Senior Planner - Current Planning

Teton County; Jackson (WY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Teton County in Wyoming seeks a Planning professional to perform complex current and long-range planning tasks for the Planning and Building Services Department, coordinating projects that affect land use, development, and regulations, ensuring alignment with the County Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations.

The role involves processing applications from pre-application to final action, preparing staff reports, engaging with the public, and coordinating with state and federal

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a planning-related field; Master’s preferred.
• Knowledge of county policies, land use, and development processes.
• Strong communication and public engagement skills.
• Experience with GIS and permitting software is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Performs technical and professional planning activities for land use and development.
• Handles planning applications from pre-application to final action ensuring compliance with LDR and Comprehensive Plan.
• Prepares staff reports for Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners.
• Develops amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and LDR; ensures alignment with goals and policies.
• Manages projects, schedules public hearings, and explains review processes to applicants.
• Supports public interactions with confidentiality and professional conduct.

Skills

Public communication

Community engagement

Analytical thinking

Project management

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Regulatory understanding

Written/oral communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or related field

Master’s Degree in related field

Tools

GIS

Permitting software

Job description

SUMMARY:

Performs complex current and long-range planning tasks for the Planning and Building Services Department; coordinates and conducts comprehensive planning projects affecting land use, development, technical regulations, and long-range planning issues; assures projects are in compliance with County Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations, County policies and procedures, and coordinates with appropriate State and/or Federal agencies.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs technical and professional planning activities; uses knowledge of planning and growth management theory, public policy, and land use law to complete and manage planning projects and development issues.
• Takes planning and development applications from pre-application conference to final action; assures projects recommended for approval comply with all Land Development Regulations (LDR), goals, and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, and other policies of the County.
• Prepares staff reports for presentation to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners; provides technical and professional recommendations.
• Researches and develops amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and LDR; assures amendments recommended for approval comply with LDR standards, and are consistent with goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and with other policies of the County.
• Manages planning projects, reviews documents for compliance with standards and policies, schedules public hearings, and assures that applicants understand the review process.
• Reviews complex Building Permits, including zoning compliance verification, and maintains records.
• Supports the relationship between the Teton County staff and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or related field
• Master’s Degree in related field preferred
• 1-3 years of experience with community development and planning programs

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a valid Wyoming/Idaho Driver’s License and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Professional certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.
• Additional technical skills training and certifications may be required.

Required Knowledge of:

• County policies and procedures, and State and Federal laws and regulations governing planning and development.
• Principles and practices of planning, community development, land use, permitting, and environmental protection.
• Environmentally responsible and resource-efficient community development techniques.
• Current legislative, political, and economic trends in state and federal government.
• Records management and customer service principles, protocols, and standards.
• Standard and specialized computer software applications, including Geographic Information System (GIS).

Required Skills in:

• Explaining planning and development regulations and procedures, and County policies and procedures.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Responding to public inquiries and providing information on departmental services, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Providing effective customer service, resolving conflicts, and dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Maintaining accurate and interrelated technical records and identifying and reconciling errors.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with County employees, representatives from other government agencies, community groups, the Planning Commission, and the Board of County Commissioners.
• Community engagement and consensus building activities.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Using computer programs including permitting software.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.