Job Title: Senior Planner

FLSA: Exempt

Salary Grade: 12 (Min $74,080, Mid $88,896)                

**Position offered with housing.**                                                                 

NATURE OF WORK:

This senior level position is responsible for reviewing and analyzing complex development review applications in accordance with all applicable Community Development Code (CDC) Regulations, Comprehensive Plan goals and policies, and stipulations of other regulatory agencies.   The Senior Planner must be able to make independent judgment during their initial contact with interested parties and throughout the entire development review process.  The Senior Planner must also recognize when issues should be discussed with the Director, and/or other senior staff members in order to determine the best course of action. Under direction, supervises, assigns, reviews and participates in the work of the Town Planner(s) and the Town Forester.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides technical and professional planning services to achieve consistent growth in line with the Town’s goals; assures project plans follow local, state, and Federal codes and regulations.   Reviews applications for development review to ensure conformance with the CDC and the Comprehensive Plan
• Reviews and evaluates development proposals, development designs, applications, planning and zoning changes, variance requests, technical documents and special permits for compliance with Town standards and regulatory requirements; answers inquiries and assists the public and other agencies in matters related to planning, zoning and permit review, and other Town standards and regulations; provides information and recommendations within scope of authority; provides assistance to applicants, property owners, architects, developers, planners and attorneys;  attends pre-application meetings with applicants to ensure proposals meet regulatory requirements; monitors applications for completeness of required documentation and compliance with the Town’s design regulations and land use ordinance.
• Reviews and processes a variety of applications, permits and plans; creates correspondence and reports and coordinates with customers as needed; reviews development plans with residents, developers and builders; develops recommendations and summarizes all issues for presentation to the Town Council and Design Review Board meetings; attends and participates in Town Council meetings; prepares discussion minutes in relation to land use items; sends review letters to applicants
• Coordinates, reviews and analyzes and recommends conditions and actions on planning proposals such as rezoning, planned unit developments (PUDs), PUD amendments, CDC amendments, density transfers, site plan review, 1041 application, subdivisions, conditional use permits, variances and annexations.
• Will amend town documents as needed such as the Comprehensive Plan or other regulatory or policy documents.
• Works with consultants as needed to achieve town goals.
• Will provide direct supervision to the Town Planner (Planner I).  
• Manages special projects as assigned; conducts research and analysis on permits, plans, rules and regulations; conducts field surveys to evaluate sites and determine suitability of proposed land use changes; researches planning issues and regulations and provides data on land use issues and related subjects as requested.
• May participate in meetings with government officials and community groups; provides information to the Design Review Board meetings, the Town Manager, Town Council and other town departments as needed; coordinates with various regional government organizations, community groups, and state and Federal agencies.
• Consults on and implements programs regarding forestry health, wildfire mitigation and other environmental issues affecting the Town. Will provide direct supervision to the Town Forester.
• Completes and provides staff reviews to Design Review Board members and project applicants; prepares for, attends, and participates in Design Review Board meetings; presents agenda items and/or applications for development to the Board; records meeting minutes.
• Drafts and sends review letters to applicants summarizing discussion of their individual agenda items; coordinates with applicants and assists in facilitating the public notice process.
• Reviews plans and applications involving minor changes to structures, landscaping, and/or signage; issues related staff approvals; receives and processes public records requests in relation to plans and/or files.
• Provides assistance to developers and the general public to ensure that stipulations are included and implemented.
• Acts as a liaison between other regulatory agencies in conveying and negotiating the conditions/stipulations required of development applications.
• Involved in negotiations with developers to ensure the implementation of conditions/stipulations established by the Department and town policy.
• Works with and represents the Community Development Department and the Town with various boards and committees in inter-jurisdictional settings, and engaging in joint problem solving and decision-making.
• Effectively follows up on all Planning requirements and conditions as required by the review authority, accurately identifying and tracking progress and completion of those requirements. 

• Responds to, negotiates and may resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of community development and planning.
• Promotes and observes safe work methods and uses safety equipment; secures work sites as necessary; may attend safety committee meetings, actively participates in and may conduct tailgate style trainings.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of the team
• Actively works to progress the Town’s goal of zero waste and carbon neutrality by minimizing unnecessary consumption (of energy, water, paper, plastic, ink, etc.), seeking environmentally preferred products (e.g., reusable, recycled content, non-fossil fuel), and supporting environmental initiatives through participation, promotion, and accurate storytelling.
• Additional duties as assigned

Sustainability Efforts

• Implement planning, building and housing related town incentive programs that reduce energy, waste, or reduce carbon impacts.
• Work interdepartmentally to achieve zero waste and carbon neutral goals related to planning and development
• Comfortable working with teams to envision and execute sustainability objectives
• Spearhead Community Development Code Amendments, including facilitating Building Code amendments to achieve stated goals.
• Stay informed and up to date on green building programs, regional and national trends
• Serve as a liaison within Mountain Village and the Town’s Sustainability Team

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training: Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, engineering, geography, landscape architecture, architecture, forestry or environmental management or a closely related field.  A Master’s degree in any of these fields is preferred.