Chaffee County, Colorado seeks a full-time Planner I within the Community Planning & Natural Resources Department (Planning Department). 

As a Planner I with Chaffee County, you will assist with the Planning Department’s organizational and administrative requirements, provide information to the public regarding basic land use regulations and application procedures, manage and review certain land use applications, and support the development and implementation of the County’s long-range plans. You will also have the opportunity to utilize your particular expertise or specialization(s) as part of the Planning Department team and grow your skills through continued professional development.

This is all a lot of extremely formal jobspeak. You'll be a Planner I in one of the coolest places in Colorado. Honestly, Chaffee County is just a fantastic place to live, work, and play. The County has a standard 4-day workweek (40 hours), giving you a 3-day weekend every weekend to enjoy the beauty of Chaffee County. If you like hiking, biking, kayaking, photography, trail running, the state's largest arts district, live music in this park or that park, run-on sentences, eating at one of like sixteen different pizza places somehow, or mule deer outside your office window (you'll have a window), and you're okay with a bit more hassle getting to the airport in exchange for being part of a community that encourages you to get outside with your friends and neighbors, you'll love it here.

For more information, please see the County's formal job posting at https://chaffeecounty.org/departments/human_resources/employment_opportunities.php

To apply, please submit a résumé and cover letter by July 17, 2026.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following is an outline of the potential essential functions of the job and does not include other duties that may be required or assigned.

• Performs technical and professional planning activities; uses knowledge of planning and organizational skills to manage planning projects. 

• Processes or assists in the processing of all types of development applications, permits, and County licenses.

• Prepares or assists in the preparation of staff reports for presentation to the Planning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, and other groups, as necessary.

• Provides technical or professional recommendations regarding planning projects and land use applications.

• Supports the implementation of the County’s long-range planning efforts, including the Comprehensive Plan.

• Assists in the development and production of community engagement efforts and informational campaigns. 

• Provides administrative support for the Planning Department.

• Maintains address files, assigns or amends addresses as necessary, and notifies appropriate agencies.

• Assists with land use code enforcement.

• Under general supervision, provides assistance to residents, property owners, developers, contractors, and the general public in the resolution of land use and zoning issues.

• Completes special projects, including researching approaches by other communities, locating technical ordinance language, and reviewing studies and impact statements.

• Assists in the maintenance of the Department website.

• Performs clerical duties in support of the Department including creating reports and other materials. Helps manage records for the Department including files, databases, application logs, and maps.

• Prepares resolution forms, notices, and general correspondence. 

• Coordinates activities with other County Departments, County Boards and Committees, municipal and community partners, and government agencies.

• Serve as departmental liaison for various County Boards and Commissions, coordinating and/or attending meetings as required. Some meetings may be convened during evening hours.

• Performs services as needed to meet workload demands, including responding to inquiries, addressing complaints, and resolving technical problems.

• Supports the relationship between Chaffee County Government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and County staff; 

• Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information.

• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or a related field is required. Experience in a local planning or community development department may substitute for a degree. 

  • 1-2 years of experience with planning or community development programs, plan review, local or state government, office management, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is desired.

• Certificates or licenses: Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Colorado Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

• The ideal candidate will have: 

  • The ability to apply professional knowledge, skills, and experience to identify and address planning issues in a changing community;

  • Have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills;

  • Have well-honed project management and organizational skills;

  • Have the proven ability to adeptly manage multiple projects and multiple priorities concurrently; and

  • Proficiency with word processing and data management programs, such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides;

  • Familiarity with planning tools and resources including maps, GIS, and application processing software.