; Permit Tracking software experience preferred.
• Licenses, Certifications or Accreditations: Colorado Driver’s License required; AICP membership preferred; CPR/AED & First Aid Certification required within first six months.
• Previous Work Experience: Minimum eight (8) years in community development or a closely related field; at least two (2) years of GIS experience preferred.
• Previous Supervisory Experience: Minimum two years preferred.
• Language Ability: Effective communication in English required; Spanish proficiency compensated based on proficiency measurement.
• Other: Must pass a background investigation; strong public speaking and writing skills; municipal consulting experience preferred.

Physical Demands

Regular handling of up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting up to 25 pounds. Work includes standing, walking, sitting, and using hands. Activities performed both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Evening meetings on the first and third Thursday of each month, and occasional evening meetings on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, are required.

EEO Statement

The Town of Frisco is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.