Director of County Development

Archuleta County of CO; Pagosa Springs (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Archuleta County in Colorado seeks a seasoned professional to lead and coordinate the County’s planning efforts, including strategic planning, comprehensive planning, and long-range land use planning. The role encompasses acting as a liaison, advising on regulations, and implementing adopted plans to support community vision and economic development.

The position requires broad knowledge of planning regulations, strong leadership, and the ability to manage multiple projects from conception to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field.
• 5+ years planning and development experience.
• 3–4 years supervisory experience preferred.
• AICP certification a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead county strategic planning initiatives.
• Develop and update Comprehensive Plan.
• Provide guidance on land use policy and zoning.
• Manage complex planning projects and environmental studies.
• Ensure compliance with laws and oversee floodplain permits.
• Facilitate economic development and budget involvement.
• Attend meetings and advise elected officials.

Skills

Strategic planning

Land use planning

Zoning regulations

Community liaison

Economic development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field

Job description

Under general direction from the County Manager this position manages, coordinates, and directs the County's planning efforts, including strategic planning, community comprehensive planning, and long-range land use planning, from current to long-range projects as technical planner, land use compliance officer, zoning administrator, floodplain manager and economic development facilitator. The principal function is to act as a community liaison to assist, advise, answer inquiries and administer the rules and regulations of the County as well as other applicable local regulations and State laws with a primary emphasis on land use policy, community visioning, and implementation of adopted plans. The position requires a broad working knowledge of practical and lawful application of rules and regulations to disseminate proper advice to potential applicants. The position also provides service delivery to both external and internal customers and principally seeks to achieve a mutually agreeable and beneficial outcome or solution.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leads and coordinates County strategic planning initiatives related to growth, land use, and community development.

Directs the development, implementation, and periodic update of the County's Comprehensive Plan and related sub-area or master plans.

Provides professional guidance on land use policy, zoning regulations, and long-range planning initiatives to support the County's vision and goals.

Performs and manages complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research and analysis, including long-range, comprehensive, and land use planning efforts.

Monitors and ensures compliance with local and state laws.

Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals, land use applications, and environmental studies.

Provides overall management of division-related planning issues.

Advises County Manager, boards, commissions and elected officials in planning-related issues.

Serves as liaison and performs all necessary functions in support of Planning Commission.

Assigns work to planning staff and ensures appropriate training is provided.

Evaluates operations and activities of assigned responsibilities.

Prepares reports on operations and activities, recommending improvements and modifications.

Facilitates economic development projects and assists in promoting the County's economic development initiatives.

Participates in budget preparation and administration; monitors and controls expenditures.

Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings.

Reviews proposed development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and issues floodplain development permits in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program; maintains files and records to ensure compliance with State and Federal agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying.

Education, Experience and Licenses

Education: A bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, urban or regional planning or closely related field.

Experience: At least five years of experience in the planning & development profession, and three to four years of supervisory experience is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification a plus but not required and certification as a Flood Plain Administrator preferred.