Planner

The Planner is an entry-level, non-exempt position under direct supervision of the Principal Planner or Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Manager and general supervision of the Director of Planning and Community Development Department. The Planner performs professional transportation, urban, and land use planning activities, by assisting upper-level department staff, coordinating and collaborating with public, private, local, state, and federal entities. The Planner will work in coordination with the Senior Planner. The Planner will respond to customer inquiries regarding transportation and land use regulations. Planner duties include routine and moderately complex tasks as assigned.

This job description is an overview and is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  It’s not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the functions and tasks required of the position. 

Depending on assignment the Planner:

• Receives and reviews zoning, subdivision, master planning, variance, and use by review requests, development and redevelopment proposals, and applications for compliance with appropriate regulations and policies
• Performs work in current and long-range land use and transportation planning, programs, and studies
• Researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population, transportation, and land use trends, prepares written reports on various planning matters and elements of the comprehensive plan and long-range transportation plan
• Compiles information, makes recommendations, and prepares planning reports pertaining to land use, community development and transportation
• Researches, prepares and presents reports and recommendations to a variety of boards, commissions, and committees
• Makes public presentations and recommendations on various aspects of transportation and land use planning services and activities
• Researches, verifies, updates and drafts legislative documents for review; collects, records, and summarizes statistical and demographic information
• Consults with and advises architects, contractors, engineers, surveyors and the public regarding city development policies and standards
• Compiles information and assists in the submission of development plans for private and public development; reviews commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for code compliance; processes development, business and other land use certificate and license applications
• Answers questions and provides information to the public and external agencies regarding transportation, zoning, land use, comprehensive plan, and the long-range transportation plan
• Investigates planning-related complaints and recommends corrective actions
• Coordinates city planning activities with other city departments and outside agencies
• Conducts field inspections to verify compliance with approved permits and licenses

IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS: 

• May perform the duties of similar classifications of an equal or lower pay grade

• Assists in the resolution of routine and sensitive land use customer service issues
• Serves as a staff representative on various boards/committees, as assigned

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the entry level classification in the Planner series. The Planner is differentiated from the Senior Planner classification by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series.  The work completed by the Planner is observed and reviewed during both its performance and upon completion. The incumbent may have limited work experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical standards an employee must meet in order to perform the essential job duties with or without a reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to:

Must have ability to lift and move files and supplies weighing up to 45 pounds, with or without accommodation.  Work is sedentary and done in a seated position, but requires frequent moving about, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching or stooping to perform filing. Position requires the ability to input large amounts of data using repetitive motion on a frequent and prolonged basis.  The incumbent must be able to hear all communication from customers and employees by telephone or in person, and use vision to work with written documents, forms, and to respond to employees and customers. May be required to perform site visits in inclement weather.

• Ability to provide information and analysis to others outside direct reporting relationships on specific problems or general policies
• Ability to work successfully with and provide exceptional customer service to the public
• Ability to consider different points of views and recommend alternative courses of action
• Knowledge of and ability to read and comprehend advanced literature, policy, code, scientific or technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents
• Knowledge of mathematical practices including arithmetic operations on system of real numbers and practical application of percentages, and measurement
• Knowledge of proper format, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and usage of all parts of speech 
• Ability to write reports, prepare business letters, memorandums, and summaries.
• Ability to learn and apply the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Pueblo and the Planning and Community Development department
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and lawfully
• Ability to learn and use standard office equipment including but not limited to, computers, and software including word processing, data base management, spreadsheets, online application portal, plan review software, and Geographic Information System Mapping (GIS)
• Knowledge of and ability to organize work, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines

In addition to the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above, this position requires the following:

A valid driver’s license at the time of application, and a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of employment

• License restrictions that may hinder your ability to drive on City business, such as an interlock, will be cause for disqualification 
• During the course of employment, a valid license must be maintained, and the employee must notify the City immediately upon changes to the status of their license

Additionally, candidates must have one of the following combinations of education and experience:

• Six (6) months of successful experience in customer or public service in either a paid position or an internship
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, geography, public administration, policy, business,  engineering, architecture or a social sciences field.

Or

• Four (4) years of successful experience in a position in a land use or planning environment involving complex processing and a high degree of public interface 
• A high school diploma or GED 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 
 
The duties in this classification are primarily performed indoors, in a comfortable office environment. The incumbent will be required to perform site inspections in which the employee may be exposed to all weather conditions.  The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to meet the physical demands of the job including the ability to retrieve information from various locations in the office when needed. The individual will be frequently exposed to periods of demanding activity and moderate mental stress. Incumbents must be willing to work additional hours or overtime if required. The incumbent may be required to attend evening or weekend meetings. The incumbent may be required to travel/drive to training events and/or meetings. The position requires a great deal of interpersonal communication with City employees, the public, and outside agencies.

All required licenses and certifications must be maintained throughout the term of employment.  Failure to obtain or maintain licenses and certifications may result in demotion or termination.

Due to Federal and State Criminal Justice System access requirements, classifications that access and maintain criminal justice information may also be required, as a condition of employment, to not have been convicted of and/or have pending charges of a felony or misdemeanor crime that would deny or otherwise restrict access to criminal justice information.  This requirement applies to all existing City employees as well as external candidates seeking to fill positions that meet the given criteria.

BENEFITS: 

The City of Pueblo offers a very rich benefits packet! Click on the “Benefits” hyperlink at the top of this (online) job posting to view a summary of the benefits associated with this position.  For a more comprehensive view on the lush benefits offered by the City, please go to www.pueblo.us/benefits. 

CIVIL SERVICE EXAM: 10/20/26

Please note that the Civil Service Commission may use a Training & Experience (T&E) evaluation of your application to establish an eligibility list for this classification.