Planning Technician

Town of Vail; Vail (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Housing assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Free recreation benefits

Transit/bus pass

Job summary

The Town of Vail's Community Development team is seeking a Planning Technician to help residents, businesses, architects, and developers navigate Vail's planning and permitting processes.

This role blends planning analysis, code interpretation, research, and customer service to support current planning and development activities. You will review applications, assist applicants through the process, and support long-range planning and special projects in Colorado's unique mountain community.

Qualifications

• Experience in zoning, permitting, planning, construction, or related field.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, zoning codes, and municipal policies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; explain complex information clearly.
• Ability to travel to project sites and work with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic permitting/records systems.

Responsibilities

• Review planning applications and building permits for zoning compliance and codes.
• Assist customers through the application and permitting process.
• Coordinate applications presented to Design Review Board and Planning & Environmental Commission.
• Research and interpret zoning regulations and development standards; prepare reports and presentations.
• Maintain planning records; conduct site visits and support long-range planning initiatives.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Reading zoning codes

Team collaboration

Multitasking

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning / related field

ICC Permit Technician Certification (or ability to obtain within 1 year)

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS mapping

Electronic permit-tracking systems

Job description

Position Overview

Are you interested in how communities grow, develop, and come together? The Town of Vail is seeking a Planning Technician to join our Community Development team and play an important role in helping residents, businesses, architects, developers, and other community partners navigate Vail's planning and permitting processes.

In this role, you'll combine planning, technical review, research, and customer service to support current planning and development activities throughout the Town. You'll review planning applications and building permits for compliance with zoning, land use, and applicable codes; assist customers through the application and permitting process; and help coordinate applications presented to the Design Review Board and Planning and Environmental Commission.

You'll also research and interpret zoning regulations and development standards, prepare reports and presentations, maintain planning records, conduct occasional site visits, and support long-range planning and community initiatives.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, working with people, interpreting regulations, and contributing to the future of a unique mountain community.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., in person, with occasional evening meetings.

Skills / Requirements

What you'll bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years of experience in zoning, permitting, planning, construction, or a related field.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to work effectively with residents, applicants, developers, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn zoning, land use planning, building permitting, and municipal development processes.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and construction plans, zoning codes, regulations, and municipal policies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make complex or technical information understandable.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities while collaborating effectively with a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to work with electronic permitting and records systems.
• Ability to travel to project sites, navigate uneven or steep terrain, and transport materials weighing up to 40 pounds.

Even better if you have:

• An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a related field.
• ICC Permit Technician Certification or the ability to obtain certification within one year of hire.
• Knowledge of Colorado land use laws and regulations.
• Experience with GIS mapping and electronic permit-tracking systems.

Culture / Lifestyle / Benefits

Work for Vail. Live well.

Working for the Town of Vail means more than a paycheck. Our employees help shape and serve one of Colorado's most distinctive mountain communities, and we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, well-being, and life outside of work.

For eligible full-time employees, 2026 benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, including access to preferred pricing through Vail Health and Vail Summit Orthopaedics.
• Exceptional retirement benefits. The Town funds the mandatory 401(a) contribution beginning on the first day of eligible employment. The Town contribution is 11.15% of base salary during the first year and 16.15% beginning after one year of service, with vesting increasing based on years of service. Employees also have access to a 457(b) deferred compensation plan with Roth options.
• Generous paid time off. Eligible employees receive the equivalent of six paid holidays plus three weeks of vacation during their first year, with vacation accrual increasing with service. Full-time employees also earn sick leave and have access to bereavement leave and the Town's Sick Bank program.
• $1,000 Lifestyle Spending Account for the 2025–2026 plan year to support well-being, including eligible expenses such as fitness memberships, classes, athletic equipment and apparel, ski passes, activity trackers, race fees, and more.
• Wellness incentives, including a 2026 wellness bonus for eligible employees who complete a qualifying preventive care visit or screening.
• Tuition assistance of up to $4,000 per year, based on years of service, for eligible educational programs.
• Housing assistance programs, including Employee Home Ownership and Rental Assistance programs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources at no additional cost, including confidential counseling, life coaching, financial and legal consultation, and work-life resources.
• Free recreation benefits, including employee access to golf at Vail Golf Course, Vail Tennis Courts, ice skating at Dobson Ice Arena, and the Nordic Center, subject to annual Town Council approval.
• Free CORE Transit bus pass, employee discounts through BenefitHub, and Flexible Spending Account options.

At the Town of Vail, you'll work alongside people who care about public service, collaboration, professionalism, and the community we serve. As a member of Community Development, your work will have a visible impact on how Vail grows and evolves while helping preserve what makes the community special.

Come build your career while helping shape the future of Vail.