Planning Director

San Miguel County, Colorado

Telluride (CO)

On-site

USD 116,000 - 169,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Housing

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid leave and holidays

Relocation assistance

Tuition and educational reimbursement

Job summary

San Miguel County is seeking a Planning Director to lead the Planning Department from the Miramonte Building in Telluride. The role oversees long-range planning, land use, and housing programs, reporting to the County Manager.

A strong leader with eight years’ supervisory experience is essential. Qualified candidates possess a Bachelor’s in Planning (AICP preferred), excellent communication, and the ability to coordinate with multiple agencies.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in planning or closely related field required; eight years leadership in public planning.
AICP certification preferred; strong knowledge of land use regulations and zoning.
Experience leading a planning department and managing budgets and staff.

Responsibilities

Lead the Planning Department and set strategic goals.
Represent the department to other County entities and outside agencies.
Explain and uphold land use codes and policies; negotiate issues.
Oversee department budgets and coordination with other initiatives.
Develop long-range planning studies and comprehensive plans.
Supervise staff involved in subdivision standards and zoning ordinances.
Oversee external contracts and housing program initiatives.
Prepare reports for boards, commissions, and the County Manager.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Land use planning

Public administration

Communication

Team management

GIS knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning

AICP certification preferred

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

San Miguel County

Job Posting

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Planning Director

Department: Planning

Job Title: Planning Director

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Grade 110

Hiring Range: $116,454 – $132,175 annually, with placement potentially higher within the full salary range based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Full Salary Range: $116,454 – $168,858 annually

Minimum: $116,454 | Midpoint: $142,656 | Maximum: $168,858

Location: Miramonte Building (Telluride, Colorado)

Housing: County employee housing may be available for rent, subject to availability.

Benefits & Compensation: San Miguel County offers a comprehensive benefits package in addition to salary. The County pays a significant majority of employee health insurance premiums and offers medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement benefits; generous paid leave; and additional County-sponsored benefits and wellness programs.

Position Summary

The Planning Director is responsible for the leadership of the Planning Department. The Planning Director develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, and procedures related to community development and in support of the Board of County Commissioners’ objectives. The Planning Director directs and manages planning and administrative work, and is involved in conducting short and long-range planning activities, land use code administration, engineering development review, and implementation of housing programs.

The position will report directly to the County Manager and will be classified at a Grade 110. As a full-time position, the Planning Director is eligible for all County-sponsored insurance and benefit plans as summarized in the SMC Summary of Benefits, subject to applicable waiting periods.

The position will be primarily based out of the County’s Miramonte Building, in Telluride, Colorado.

Supervision Received

Receives supervision from the Deputy County Manager, although the Planning Director must be capable of exercising wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical situations and assignments; also receives general direction from the County Manager.

Supervision Exercised

The Planning Director is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Planning Department including direct supervision, training, and evaluation of assigned staff. The position is responsible for providing excellent service to the general public and the County’s internal customers, including but not limited to all County employees, Directors, Department Heads, and Elected Officials.

Job Description

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. San Miguel County retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assumes full management responsibility for all Planning Department services and activities including both long range and administrative planning efforts. The Planning Director administers planning policies and procedures as prioritized by the Board of Commissioners and other senior leadership; analyzes County needs and develops planning recommendations and projects to fulfill these needs.
Represents the Planning Department to other County departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinates Planning Department activities with various departments, agencies, and municipalities.
Explains and upholds Land Use Codes, Planning Department and County policies and decisions and negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
Management and development of department budgets and coordination and participation with other budgetary efforts for planning, community development, housing and other associated areas.
Researches and conducts planning studies on a broad range of topics; conducts surveys; prepares special planning reports for boards and commissions.
Supervises the preparation, updating, and evaluation of subdivision standards and zoning ordinances; prepares amendments to the Land Use Code.
Discusses, reviews, and analyzes subdivisions and related land use applications with the general public, developers, regional governments, boards, and commissions.
Develops long-range planning studies and comprehensive plans; develops programs to implement long-range plans.
Develops policies and procedures to guide boards, commission staff, and developers.
Oversees and manages outside consulting contracts including the County Engineer and other contractors.
Participates in the development and administration of the County's housing programs and services.
Directs the preparation of reports and materials for presentation to boards and commissions and the Board of Commissioners for regular planning, housing and other activities.
Analyzes and monitors Federal, State, and regional plans, rules and laws related to land use within the County.
Oversees wetlands and flood plain permitting and administration.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of local government planning with specific knowledge of County planning.
Knowledge of the economic, geographic, and demographic factors involved in community development.
Knowledge of County, Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations relating to planning, zoning, subdivision of land, and environmental protection.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
Ability to be a leader, to plan, to organize, and to direct the work of staff, colleagues, contractors and other personnel.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with employees, colleagues, public officials, other agencies, developers, and the public.
Possesses strong reasoning and analytical skills; able to make rational decisions through sound logical and deductive reasoning processes.
Is ethical, honest, truthful, positive, and trustworthy and possesses a high degree of personal integrity; adheres to the principles and rules of practice and behavior found in the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
Possesses an extremely high level of attention to detail; is extremely organized and possesses the ability to manage multiple tasks and reprioritize workflow and assignments as work situations and needs change; can deliver effective results in a fast-paced environment while adhering to scheduled deadlines.
Has excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate and express complex ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively, verbally, in writing, and graphically, and in a variety of formats, including live and virtual presentations.
Ability to utilize analytical skills; prepare comprehensive reports, and apply results.
Knowledge of the principles of economics, statistics, and real estate.
Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined planning problems; knowledge of research methodology and statistics.
Knowledge of nomenclature, symbols, techniques, and mathematics used in the map and topographical drafting.
Possesses strong office technology and computer skills; knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat; Gmail, Google Workspace; knowledge of GIS; ability to learn and effectively use various software programs, platforms, and applications related to the tasks, duties, and responsibilities required of the position.
The ability to speak one or more foreign languages is helpful, particularly Spanish, but not required.

Education and Experience

A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related field required, Master’s Degree preferred.
Eight (8) years of leadership experience with employee oversight and progressive responsibilities in public planning.
An equivalent combination of education and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties/responsibilities of the position.
An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform essential duties may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire).
Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record.

Special Requirements

As part of your duties as a county employee, you may be called upon to perform duties outside your day-to-day activities to support county emergency operations. All county employees are required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) training within the first 6 months of employment.
Must be able to satisfactorily pass a comprehensive, pre-employment criminal background and motor vehicle check.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The work includes sedentary work that requires exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amounts of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. The work also includes occasional fieldwork hiking in varied terrain at high altitudes. The work requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas utilizing the written and spoken word, and have close visual acuity.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This job operates primarily in an office environment and also requires travel throughout San Miguel County. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. The position may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands and require attending training and meetings outside of regularly scheduled hours. The job may periodically require the ability to work in stressful situations. The work also includes occasional fieldwork, which may include hiking in varied terrain at high altitudes for field inspections.

San Miguel County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

San Miguel County

Located in spectacular southwest Colorado, San Miguel County (pop. 8,082, 1,289 sq. mi.) has stunning scenic beauty and a rich, colorful history. From the dramatic San Juan Mountains and Telluride’s world-class skiing in the east to the mesas, farms, and high-desert ranches to the west, the county is geographically and socio-economically diverse, a state and national treasure.

Public lands (U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management) account for about 64% of all land within the county. The San Miguel River flows from the mountains east of Telluride and gives the county its name. Sheltered in an iconic box canyon, Telluride (elev. 8,750 ft.), the county seat, started as a mining town and reinvented itself as a world-class ski destination. Its close neighbor, Mountain Village, is seven miles or a free 13-minute gondola ride away.

The mountain hamlet of Ophir is ten miles to the south. Heading down valley to the west, one finds the communities of Sawpit and Placerville. To the northwest, high mountain peaks yield to Wright’s Mesa and Norwood, where ranching and farming predominates. San Miguel County runs all the way to the Utah border, where residents tend to prefer the individual freedoms and relative solitude of the traditional American West.

The lands that now make up San Miguel County were once home to Ute tribes, explored by the Spanish, and later settled by miners, farmers, and homesteaders. Today, residents and visitors are attracted to the area’s majestic scenery, abundant recreational amenities, cultural events and relaxed lifestyle. Even though its location is remote and its winters long, the county boasts of exceptional schools, abundant cultural arts and entertainment opportunities, and overall hospitality.

The Position

The Director of Planning leads, directs, and manages the development review process, Planning Commission procedures, and other planning activities to guide development within the unincorporated county through positive community engagement. Leading a small team, the Director must prioritize the work of the Department to ensure development proposals are reviewed in a timely, transparent, and balanced process while proactively managing updates to the County's land use regulations and Comprehensive Plan.

The Director provides strategic leadership to connect long-range planning with public and private development efforts in support of a vibrant and sustainable community. Through the development and implementation of a strategic work plan, the Director and planning team must work to address the County’s priorities through their thoughtful leadership, policy development and practice.

The Planning Director will report to the Deputy County Manager. The Planning Director and their team work closely with applicants and the public, BOCC, Planning Commission, Building Department, Road and Bridge Department, Environmental Health and other stakeholders to improve processes and procedures to balance development opportunities with community desires as indicated within the master plans and other county planning documents.

Requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s degree in Planning, or a closely related field, from an accredited college or university and eight years’ management-level experience in community development or a related field, including five years of supervisory experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. American Institute of Certified Planners designation is preferred. Candidates should have experience working within, or demonstrate strong familiarity with the Council-Manager form of government. Successful candidates will also have a proven record of leadership, fiscal stewardship, innovation, and relationship-building.

The Ideal Candidate

The next Planning Director is a confident, experienced local government planning professional with integrity, sound judgment, and a demonstrated commitment to ethical public service. The Director must have the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of a senior local government planning professional, including specific expertise in land use planning, development, the quasi-judicial nature of land use approvals, open meetings, and public records.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, prepared, and proactive, always thinking and working ahead to serve the County and its constituents to balance land use changes. The preferred candidate has a strong foundation in the following practice areas: affordable housing (development, covenants, deed restrictions, etc.), contracts (including development agreements), and zoning code (drafting, interpretation, and enforcement), long-range/master planning, and others.

The successful candidate is approachable, diplomatic, and politically astute, but apolitical, with strong situational awareness. They are committed to providing the County with sound land use recommendations and options consistent with the County’s policy priorities. The successful candidate demonstrates intellectual curiosity, emotional intelligence, resilience, sound judgment, and practical problem-solving skills. They are an active listener, who is positive, approachable, and collaborative. The ideal candidate is excited about living and working in San Miguel County as a lifestyle choice. They look forward to being a part of the positive, professional, and genuinely collegial culture here while advancing the abilities and processes within the Planning Department to be better every day.

Total Compensation and Schedule

San Miguel County offers a competitive hiring range of $116,454 to $132,175 annually, with salary placement potentially higher within the full salary range based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience. The full salary range is $116,454 to $168,858 annually, with a minimum of $116,454, midpoint of $142,656, and maximum of $168,858.

Additionally, the county provides an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, supplemental life, long term disability, parental leave (after one year), down payment assistance (after two years), supplemental insurance options, flexible spending and an Employee Assistance Program.

Retirement benefits are through the Colorado Retirement Association and include a mandatory 401(a) plan (5% employee with 100% county match), 457(b) option (county match up to 1.5% after year 5). The position includes paid vacation and sick time (3.7 hours of each per pay period to start); 13 paid holidays, four personal days (32 hours), and opportunity for tuition and educational reimbursement.

Participation in regional, statewide and national planning organizations is encouraged and promoted for the Director and their staff.

Relocation assistance and potential availability of county-owned rental housing may be available and are subject to negotiation.

The proposed schedule for this position solicitation is as follows:

Schedule