The City of Golden is currently seeking Senior Planner (Planner III) applicants. Come and see why the City of Golden is the place you want to be!

Position closes June 12, 2026

Provides professional senior-level planning services to the city in accordance with City comprehensive planning and zoning ordinances. Serves as lead planner for complex project proposals and programs. Under the direction of the Current Planning Supervisor, prepares land use related recommendations for zoning administration, building permit review, Historic Preservation Board, Planning Commission, and City Council.
 
The ideal candidates will possess the following characteristics:

• Experience working with the public, especially relating to community planning processes, and transforming a diverse array of input into goals, strategies and policies
• Comfortable speaking in formal public meetings, as well as the ability to connect with small groups and individuals and understand their concerns
• Experience with form-based zoning codes, and the ability formulate recommended changes to meet the goals of the community as it relates to development outcomes
• Experience with all aspects of the development and entitlement process including platting, site planning, design review, development and subdivision agreements, easements, annexation agreements and metro and special districts with the ability to review and administer with minimal direction while maintaining a collaborative process
• Demonstrates professionalism, resilience, and the ability to handle conflict in a calm, objective, and solution-oriented manner.
• Organized, energetic, collaborative, and enthusiastic about helping the community discover and achieve its goals
• Ability to see the big picture and generate creative ideas and approaches, as well as focus on details such as zoning codes, policy implementation, and legal documents
• Capable of interpreting zoning regulations, site plans and architectural drawings, and policy documents and communicating analysis through concise writing, graphics, and illustrations in formal staff reports
• Ability to thrive and engage in a team-based culture

Applicants not fully qualified for the Senior Planner (Planner III) position may be considered as a City Planner (Planner II) candidate, dependent upon qualifications and experience. See full description of the City Planner duties and requirements here. The City Planner hiring range is $69,250-$83,101 annually.

JOB SUMMARY

• Serves as lead planner on large complex projects and programs. Supervises and/or participates in land use, proposal pre-planning meetings, application assessment, code requirements, case preparation, and distribution.
• Includes planners in review of complex applications as an opportunity for training, education, and mentorship.
• Serves as staff liaison to Historic Board and Planning Commission as assigned.
• Responsible for various boards and commission duties as assigned by the Planning Supervisor.
• Represents the city in case presentation for the Historic Preservation Board, Planning Commission and City Council.  
• Supervises and/or participates in case follow-up concerning conditions and final preparation for recording; drafts and approves ordinances and zoning map changes for annexations.
• Supervises and/or participates in comprehensive plan revision, drafting, coordination, preparation, redrafting, amendment approval, plan printing, and distribution.
• Develops and implement goals, strategies, and policy in development review and management of special projects.
• Coordinates reviews of the comprehensive plan for the Planning Commission and City Council approval.
• Build strong working partnerships with City departments, consultants, board and commission members, external partners and agencies and the Golden community to implement plans and projects.
• Processes Historic Preservation cases as assigned.
• Manages special projects concerning infrastructure and facility planning, Historic Preservation, grant administration, and education.
• Other duties as assigned.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
May supervise interns that assist with projects for a short term period. Assigns projects to planners based on workload.

QUALIFICATIONS

AICP Certification with a Bachelor’s Degree, or a Master’s Degree in City or Regional Planning, Architecture, or closely related field. Minimum four years professional planning experience.  An equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in some circumstances. Proficient in MS Office products. Must possess excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must possess a valid driver's license and a good driving record.
AICP Certification with Bachelor’s Degree

City of Golden is an Equal Opportunity Employer