ASSOCIATE 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 responsible and professional level work in the field of current and long-range planning by conducting plan reviews, planning studies and related activities pertaining to the administration, development and enforcement of the Comprehensive Plan, zoning and subdivision codes, design standards, and related regulations, with performance of related work as required. This position works in a team environment within the Planning Division and with other City departments, consultants and agency partners. Work includes extensive public contact, including public presentations and occasional attendance at meetings outside of regular working hours.

Definition and Class Characteristics

This is the full journey-level position within the Planning Division. The Associate Planner independently performs a wide range of planning-related activities and more complex assignments, exercising initiative and independent judgment. Employees at this level possess a broad understanding of Planning Division procedures and policies and receive occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties may include:

• Assist the public, property owners, architects, developers, realtors, appraisers, and other customers with zoning and land use inquiries.
• Review development proposals for compliance with City codes, guidelines, policies, and planning best practices and work with applicants to develop compliant solutions.
• Process land use applications through the development review process, including pre-submittal meetings, zoning and subdivision applications, referral agency coordination, and community communication.
• Prepare materials for Planning Commission and City Council and present information at public meetings.
• Review building and grading permit applications and sign permits for compliance with applicable regulations and approved development plans.
• Conduct on-site inspections to ensure development projects comply with approved plans.
• Gather and analyze data and prepare staff reports, maps, public hearing notices, and recommendations regarding land use requests.
• Research and prepare reports on planning-related issues for the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Assist with specialized policy initiatives and projects, which may include hazard mitigation, parks and trails planning, and sustainability.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES TO SUPPORT SUCCESS

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal, oral, written, presentation, and customer service skills.
• Professionalism, integrity, attention to detail, flexibility, collaboration, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively interact with City staff, City Council, boards and commissions, other agencies, community groups, applicants, and members of the public.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and professional correspondence, reports, and technical documents.
• Critical and creative thinking skills with the ability to analyze complex planning issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions.
• Knowledge of local government planning, zoning, land use, urban design, site planning, architectural review, and development processes.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local planning regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, procedures, regulations, site and building plans, maps, and technical information.
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to clearly explain technical information and regulations.
• Ability to take initiative, solve problems, manage competing priorities, and work effectively in a fast-paced professional 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:

• Master’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 paid professional experience in public or private sector land use planning; or
• Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design, community or regional development, natural resources, environmental studies, geography, public administration, or a closely related field and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible planning experience; or
• Associate’s degree in geography, geographic information systems, landscape architecture, environmental or natural resource sciences, or a closely related field and five years of progressively responsible planning experience.

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 requires availability for occasional evening and weekend work. Flextime and hybrid remote work schedules may be available at the discretion of management and consistent with City policies.

POSITION RANGE

Hiring Range: $74,090 – $90,761 annually
Salary Range: $74,090 – $107,431 annually
FLSA: Exempt

Anticipated closing date is November 29, 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.