Hourly Planning Assistant

Boulder County; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

Boulder County Parks & Open Space Department is seeking an Hourly Planning Assistant to support district-level planning and community engagement. The role combines office-based research with field visits, focusing on planning materials, data compilation, and stakeholder communication.

The hourly, non-benefited position offers a hybrid schedule with in-office days and remote work, and requires up to 40 hours per week.

Qualifications

• 2 (two) years of college-level coursework in planning, environmental studies, geography, public administration, natural resources, or a closely related field.
• Applicants must have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• A job offer is contingent on passing a background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Support district-level planning research, including background documentation, site histories, and resource analysis.
• Compile and organize data related to land use, management practices, cultural resources, and environmental conditions.
• Assist with community engagement, including preparation of materials, note-taking, and follow-up communication.
• Support preparation of planning materials such as written summaries, draft narratives, maps, graphics, project briefs, presentation, and supporting data.
• Support community and stakeholder engagement through preparation of materials, note taking, logistics, and follow-up communication.
• Participate in field visits to gather site information and observe conditions relevant to district planning.
• Help develop and maintain organizational systems for project tracking and documentation.
• Maintain digital records, project files, and planning tools.

Skills

Planning research

Data organization

Community engagement

Project coordination

Documentation

Education

Two years college coursework in planning related field

Tools

AMS

GIS

Mapping

StoryMap

Job description

Boulder County Parks & Open Space Department is seeking to hire an Hourly Planning Assistant.

The Planning Team within Boulder County Parks & Open Space is seeking an hourly Planning Assistant to support the Planning & Cultural Resources Work Group Supervisor. This hybrid position will support and assist with project-based planning work as the primary focus (approximately 70% of duties), with additional administrative and organizational support (approximately 30%). Project work centers on the Planning Team’s district-level planning initiative—the primary long term management planning effort to assess current conditions, gather community perspectives, identify resource needs, and support decision-making across Boulder County’s open space districts. District-level planning includes tasks such as compiling background research, evaluating existing land use and resource conditions, reviewing management documents, preparing draft planning materials, and assisting with community engagement activities that inform planning outcomes. Other project-related support will also be needed. Administrative work involves helping set up and maintain systems that improve workflow and project organization using tools such as Microsoft Planner, Asset Management System, Outlook, OneNote, and other project management platforms. Work will include a combination of office-based research, project documentation, and occasional field visits throughout Boulder County.

This is an hourly, non-benefited position that will work up to 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm with in office work required Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Some flexibility is available to accommodate project requirements and academic commitments. To comply with hourly limitations, the position cannot exceed 1,560 total hours between October 15 and October 14 of the following year, which equates to an average of roughly 30 hours per week over that period. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support community meetings and engagement events; all such events will be scheduled in advance. The position is currently funded through December 31, with the intention to extend employment pending continued funding.

This position will work remote and out of 5201 St Vrain Rd, Longmont, Colorado. Under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines, this position is non-exempt (eligible for overtime).

Boulder County requires its employees to reside in the state of Colorado as of the first day of work.

Hiring Salary Range: $25.00 - $27.52 Hourly

Tentative Hiring Timeline

• Phone Screening: Week of September 21st
• First Round Interviews: Week of September 28th
• Reference Check: Week of September 28th

Boulder County employees may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Visit studentaid.gov for more information.

Responsibilities

• Support district-level planning research, including background documentation, site histories, and resource analysis
• Compile and organize data related to land use, management practices, cultural resources, and environmental conditions
• Assist with community engagement, including preparation of materials, note-taking, and follow-up communication
• Support preparation of planning materials such as written summaries, draft narratives, maps, graphics, project briefs, presentation, and supporting data
• Support community and stakeholder engagement through preparation of materials, note taking, logistics, and follow-up communication
• Participate in field visits to gather site information and observe conditions relevant to district planning
• Help develop and maintain organizational systems for project tracking and documentation
• Maintain digital records, project files, and planning tools
• Help develop and maintain systems for tracking project tasks, timelines, workflows, and overall progress
• Provide additional project related support as assigned
• Performs related work, as required
• May be reassigned during emergency situations

Education & Experience

• 2 (two) years of college-level coursework in planning, environmental studies, geography, public administration, natural resources, or a closely related field

Driver's License

• Applicants must have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record
• For more information regarding a clean driving record, please click here.

Background Check

• A job offer is contingent on passing a background investigation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in land use planning, environmental planning, project coordination, or community engagement.
• Experience conducting research, organizing information, or supporting projects in a professional or academic setting
• Experience organizing quantitative or qualitative data into clear, accessible planning summaries and graphics
• Experience with AMS, GIS, mapping, or StoryMap

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to understand, interpret, and summarize planning documents, management plans, maps, and technical information
• Comfort working with spatial data, site information, and environmental resource descriptions
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Attention to detail and skill in verifying information across multiple sources
• Self-motivated and comfortable managing independent research task
• Thoughtful and community-oriented approach work
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Interest in equity-centered, anti-racist, and community-based practices
• Cultural humility and ability to work respectfully with diverse communities and knowledge systems

Boulder County is a workplace dedicated to supporting individuals and families of all types and to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.