About the Position:

As a Principal Planner, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our city's future. You will be responsible for the advanced professional-level work in developing, implementing, and modifying city plans and regulations. This role involves coordinating major city planning efforts, offering public assistance, and serving as a liaison to various stakeholders. Your commitment to ensuring adherence to city rules, regulations, and standards will be critical.

About the Community Development Department:

The Community Development Department plays a crucial role in shaping the physical and social fabric of the city and greater Grand Junction area, with the goal of creating a sustainable, livable, and inclusive urban environment that meets the needs of present and future generations. The work of the department is multidisciplinary with focus in land use, housing, sustainability and mobility.

What We Offer:

We know that a healthy and happy workforce is a thriving workforce, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports quality work-life balance including 32 days of paid annual leave, health insurance options, employer-matched retirement, a City employee health clinic, wellness program, an Employee Assistance Program. Of equal importance, we offer an opportunity to serve the community you love and live in. Our employees find their work rewarding and fulfilling, knowing that their day job makes a positive impact.

About Our Culture:

The Community Development Department works to guide and promote development that is vibrant, safe, provides a healthy lifestyle, and has a broad and balanced range of land uses. The department includes current planning, long range planning, historic preservation, housing, mobility and sustainability functions. The department works to implement the city's adopted Comprehensive Plan and the City Council's strategic priorities.

What You'll Do:

• Long-Range Planning: Conduct and/or manage long-range and special planning studies, gather data, and research statutes, laws, and regulations related to planning.
• City Planning: Execute advanced professional-level tasks related to the development, implementation, and modification of city plans and regulations.
• Public Engagement: Provide information and assistance to city staff, the public, and consultants/developers regarding city plans, zoning, and development requirements.
• Development Review: Perform complex planning and development reviews for various projects, ensuring compliance with all requirements.
• Committee Involvement: Serve on city boards, commissions, and committees involved in planning and development.
• Planning Studies: Research, prepare, manage, and implement planning studies and community plans to shape the city's future.
• Special Projects: Manage special projects, including research, planning, coordination, and implementation.
• Environmental Compliance: Interpret and apply environmental quality laws and regulations to ensure city projects comply with environmental standards.
• Grant Administration: Prepare grant proposals, administer grant programs, and monitor funds to achieve goals.
• Code Administration: Participate in code administration, interpret city ordinances, zoning codes, and state/federal regulations related to community development.
• Annexation Coordination: Process annexation petitions, coordinate legal descriptions and assess annexation impacts in compliance with state laws.
• Advisory Role: Serve as an advisory member to committees and commissions, providing necessary support.
• Data Analysis: Coordinate research, compile and analyze data, and prepare reports, tables, graphs, and narratives.
• Professional Development: Stay informed about industry innovations and trends by attending professional group meetings.
• Additional Duties: Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as required.

What We're Looking For:

• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible urban planning and development experience.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning or related field.

Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.