City Planner
Location: Golden, CO
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Community and Economic Development
FLSA Status: Exempt

Why Work for the City of Golden?

Being a Golden employee is more than a job — it’s a lifestyle. Golden is a vibrant, outdoor-focused community that offers an ideal environment to live, work, and play. Enjoy proximity to restaurants, shops, Clear Creek, and scenic trails.

• Generous Paid Time Off: 16 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 12 paid holidays annually

• Outstanding Benefits: Up to 8% retirement match, full-spectrum insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more

About the Role

We’re hiring a City Planner to provide expert services in both current and long-range planning, including development review, Comprehensive Plan updates, and transportation demand management. Reporting to the Principal Planner, this position supports public engagement, policy development, and urban planning initiatives focused on land use, transportation, and sustainability.

Note: Applicants who don’t meet Planner II qualifications may be considered for Planner I ($61,122 – $73,346), depending on experience.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Skilled at working with the public and translating community input into actionable plans

• Calm under pressure and able to navigate conflict or controversy professionally

• Able to interpret zoning codes, engineering/site plans, and communicate findings clearly

• Familiar with form-based zoning and community development goals

• Organized, collaborative, and excited about public engagement

• Comfortable speaking at public meetings and connecting with diverse stakeholders

• Strategic thinker with attention to detail and implementation planning

• Team-oriented with a strong work ethic

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with long-range planning, public engagement, and visual/graphic communication

• Lead development of a transportation demand management program

• Oversee a docked micromobility feasibility study and provide policy recommendations

• Manage land use development review including pre-app meetings, application assessment, and legal notices

• Present staff recommendations to the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Board, and City Council

• Draft ordinances and zoning map amendments for annexations and rezonings

• Manage projects related to infrastructure, housing, preservation, and public education

• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to implement plans and programs

• Lead or support public engagement at meetings and events (approx. 1–2 evenings/month)

• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Duties

May supervise interns working on short-term projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, Communications, or related field (Master’s preferred)

• Minimum of 2 years professional community planning experience

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills

• Proficiency in MS Office

Certificates & Licenses

• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong written/verbal communication and public speaking skills

• Ability to handle complex problems and interpret technical/legal materials

• Skilled in reading technical documents and writing policy reports

• Proficiency in calculations (percentages, area, geometry)

• Able to build effective relationships with the public and internal teams

Tools Used

Office equipment including computer, printer, phone, copier, camera, AV equipment, and SMART technology

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting, speaking, and use of hands

• Occasional standing, walking, kneeling, or lifting (up to 25 lbs frequently, up to 100 lbs occasionally)

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with occasional outdoor exposure

• Noise level is usually moderate

The City of Golden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.