Senior Planner

Town of Telluride; Telluride (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Telluride is seeking a Senior Planner to support long‑range planning, land development, and zoning under the Historic Preservation and Planning Director. You will interpret the Town’s Land Use Code, Design Guidelines, and Master Plan, review applications for compliance, and administer tree removal and mitigation permits while meeting with the public to provide guidance.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field, with four years of experience; a master’s

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, environmental science, or related field is required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum four (4) years of experience in planning.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal codes, planning processes, and GIS is expected.

Responsibilities

• Interpret, apply, and enforce the Town of Telluride Land Use Code, Design Guidelines, and Master Plan.
• Review land use applications for compliance with codes and plans.
• Administer Tree Removal and Mitigation Permits and advise the public on development.
• Attend and present at Planning and Zoning meetings; prepare staff memos and packets.
• Assist with long–range planning, data collection, and revisions to planning documents.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Public speaking

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Department

Historic Preservation, Planning and Building

Reports to

Historic Preservation and Planning Director

FLSA

Exempt

Grade

75

Application Period

The application period for this position closes at 8am MT on Monday August 10th, 2026.

Summary

Under the direction of the Historic Preservation and Planning Director, the Senior Planner is responsible for functions related to long‑range planning, land development, and zoning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Planning and Zoning

• Interpret, apply, and enforce the Town of Telluride Land Use Code (LUC), Design Guidelines, and Master Plan
• Review and evaluate land use applications for compliance with the LUC, Design Guidelines, and Master Plan
• Administer Tree Removal and Mitigation Permits
• Meet with the public to provide information and guidance on development applications, local codes, adopted plans, regulations, and planning programs and services
• Ensure development applications adhere to applicable codes, regulations, and standards
• Evaluate, recommend, and propose revisions to the LUC, Design Guidelines, and Master Plan to the Historic Preservation & Planning Director
• Assist with long‑range planning, special projects, and data collection
• Assist with implementation of LUC compliance and design review
• Other tasks as assigned

Boards and Commissions

• Attend and make oral presentations at Planning and Zoning (P and Z) Commission and P and Z Chair public meetings, and other boards and commission meetings as needed
• Write staff memos and prepare meeting packets for public meetings
• Assist the Historic Preservation and Planning Director with P and Z agendas and review process
• Provide technical support and training to the P and Z members

Administration

• Assist the Historic Preservation and Planning Director with the administration of contracts and grants
• Coordinate project review with other departments
• Assist with updating maps and planning documents
• Maintain department records in accordance with Town Records Retention Policies
• Assist with the Telluride Affordable Housing Mitigation Program with all new construction
• Assist with the Wetland Mitigation program

Safety

• Participate in Town sponsored trainings
• Work safely to prevent accidents

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, environmental science, or a related field required; Master’s degree in planning, architecture, environmental science, or a related field strongly preferred; sustainability emphasis preferred; at least four (4) years of experience in planning required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Knowledge of: local, state, and federal codes, regulations, and statutes that pertain to planning and zoning; planning techniques, principles, programs, and processes; standard office, planning, and presentation software; Town of Telluride Land Use Code, Master Plan, and Design Guidelines; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Affordable Housing Mitigation Program guidelines; Wetland Mitigation program.

Skill in: preparing and maintaining accurate and reliable demographic and statistical data; proficiency in interpreting and applying codes and policies; effective written and oral communication; prioritizing workload; maintaining composure under stressful situations; conducting research for planning assignments; maintaining interpersonal relationships; professionalism; performing duties with limited supervision; proposing resolutions to complex development issues; multi‑tasking; public speaking.

Environmental Factors

Work is performed primarily indoors in a standard office environment and in and around the Town’s buildings and facilities. The employee must be able to attend various meetings and conduct site reviews outside and subject to adverse weather conditions.

Physical Factors

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for extended periods of time; may occasionally be required to lift and/or move items weighing up to twenty (20) pounds.