ASSISTANT PLANNER

At the City of Lone Tree, we are committed to hiring individuals who are passionate about their community, eager to grow in their careers, and motivated to make a meaningful impact. Here, you won’t just take on a job, you’ll join a dedicated team working to shape a vibrant, forward-thinking City. Whether you’re driven by public service, energized by problem-solving, or simply seeking purposeful work alongside exceptional colleagues, you’ll find your place with us.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF POSITION

Under guidance, this position performs professional current planning work, including reviewing development applications and building permits, conducting site inspections, and administering and enforcing the Comprehensive Plan, zoning and subdivision codes, design standards, and related regulations. The position also supports Planning Division administrative processes and coordinates with City departments, consultants, agency partners, and the public. Responsibilities may include public presentations and occasional meetings outside regular business hours.

Definition and Class Characteristics

This is an entry-level position within the Planning Division. Candidates possess a general understanding of planning principles and land use review and apply this knowledge to a variety of planning-related activities. The Assistant Planner supports daily current planning activities, customer service, development review, and administrative processes while receiving regular guidance and assistance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties may include:

• Coordinate Planning Division operations, including land use application tracking, webpage updates, and process improvements.
• Manage development review activities, including public notices, landowner notifications, staff report packets, public hearing schedules, document recordation, and project closeouts.
• Assist the public and development professionals with zoning, land use regulations, City master plans, design standards, and related policies.
• Consult with prospective applicants regarding review processes, application requirements, and site-specific planning questions.
• Review development proposals for compliance with City codes, policies, design standards, and planning practices.
• Process land use applications of limited complexity and coordinate with referral agencies and community members.
• Prepare materials for Planning Commission and City Council and present proposals at public meetings.
• Review building and grading permit applications for conformance with approved development plans and land use regulations.
• Assist with sign permit reviews and conduct site inspections to verify compliance with approved plans.
• Prepare graphics, maps, charts, and tables and conduct research on planning-related topics.
• Administer and oversee Accela, the Planning Division’s online application and permitting system, including routine updates and configuration changes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES TO SUPPORT SUCCESS

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal, oral, written, and customer service skills.
• Professionalism, integrity, attention to detail, flexibility, and collaboration.
• Ability to accurately review regulations, development applications, plans, maps, and reports.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and professional correspondence and technical documents.
• Ability to learn quickly, think critically, solve practical problems, and manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of local government planning, zoning, land use, urban design, site planning, architectural review, and development processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, procedures, regulations, site and building plans, maps, permits, and zoning documents.
• Ability to research, compile, interpret, and analyze technical information and data.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with City staff, government agencies, consultants, developers, property owners, and the public.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and related software. Knowledge of GIS and/or graphic programs such as SketchUp is preferred.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Principal Planner.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may qualify. Common qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design, community or regional development, natural resources, public administration, or a closely related field and a minimum of one year of relevant experience; or
• Master’s degree in planning, urban design, community or regional development, natural resources, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Relevant work or internship experience in a planning, building, engineering office, or related field is beneficial.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE

This position requires regular computer and office equipment use as well as occasional fieldwork at construction, developed, and undeveloped sites. Candidates must be capable of safely operating a motor vehicle and may occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

This is an exempt, full-time position. City business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position may require occasional evening and weekend availability. Flextime and hybrid remote work schedules may be available at the discretion of management and consistent with City policies.

POSITION RANGE

Hiring Range: $66,152 – $81,036 annually
Salary Range: $66,152 – $95,920 annually
FLSA: Exempt

Anticipated closing date is November 30, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

The City of Lone Tree offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; access to an onsite gym and Lone Tree Recreation Center; Employee Assistance Program and wellness initiatives; employer-paid life and disability coverage; retirement savings options; and an RTD EcoPass.

For the complete job posting and to apply, please visit CityofLoneTree.com.

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Human Resources at HR@cityoflonetree.com within three business days' notice.