Planner III

County of Weld; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Training & development

Job summary

Weld County is seeking a Planner III to lead complex planning projects, coordinate with multiple agencies, and mentor junior staff. You will prepare reports, analyze community needs, and present findings to boards and commissions.

The role requires extensive knowledge of planning principles, strong written and oral communication, and the ability to manage several projects concurrently while upholding county codes and confidentiality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in planning or related field.
• 8 years of public sector planning experience.
• Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs and manages complex professional planning projects, research and analysis.
• Assists in reviewing the work of planning personnel for accuracy and completeness.
• Provides mentorship and leadership to lower-level planners.

Skills

Advanced planning

Independent judgment

Writing skills

Public speaking

Project management

Team leadership

Analytical skills

GIS knowledge

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in planning, landscape area, or related field

Master's Degree in planning, landscape area, or related field

Job description

Compensation Range $95,388.80 - $133,536.00

Job Description Summary

Open until filled Planner III is the senior or advanced level in the planner series. Incumbents use independent judgment to perform diverse, complex assignments and cases, which require extensive coordination with other land use agencies, County departments and other agencies and ensure they are processed in accordance with County regulations. This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Planner II by specialized, diverse and complex assignments, requiring independent judgment while the latter class performs general journey level case work and assignments. This class differs from the Principal Planner in that the latter is the subject area expert, handles the most controversial and technically complex cases. Planner III provides mentorship and leadership for lower-level planners. Other duties may include various research activities, including gathering information for use in developing projection of needs, usages and impacts, analyzing needs for services, preparing graphic presentations and comprehensive reports on community characteristics related to planning, zoning, preparing narrative and visual reports and making recommendations on research findings, updating planning and zoning maps, and preparing materials for and aiding in the administration of various boards and commissions.

Job Description Daily Duties

Daily Duties - 80% Performs and manages complex professional planning projects, research and analysis. Performs planning duties related to grant administration & other department projects. Assists in reviewing the work of planning personnel for accuracy and completeness. Assists code compliance on actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of permit regulations. Prepares and presents a variety of reports and presentations relating to various planning projects. Handles and processes current land use cases and assists with long‑range planning. Follow policies and procedures, the Weld County Code of Conduct and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines and appropriate release of information outlined in both. Other Duties as Assigned - 20% Actively supports and upholds the County’s mission and values. Contributes to supporting organizational goals and priorities. Provides a leadership and mentoring role over lower-level planners. Attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field. Performs related work as required. Not all duties mentioned may be applicable to every position, and the examples provided do not encompass all possible duties that may exist within this job classification.

Required Education

• Bachelor's Degree in planning, landscape area, or related field.

Experience Qualifications

• 8 years of practical experience in a public sector planning office.

Preferred Education

• Master's Degree in planning, landscape area, or related field.

Preferred Experience

• 10+ years of practical experience in a public sector planning office.

Skills and Abilities

• Possess strong writing skills and the ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively. (High proficiency)
• Can work independently or in a team environment as needed, and coordinates with other County departments as necessary. (High proficiency)
• Strong ability to work on several projects or issues at once and to prioritize changing demands throughout the course of the workday. (High proficiency)
• Strong ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and apply them to land use applications. (High proficiency)
• Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills in order to convey ideas and plans, and present research findings to Board of County Commissioners, Planning Commission, various other committees, citizens and other stakeholders. (High proficiency)
• Strong customer service skills and a desire to go above and beyond to provide solutions to stakeholder, developer, and citizen questions and concerns. (High proficiency)
• In‑depth knowledge of planning principles and practices, as well as federal, state and local codes, ordinances and regulations. (High proficiency)
• In‑depth knowledge of one or more planning specializations, such as historic preservation, economic development, transportation planning, or environmental planning. (High proficiency)
• Knowledge of graphic and illustrative presentation principles. (Medium proficiency)
• Knowledge of computer programs, including Microsoft Office, Internet applications, website development, database management, or GIS. (Medium proficiency)
• Candidate must pass criminal background check prior to employment start date.

Licenses and Certifications

• DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State (Required)
• Certified Planner‑AICP (Preferred)
• Driving is essential in this position.
• Candidate must have a valid Driver’s License and Liability Insurance (Upon Hire Required)
• Candidate must pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) evaluation and if hired, will be subject to continuous monthly MVR monitoring and random drug screens throughout employment. (Required)
• Pre‑employment substance screening is required for this position.
• This position is subject to a pre‑employment drug screening.
• Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening in accordance with Weld County policy.
• This position is exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore ineligible for overtime pay.
• As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19‑085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings.

Use the link below to get a closer look at the generous benefits offered: https://www.weld.gov/Government/County-Information/Join-Our-Team/Employee-Benefits

Weld County is an equal employment opportunity employer. We ensure that all employment practices are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Weld County pledges to uphold a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, promoting fairness and dignity for all employees. We actively take affirmative action to comply with nondiscrimination policies and invite qualified individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to contact our Human Resources Department at [e-mail] or [phone].

So many elements of Weld County make us an employer of choice. Community support and impact, a place to make a difference, team unity, career growth and development, being valued, empowerment and so much more is what you will discover as an employee of Weld County.

We invite you to explore joining Team Weld, a winning team!

The benefits of working for Weld County extend far beyond simply earning a paycheck. There's something for everyone here at Weld County - active and healthy living opportunities, a variety of medical plans to choose from, retirement options and plenty of paid time off to spend with family and friends. We’re excited to have you consider a career with Weld County Government! We offer generous benefits for full‑time, regular employees (30+ hours/week) and part time (20-29 hours/week) which include but not limited to: Health, Dental and Vision Employer Contributed HSA Medical Clinic Paid Holidays Paid Vacation Paid Sick Leave Wellness Program County Retirement PERA (Health Department only) 457 Retirement Plan 401(k) Retirement Plan Training & Development Tuition Stipend And more!

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision Employer Contributed HSA Medical Clinic Paid Holidays Paid Vacation Paid Sick Leave Wellness Program County Retirement PERA (Health Department only) 457 Retirement Plan 401(k) Retirement Plan Training & Development Tuition Stipend And more!