Planner l, ll, or Senior Planner
Town of Vail
Vail, CO United States
The Town of Vail is seeking a dedicated and talented individual to join our Community Development team as either a Planner I, Planner II or a Senior Planner, based on qualifications and experience. These roles offer an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our vibrant community through professional planning duties in areas such as current planning, long-range planning, land development regulations, special projects, and code compliance.
- Planner I: An excellent opportunity for early-career professionals or recent graduates with an interest in urban planning and community development. This role provides hands-on experience with permitting, zoning research, and development review support in a collaborative team setting. Ideal for those looking to build a strong foundation and grow within the planning profession. Current Planner I Salary Range: $64,900 (minimum) – $94,100 (maximum)
- Planner II: Ideal for individuals with foundational experience in planning who are looking to grow their expertise in a dynamic and supportive environment. You’ll manage projects, assist with development reviews, and provide expert guidance on zoning and land use matters. Current Planner II Salary Range: $71,340 (minimum) - $107,010 (maximum)
- Senior Planner: Aimed at seasoned professionals ready to tackle complex planning projects with significant community impact. This role includes mentorship of junior planners and leadership on high-profile initiatives. Current Senior Planner Salary Range: $82,000 (minimum) - $123,000 (maximum).
Both roles contribute to enhancing Vail’s unique character and livability while fostering collaboration across departments, applicants, and community stakeholders.
How to Apply:
To be considered, please submit the following:
A resume
A cover letter outlining your interest in the position and specifying which planning level (Planner I, II, or Senior Planner) best aligns with your qualifications
A completed Town of Vail employment application
We are seeking qualified and serious applicants only. If you are not willing to relocate to Vail, please do not apply.
Skills / Requirements
General Qualifications for Both Positions:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Land Use/Urban Planning, City Planning, Urban Design, or a closely related field.
- Strong ability to read and interpret architectural and construction plans.
- Excellent communication skills to present and simplify complex topics for diverse audiences.
- Proficiency with technology tools, including permitting software, GIS, and Microsoft Office.
Planner I Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, or a related field.
Internship or limited professional experience in planning, zoning, or a related area (municipal experience is a plus).
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.
Familiarity with planning concepts, GIS tools, and development review processes.
Enthusiasm for learning and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Planner II Requirements:
- Minimum of 2 years of full-time planning experience (municipal experience preferred) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- AICP certification is preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of Colorado land use law and experience with design tools such as SketchUp or Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
Senior Planner Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 years of full-time planning experience (municipal experience preferred); Master’s Degree is a plus.
- AICP certification is required.
- Advanced knowledge of urban design principles, land use law, and leadership in sustainable practices.
- Proven experience mentoring team members and managing large-scale or high-impact planning projects.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
- Indoor office setting with occasional travel to construction sites involving varied terrain and inclement weather.
- Public presentations and engagement with diverse stakeholders, including boards, commissions, and the general public.
- Ability to move and transport objects up to 40 pounds.