Planner I or Planner II

Position may be filled at the Planner I or Planner II level depending on qualifications and department needs. Anticipated start date: Early January 2027

The City of Littleton has an opening for an enthusiastic and collaborative Planner I or Planner II to join the Community Development team and help guide development that strengthens community, supports economic vitality, and preserves the city’s unique character.

Planners are responsible for work that directly impacts the community and they serve as part of a dynamic team including engineers, utility providers, economic development specialists, building officials, emergency service providers, historic preservationists, neighborhood groups, and many others working to ensure the best development within the City of Littleton. Planners work on a variety of development review and long-range projects such as site plans, subdivision plats, code updates, and process improvement programs.

The ideal candidate will bring curiosity, sound judgment, strong communications skills, and a passion for planning and development. The ideal candidate has an educational background in urban and regional planning, along with relevant public-sector planning experience. The ability to work with diverse stakeholders, navigate complex issues, and communicate technical information clearly is essential.

Big things are happening in the City of Littleton. With significant business and development on the horizon, this position offers the chance to contribute to projects that will influence the community for years to come.

About the City of Littleton

The City of Littleton is a vibrant community consistently recognized as one of America’s Best Small Cities, and a top destination for families. Discover some of the remarkable things Littleton has to offer at VisitLittleton.org. With its historic and lively downtown, diverse shopping and dining options, and an extensive network of parks and trails, Littleton boasts a prime location just south of Denver and a short drive to the majestic Rocky Mountains and Colorado ski country. The City of Littleton offers excellent benefits and perks to its employees. For more details, please refer to the 2026 Benefit Guide and the 2027 Benefit Guide.

The City of Littleton believes in attracting and retaining the best talent and its strategies include offering competitive pay and investing in employee growth and development opportunities.

In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for this position with the City of Littleton.

Hiring pay range for Planner I: $69,141 - $72,780 per year

Hiring pay range for Planner II: $77,330 - $81,400 per year

This full-time position is exempt per FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position and has the option to work a hybrid schedule with some days teleworking and some days working in person at the office. This position may also be eligible for flex-work schedule. City Planners are expected to work evenings on occasion to support the Littleton City Council and its boards and commissions.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified or the position is filled, but preference will be given to complete applications received by November 22, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responds to inquiries by the public regarding zoning and subdivision requirements, potential uses of buildings and land, addressing, and signage.
• Prepares staff reports and makes clear and organized presentations before city council, planning commission, historical preservation commission, and the Adjustments and Appeals Commission in a complete and timely manner.
• Drafts policy for inclusion in long range plans.
• May assist the GIS division with the creation or update of city maps.
• Analyzes land use applications for compliance with adopted policy and the city code.
• May provide staff support for the planning commission, board of adjustment, and historical preservation board including scheduling meetings and preparing agendas.
• Research planning topics and writes technical reports as assigned.
• Leads pre-application meetings; reviews and makes final decisions on applications for sign permits, and other administratively reviewed development applications.
• Conducts field inspections for compliance with approved plans and coordinates with the building and code enforcement division on the enforcement of the sign code and fence permits.
• Participates in development review team meetings, staff meetings, and technical review meetings.
• May collaborate with educators of primary or secondary school urban planning projects and studios.
• Uses a city issued computer and various software programs to produce written communications and accomplish other work products.
• Delivers work products and services to customers within assigned full-time work schedule.
• Assists in drafting zoning ordinances and/or amendments to existing ordinances.
• Leads consultant teams.
• Participates in public engagement efforts.
• Conducts permit reviews and assists with zoning inspections.
• Participates in Planner-on-call rotation.
• May participate in grant application efforts on behalf of the city.
• Observes and follows established city and departmental policies and procedures.
• May appear as a witness for the city in municipal or district court regarding zoning matters.
• Performs other similar assignments and projects as required.
• May serve as an Emergency Worker.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Planner I:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field; and  
• Six (6) months of experience in the field of planning and community development; or 
• An equivalent combination of education, internships, training and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position may be considered. 

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check and motor vehicle records check. 

Planner II:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field; and  
• Two (2) years of experience in the field of planning and community development; or 
• An equivalent combination of education, internships, training and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position may be considered. 

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check and motor vehicle records check. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in graphic design with ability to create visually appealing content and materials
• Familiarity with GIS software
• Familiarity with planning and permit tracking software
• Familiarity with case/project management

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of city codes and ordinances, Colorado Revised Statues as they relate to planning, and locations of city neighborhoods and the general layout of the city.
• Understanding of current events in the city and how they relate to proposed private developments and ongoing and proposed public projects in the city.
• Ability to identify and understand neighborhood issues and concerns.
• Knowledge of zoning and subdivision regulations.
• Knowledge of urban planning principles.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: 

• The essential duties and activities for this position are performed in a standard indoor office environment. 
• Long periods of sitting, standing or walking may be required. This position generally requires occasionally lifting, carrying, pulling and pushing objects weighing up to 25 pounds with or without assistance. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Littleton is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and intends to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants regardless of age 40 and over, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, military status, or any other status protected by applicable law, and to hire and retain the best-qualified individuals without regard to any of these factors. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on a protected class. 

The City of Littleton will consider reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment. Applicants and employees can request an accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 303-795-3857 or emailing [email protected].

Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace

The City of Littleton is committed to the health and safety of all its employees. To ensure a safe and productive work environment the city prohibits the use, sale, dispensation, manufacture, distribution or possession of alcohol, drugs, controlled substances or drug paraphernalia on any city premises or worksites. No employee shall report to work or be at work with alcohol or with any detectable amount of prohibited drugs in the employee's system. A detectable amount refers to the standards generally used in workplace drug & alcohol testing. This prohibition specifically includes marijuana, and decriminalized psychedelics whether used for medical purposes or obtained legally under state law.