About the Job: In this position, you will perform planning duties in support of the City's redevelopment and land use entitlement programs while ensuring compliance with professional standards and regulations. With the thriving economic conditions of the Pikes Peak Region, the City of Colorado Springs is experiencing a high pace of development and this position will participate in a higher volume of project management for active entitlements as well as special project assignments. The City is excited to continue utilizing a new Unified Development Code which will continue to shape our growing community.

As a Planner II, you will:

• Interact with landowners, developers, and consultants through initial meetings (pre-application) to discuss zoning, city policies, procedures, and processes for specific land use action
• Manage assigned land use applications through the department-specific online system(s)
• Review land use and development proposals or other applications for conformity with established city code and other related department and city documents/resources utilizing good planning practices; Maintain current knowledge of City Code that relates to planning and zoning
• Coordinate other city departments and outside agencies to meet established department deadlines for completion of application reviews; Process applications for distribution in accordance with department processes; in collaboration with administrative staff, ensure that public notice requirements are met
• Respond to the public in a courteous, timely, and professional manner; Handle sensitive information responsibly and in accordance with City requirements
• Present project proposals at public hearings before the Planning Commission, Downtown Review Board, and/or City Council; Prepare written staff reports and presentations for public presentation
• Perform planner-in-charge desk duties; respond to customer inquiries (phone, email, or walk-ins) regarding planning, zoning land use regulations, and development review processing
• Assist with and sometimes lead special projects as assigned by member of the Planning Department's leadership team
• Review and process building permits for commercial and multi-family projects Coordinate activities and projects with other divisions, outside agencies, and the public; assist department staff
• Other duties as assigned
• Learn more about this job by reviewing the class specification on the City of Colorado Springs Class Specifications page

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

•  Methods and techniques of land use planning, zoning, and development
• Principles and practices of effective project management   
• Urban design and placement-making concepts
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Modern office technology
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and project management systems

Ability to:

•  Work independently but have a willingness to seek assistance as needed
• Prioritize, be organized, and have excellent time management skills to manage multiple projects, own time, and the time of others effectively to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving using logic and reasoning; ability to change direction as needed. 
• Complete tasks in a timely manner, with great attention to detail
• Manage communication and relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Handle negative interaction professionally and tactfully; able to manage stressful situations
• Consider different points of view to reach an agreement; utilize elements of persuasion to gain cooperation and the acceptance of ideas
• Read and understand legal descriptions of property  
• Evaluate and resolve complex planning issues

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, geography, public administration, landscape architecture, architecture, or a related field.
• Three years of full-time experience in planning, civil engineering, development review facilitation, construction management, project management, geographic information system (GIS), landscape architecture, architecture, urban design, or a related field. (Note: Planning is defined as urban, regional, land use, and/or comprehensive long-range planning working with or for a municipal government.