City Planner – City of Cortez
For the full job posting, click HERE
The City of Cortez, Colorado is seeking a City Planner. This position presents an exciting
opportunity for a mid- or senior-level planning and land use professional to join a small, dynamic
Community and Economic Development team in the growing community of Cortez, Colorado.
The team is addressing growth, complex land uses, and long-range planning issues. Cortez is a
vibrant community of 8,999 people located in the southwest corner of the state. With nearby
mountain ranges and deserts, Cortez has optimal access to myriad outdoor recreational
opportunities.
Position/Benefit Information: The City Planner is a full time position working generally
Monday-Friday during core business hours. Some evening meetings are required. This is a fully
benefited opportunity including health insurance, dental, vision, vacation, retirement and
numerous other benefits.
Pay range: is $29.71-$48.34.
Qualifications: Preparation through both education and experience will determine the best
qualified applicant. Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field, and 6 years of
responsible experience performing the qualifications listed or related duties required. Master’s
degree preferred. Must have AICP certification or ability to earn certification within one year of
hire.
For a complete job description, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2p9ycyta
To Apply: Applications may be obtained from the City’s website at www.cortezco.gov, or from the
Southwest Colorado Workforce Center. Applications may be dropped off at City Hall located at
123 Roger Smith Avenue, 970-565-3402, or at the Southwest Colorado Workforce Center, 22 W.
North Street, Cortez, CO 81321, phone 970-565-3759. Applications may also be emailed to
[email protected], or to [email protected].
Updated job information is below:
The City of Cortez has an opening for a City Planner in the Community & Economic Development Department.
Some of the responsibilities are:
Administers the City’s Zoning Ordinances, including text interpretation to citizens. Accepts and processes
public hearing applications for planning and zoning matters; assembles public hearing packets; prepares written
reports for the Planning Commission and/or City Council in response to applications; attends and presents at
Planning Commission and City Council meetings serving as the staff liaison for all matters related to land use,
zoning, building and development.
Reviews and processes encroachment permits, sign permits, short-term rental licenses, CDOT Access permits
and other permits related to land use, zoning, building and development and coordinates review of such permits
with other staff as necessary.
Performs complex planning and development review of all subdivisions, right-of-way and easement vacations,
annexations, and all other development review to ensure compliance with all City requirements. Coordinates
review directly with the City Attorney, City Engineer and Public Works department as necessary; tracks
detailed development agreements between the City and developer/owner. Prepares written reports and public
hearing packets for all development proposals; provides recommendations on all development proposals to the
Planning Commission and/or City Council. Assists developers to ensure all requirements are compiled within
established time frames; coordinates and inspects development sites to ensure compliance.
Is responsible to perform timely and accurate data entry into required databases. Advises updates to GIS
mapping system. Prepares, stores, and disseminates public information and records in keeping with City,
department, and state record keeping policies.
Keeps Director abreast of all development proposals, community outreach plans, long range planning, etc.
Carries out policy and procedures to accomplish departmental long-range goals. Presents his/her self in a
positive, approachable way to both constituents and staff. Is a team player, and keeps a positive, respectful
outlook toward the public during stressful situations.
Assesses and manages long-range plans and special planning studies, including City-wide master planning
efforts and specific area master planning; coordinates with the public throughout the planning process; prepares
a variety of reports related to project progress; facilitates and/or participates in a variety of meetings and
workshops with the Planning Commission and/or City Council.
Prepares meeting agendas; coordinates public notice requirements; attends all meetings, which are typically
after regular working hours; serves as the staff liaison to all members; organizes trainings, reference materials,
onboarding and workshops in coordination with the Community and Economic Development Director.
Participates in the development of strategies to enhance the quality of life for City residents; engages in various
operational responsibilities in cooperation with City staff to achieve goals and objectives; assists in coordination
of projects with other departments or agencies.
Serves as staff representative on a variety of boards, commissions and committees involved in the development,
adoption, and implementation of City plans and policies; participates in regional and statewide planning efforts;
prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence and provides recommendations to the
Planning Commission, City Council or other City committees.
Provides regular and detailed assistance to City staff, the public, consultants, developers, and builders regarding
City plans, current planning projects, zoning matters, subdivision and development requirements, other City
regulations, and state and federal regulations; conducts pre-application meetings with engineers, developers,
architects, general public and City staff regarding the development process and requirements.
Performs advanced professional level duties in the recommendation, development, and modification of City
regulations. Conducts research of applicable statutes/regulations and other planning examples; develops text
amendments and related ordinances; reviews and updates ordinances affecting planning, zoning, signing, traffic,
building, infrastructure, and related departmental areas; recommends policy and guideline changes; prepares a
variety of reports related to project progress; presents findings to the Planning Commission and/or City Council.
Evaluates employee performance including the maintenance of credentials and certification; advances decisions
affecting employee selection, retention, advancement, discipline and termination; writes and/or reviews letters
of recommendation or reprimand; manages grievances and disciplinary matters related to work assignments,
interpersonal relationships and general behavior.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Ability to:
- Interpret, apply and explain pertinent federal, state and local laws, grant programs, codes and
regulations. - Identify and suggest needed changes to City codes, standards and procedures; enforce regulations with
fairness, tact, and impartiality. - Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; present technical data in verbal, written, graph and
map form; prepare and present technical reports; operate personal computer and various applications,
including at a minimum: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, GIS and Adobe Acrobat;
perform advanced mathematical calculations. - Develop and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, federal agencies, state
agencies, local governments, co-workers, colleagues, subordinates, and the public. - Keep current with changing regulations and good practices; communicate clearly and effectively with
City employees, the general public, contractors, designers/architects, engineers, developers, and other
industry professionals; problem-solve and function in a collective, team environment with other City
employees; represent the City in a professional manner at all times. - Manage and prioritize a constantly changing workload; focus on details and think strategically.
Must have Considerable knowledge of:
- Federal, state, and local laws affecting planning, zoning and related operations of the City. Planning and
zoning and subdivision law, theory and application. - Principles and practices related to local government planning and zoning, economics, sociology and
community organization as applied to urban planning. - Local government structure and operations, including the budgetary procedures and fiscal management;
research methodology, statistical analysis and evaluation of research data; interpersonal communication
skills. - Working knowledge of principles of supervision, workflow management, and leadership.
- Must be skilled in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving.
- Valid Colorado driver’s license.
- Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field, and 6 years of responsible experience
performing the qualifications listed or related duties. Master’s degree preferred. Must have AICP
certification or ability to earn certification within one year of hire. - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provides the required
knowledge, skills and abilities, may be acceptable.
Working conditions:
Work is performed in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of
physical activities, involving moderate muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting and
reaching. Continuous talking, hearing and seeing required in the normal course of performing the job.
Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions. Mental application utilizes
memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem
solving. Considerable exposure to stress associated with high level of personal accountability, high impact
decision-making and conflict management. Periodic travel required in normal course of job performance. Is
required to attend numerous meetings