Alamosa County Planning Tech/ Planner I, Planner II

Alamosa County

Alamosa, CO United States

Ist Review of Applications October 19, 2026

JOB SUMMARY:
Planning Tech - The Planning Tech is a paraprofessional and technical position that assists in the daily operation of the Land Use & Building Department, including a significant amount of time on administrative tasks. This individual will work closely with the public on a regular basis to provide customer service on planning related issues. The successful Planning Technician may be asked to perform basic professional-level duties of moderate complexity and will assist in the administration and enforcement of the Land Use Development Code and Comprehensive Plan.

Planner I & II- In addition to the duties of the Planning Tech position, the Planner I position performs professional level planning and zoning work under basic supervision.  This individual performs a variety of routine and professional planning duties in support of the Department, including collecting, organizing, analyzing, and evaluating data pertaining to the zoning and development review process. This position is focused on processing land use cases, research related to long term planning, and special planning related projects. The Planner II position is similar to the Planner 1 but requires prior planning experience and this individual is expected to handle more complex and specialized professional planning duties and work with minimal supervision.

For all positions, the individual will serve as a resource to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other County departments. These positions directly support the role of the Director and this individual is expected to participate in training and professional development. This is a full time 37.5 hour/week position eligible for county benefits.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

  • Provide information, process applications, and perform inspections as needed to assure compliance with adopted codes and standards
  • Assist in the analysis, drafting, refinement, and amendment of department policies, land use regulations, and the comprehensive plan.
  • Public Engagement: Provide the public with technical assistance and information on the Land Use Development Code, county and state regulations, planning projects and Department policies and procedures.
  • Permit Review: research, evaluate, and make recommendations for compliance with planning principles and relevant regulations of site plan, subdivision, use permit, variance, and other land use applications.
  • Land Use Case Management: participate in pre-application meetings; process applications; perform site visits and research prior decisions and actions; prepare recommendations, staff reports and meeting materials; present to county and public Boards and Commissions; track compliance and perform enforcement as appropriate.
  • Investigate violations of planning regulations and ordinances, including site visits.
  • Prepare a variety of maps, written reports, memos, and correspondence for use by the Department, County Staff and Officials, and the public.
  • Maintain accurate records of permits, inspections, and other job-related activities in automated tracking systems, hard copy files, and other records.
  • Research, compile, and compare information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
  • Provide administrative support and make oral presentations as needed to the Planning Commission, County Commission, and Board of Adjustment.
  • Attend public meetings as necessary, including those in the evenings and on weekends.
  • Participate in professional training
  • Communicate effectively, answer telephones/emails, assist customers at the front counter, bilingual preferred.
  • Perform routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying, answering telephone, and responding to e-mails
  • Perform other tasks and duties to support the department and as required by the Director

KEY QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. Specifically, the understanding of the various ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning, building, and site development.
  •  Knowledge and use of office equipment, proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation slide programs, and databases.

Skills:

  • Skilled in writing reports, research, and data management.
  • Proficient in interpreting maps, and identifying and resolving contradictions or discrepancies between mapped data and actual physical characteristics of land. Experience with GIS software including ESRI is preferred.
  • Proficient in reading and using site plans, construction drawings, profiles, and cross sections.
  • Consistency & Accuracy 
  • Customer and Personal Service 
  • Skilled in organization, decision making and time management skills. Exercise independent judgment and critical thought.

Abilities:

  • Professionalism
    • Ability to pay attention to detail, be dependable, and be responsible.
    • Ability to process paperwork, maintain files, and generate reports and communications.
    • Ability to work effectively in an environment that can be very busy or very slow.
    • Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
    • Ability to adapt to changes in work assignments.
  • Communication & Listening
    • Ability to accurately and effectively transmit and receive information.
    • Ability to engage effectively with property owners, professionals, and the general public.
    • Ability to listen and respond effectively in stressful situations and during conflict.
    • Ability to keep customers, peers, and supervisors informed.
  • Interpersonal Skills
    • Ability to maintain courteous and effective working relationships with the public, county departments, co-workers and other agencies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • All Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of land use concepts and procedures
  • Planning Tech: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in planning, geography, social science, history, English or related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
  • Planner I: Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field or 1-2 years of related experience
  • Planner II: Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field AND 1+ year related experience OR Master’s Degree in Planning or related field.
Experience Level
Mid I (1-4 years)
AICP Level
--
Specialty
Land Use and Development Regulation and Zoning
Salary Range
$48,000-$65,000/year DOE

Contact Information

Sonia Salinas
Address
8900 Independence Way
Alamosa, CO
81101
United States
Resource URL
Email