Planner I

City of Durango; Colorado; On-site; USD 60,394 - 70,861; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Ample personal time off and 11 paid holidays

401(a) retirement plan

Free recreation center access

Volunteer time off

Job summary

A municipal government entity in Colorado seeks a Planner I to enhance community livability in Durango. This entry-level role involves processing permit applications, interpreting building codes, and supporting various planning projects. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field, along with relevant experience. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and positive community impact while working within a collaborative team environment. Benefits include flexible scheduling, comprehensive insurance, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in planning, landscape architecture or related field.
• One year of responsible experience in urban planning or local government.

Responsibilities

• Assist in professional planning tasks including permit reviews and research.
• Manage processes for development proposals and applications.
• Interpret code requirements and aid developer understanding.
• Conduct planning studies and prepare community impact reports.
• Ensure compliance with regulations through inspections.

Skills

Customer service

Data analysis

GIS expertise

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field

Tools

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Job description

Join to apply for the Planner I role at City of Durango.

Base pay range

$60,394.00/yr - $70,861.00/yr

This range is provided by City of Durango. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Direct message the job poster from City of Durango.

The City of Durango’s Community Development Department helps shape a safe, thriving city that meets today’s needs while planning responsibly for many generations to come. As a Planner I, you will take a hands‑on role in supporting the community’s livability. You’ll process permit applications, assist community members in understanding building codes, and contribute to a variety of current planning projects. You’ll also help manage ongoing programs, including the City’s permitting software and vacation rental program.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early‑career planner or someone with related experience in adjacent fields such as environmental science, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), public administration, or community-focused work. You’ll have the chance to grow in municipal planning, build strong professional skills, and make a meaningful impact at the local level as part of a collaborative, supportive team.

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence

The City of Durango is a purpose‑driven organization with more than 400 full‑time and 300 part‑time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high‑quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan.

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You’ll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We’re looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

What You’ll Do in This Role

• Assist in professional planning tasks, including working directly with community members, code interpretation, permit reviews, data analysis, research, and report preparation.
• Manage the process for development proposals and applications, including site plans, special use permits, limited use permits, variances, design review applications, building permit applications, sign permits, fence permits, and more.
• Interpret and explain code requirements to developers, builders, and the public; develop and distribute informational materials to aid understanding and suggest code modifications when necessary.
• Conduct both current and long‑range planning studies, applying analytical skills to social, economic, land use, and population data to identify trends and potential impact on the community; prepare written reports and make recommendations on planning activities.
• Work closely with developers, contractors, and the public to ensure compliance with regulations and ordinances.
• Perform field inspections related to development and building proposals, ensuring adherence to planning standards and contributing to land use surveys and studies.
• Provide staffing assistance to boards and commissions, including preparing and presenting staff reports and participating in public meetings to facilitate community engagement.
• Collaborate with other city departments and external organizations and agencies.

You Have

• A bachelor’s degree with coursework in planning, landscape architecture, political science, public administration, geography, environmental science, GIS, or a related field.
• One year of progressively responsible experience in urban planning, local government, or a related field with transferable skills.

You Will Succeed in This Role If You

• Bring strong customer service, listening, and communication skills from experience working with the public.
• Understand the principles and practices of urban planning, community and economic development, and placemaking.
• Can effectively use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other mapping software for community development projects.
• Are skilled at gathering information, analyzing data, and preparing easy‑to‑understand reports.
• Can interpret and explain planning and zoning ordinances and regulations to a variety of audiences.

What We Can Offer You

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
• Flexible scheduling and work‑life balance.
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Long‑term disability coverage.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well‑being.
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.
• Reimbursement for job‑related classes to foster continuous learning.
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non‑profit organizations.

Seniority level

Entry level.

Employment type

Full-time.

Job function

Other.

Industries

Government Administration.