ALAMOSA COUNTY
Land Use & Building Department
Planner I-III

REPORTS TO:  Land Use & Building Director            
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
SALARY RANGE: $45,000-$60,000/year DOE
DATE ADOPTED: January 2024
CLOSE DATE: May 31, 2024

JOB SUMMARY:
Under basic supervision, this individual performs a variety of routine and professional planning duties in support of the Department, focused on processing land use cases, research related to long term planning, and special planning related projects. The individual serves as a resource to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other County departments. This position directly supports the role of the Director and this individual is expected to participate in training and professional development. This is a full time 37.5 hour/week position eligible for county benefits.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (The following are illustrative of essential functions to perform duties and responsibilities of the job.  The position may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional tasks as needed by the Department. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.)

• Provide the public with information requiring interpretation of the adopted land use codes
• Provide information, process applications, and perform inspections as needed to assure compliance with adopted codes and standards
• Assist in the analysis, drafting, refinement, and amendment of department policies, land use regulations, and the comprehensive plan
• Permit Review: research, evaluate, and make recommendations for compliance with planning principles and relevant regulations of site plan, subdivision, use permit, variance, and other land use applications
• Land Use Case Management: participate in pre-application meetings; process applications; perform site visits and research prior decisions and actions; prepare recommendations, staff reports and meeting materials; present to county and public Boards and Commissions; track compliance and perform enforcement as appropriate
• Provide administrative support to the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment.
• Attend public meetings as necessary, including those in the evenings and on weekends
• Prepare a variety of maps, written reports, memos, and correspondence for use by the Department, County Staff and Officials, and the public
• Maintain accurate records of permits, inspections, and other job-related activities
• Research department, county, and other files and records as necessary
• Participate in professional training
• Communicate effectively, answer telephones/emails, assist customers at the front counter, bilingual preferred
• Perform other tasks and duties to support the department and as required by the Director

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
     Knowledge:

• Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. Specifically, the understanding of the various ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning, building, and site development.
• Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, water, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
• Language – Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
• Computers and Electronics – Knowledge and use of phones, copiers, fax machines, computer hardware and software. Knowledge in the use and understanding of information from a GPS device. A master level of computer proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation slide programs, and databases.

Skills:

• Writing Skills Skilled in writing reports, research, and data management
• Maps/GIS Must be proficient in interpreting maps, and identifying and resolving contradictions or discrepancies between mapped data and actual physical characteristics of land. Experience with GIS software including ESRI is preferred.
• Plans & Drawings Must be proficient in reading and using site plans, construction drawings, profiles, and cross sections.
• Consistency & Accuracy Requires a level of knowledge and ability to accomplish tasks or projects in a consistent and accurate manner and in a variety of situations.
• Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Administration and Management Skilled in organization, decision making and time management skills. Exercise independent judgment and critical thought.

Abilities:

• Professionalism
  • Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism.
  • Ability to pay attention to detail, be dependable, and be responsible.
  • Ability to process paperwork, maintain files, and generate reports and communications
  • Ability to work effectively in an environment that can be very busy or very slow
  • Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions
• Communication & Listening
  • Ability to accurately and effectively transmit and receive information that is necessary to the accomplishment of goals and objectives including effective written and oral communication.
  • Ability to engage effectively with property owners, professionals, and the general public.
  • Ability to listen, and respond effectively in stressful situations and during conflict.
  • Ability to keep customers, subordinates, peers, and supervisors informed.
• Interpersonal Skills
  • Ability to maintain courteous and effective working relationships with the public, county departments, coworkers and other agencies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• All Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of land use concepts and procedures
• Please submit a copy of your college transcripts with your resume
• Planner 1: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and related experience
• Planner 2: Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field and 1-2 years of related experience
• Planner 3: Master’s Degree in Planning or related field and 2-5 years of related experience

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Current Colorado Driver’s License
• Must pass Alamosa County background check and pre-employment drug testing
• Preference given for AICP candidate status or AICP certification