Senior Planner

Eagle County Government; Eagle (CO); On-site; USD 82,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing option

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness rewards

Bus passes

Paid time off

Retirement match

Healthcare coverage

Job summary

Eagle County Government is hiring Senior Planners to lead high-priority land-use files and guide projects from vision to realization. The role emphasizes collaboration, independent judgment, and public service in a dynamic mountain setting.

The Senior Planner will manage complex applications, support long-range planning, and work in a hybrid schedule with occasional evenings and travel across Eagle County. AICP is preferred and a valid driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban/Regional Planning or related field.
• Master’s degree counts toward 2 years of experience.
• Minimum 6 years of related planning experience.
• AICP certification preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 10+ active, high-complexity land-use files.
• Review applications against Eagle County regulations, state statutes, and federal laws.
• Present recommendations to county boards and officials.
• Lead weekly Development Review Team meetings and mentor staff.
• Support long-range planning initiatives and cross-department teamwork.

Skills

Land-use planning

Public presentation

Communication

Bilingual EN/ES

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban/Regional Planning

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Google Workspace

MS Office

Adobe Acrobat

GIS

EnerGov

Job description

Shape the future of our vibrant mountain communities while managing high-impact, complex land-use initiatives! The Community Development Dept at Eagle County Government was just approved to hire 2 additional collaborative, forward-thinking Senior Planners to join our dedicated team. If you thrive in a dynamic, growth-minded environment and excel at guiding projects from vision to reality, this is your opportunity to build a better Eagle County for all.

The Senior Planner manages high-priority, complex land use applications and building permits while supporting strategic long-range planning initiatives. Operating with a high degree of independence and professional judgment, the ideal candidate brings an open, collaborative communication style to team projects and lends a focus to exemplary public service.

Salary Range: $81,926-$118,792.

*$5000 bonus: $2500 sign-on bonus, paid out on employee's first paycheck & up to $2500 retention bonus, paid out after 6 months of employment, based on attendance and performance.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us:

• Balance Work with Mountain Living: We believe exceptional public service starts with well-supported employees. Enjoy a supportive schedule that gives you time to hit the trails, ski world-class slopes, and soak in everything Colorado’s high country has to offer.
  • Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evening meetings. Hybrid work (remote & in office) and/or flexible work arrangements available after training. Travel throughout Eagle County, included but not limited to the Eagle & El Jebel offices.
• Guaranteed Housing Option: 1bd/1ba (brand new) apartments at Parkside Apartments in Edwards - $1750/month.
• A Collaborative, High-Trust Culture:We value growth mindsets, open communication, and cross-departmental teamwork. You’ll have the autonomy to exercise your professional judgment alongside colleagues who support your professional development.
• Continuous Growth & Mentorship:Whether you are leading complex land-use initiatives, mentoring junior staff, or pursuing AICP credentials, we invest in your career advancement every step of the way.
• Unbeatable Benefits for Full-time:
  • Retirement: 8% dollar-for-dollar employer match.
  • Healthcare: Comprehensive medical coverage as low as $85/month for employees.
  • Paid Time Off: 15 paid holidays + starting at 12 PTO days + medical leave.
  • Perks & Growth: Free tuition at Colorado Mountain College, tool allowances/resources, career progression, bilingual pay incentives, wellness cash rewards, and local bus passes.

Key Responsibilities

• Current Planning & Project Management: Manage a portfolio of 10+ active, high-complexity land-use files. Review applications against Eagle County regulations, state statutes, and federal laws.
• Analysis & Public Presentation: Research site data, analyze environmental impacts, and prepare clear, high-quality staff reports, studies, and GIS graphics. Present recommendations to county boards and officials.
• Public Service & Collaboration: Support "Planner of the Day" duties, lead pre-application meetings, and collaborate with applicants, municipalities, non-profits, and regional partners to align projects with the Eagle County Comprehensive Plan.
• Process Leadership: Facilitate weekly Development Review Team meetings, streamline building permit processes, handle public records in EnerGov, and draft text amendments to land use regulations.
• Mentorship & Strategic Projects: Coach junior planners and support long-range planning initiatives, consultant management, and special projects as needed.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Urban/Regional Planning or a related field (Master’s preferred and counts toward 2 years of experience).
• Experience: Minimum 6 years of related planning experience (or equivalent combination). At least 1 year of proven experience managing and presenting complex, politically sensitive land-use files (commercial, mixed-use, or code writing). Local government experience preferred.
• Certifications: Valid driver’s license required. AICP certification preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with Google Workspace, MS Office, and Adobe Acrobat. Familiarity with GIS, document management (Laserfiche), and permitting software (EnerGov) is a plus.
• Key Skills: Exceptional communication, consensus-building, and conflict-resolution abilities. Strong diplomatic and analytical skills. Bilingual (English/Spanish) abilities are desirable.