The Public Assistance Planner position performs professional planning and technical work in the Planning Resources Division of the Department of Community Development. Requires knowledge of planning theories, concepts, principles, and methodologies; a strong knowledge of processes, codes, and regulations; ability to interpret development plans, regulations, laws, and legal descriptions; and astute critical thinking, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Must be able to analyze and communicate complex permitting and licensing requirements both verbally and in writing. Presents data and represents the County at Planning Commission, Liquor and Massage Facility License hearings, and various public meetings and forums.

Generally, the hiring range is $55,364-$69,205 annually. Qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position will be taken into consideration when determining hiring salary.

Douglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision/Retirement. For a more detailed overview please view the full Employee Benefit Guide.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.)

• Serves daily in leadership role by assisting the Public Outreach and Assistance Manager in overseeing operations, customer service, and technical functions.
• Processes applications related to land use reviews.
• Ensures liquor license applications are in compliance with county and state regulations; manages new liquor license applications, coordinates violation hearings with the Sheriff's Office and County Attorney's Office, and presents applications and compliance violations to the Local Liquor License Authority at public hearings.
• Ensures massage facility license applications are in compliance with county regulations; manages new massage facility license applications, coordinates violation hearings with the Sheriff's Office and County Attorney's Office, and presents applications and compliance violations to the Board of County Commissioners at public hearings.
• Monitors changes to the State of Colorado Liquor Code, Beer Code, and Special Event Liquor Permit Code. Communicates potential changes and impacts to the liquor licensing program to management.
• Assists in creating, implementing, and overseeing internal policies and procedures related to development review and processing.
• Serves as a key support staff for Planning Resources responsibilities for the Planning Commission, including but not limited to clerk and WebEx hosting duties.
• Reviews and analyzes zoning, subdivision, variance, appeal, special use, site plan requests, and land use applications for conformance with the Douglas County Zoning Resolution and State requirements, Douglas County Comprehensive Master Plan objectives, and departmental policies and standards.
• Provides informational and technical assistance concerning liquor licenses, massage facility licenses, zoning and subdivision regulations, development policies and procedures, and code interpretation to professionals, the general public, County staff and County elected officials.
• Manages preapplication proposals and serves as a point of contact for all land use application types by coordinating with applicants to ensure accuracy and completeness; reviewing and researching requests for compliance with regulations; following up and tracking pre-submittal reviews; and presenting findings to a review board as necessary.
• Represents the County at various governmental functions and with other community and special interest groups.
• Performs public assistance functions to include answering inquiries received through the Douglas County Citizen Connect system; providing customer service at the front counter; and resolving phone-in and emailed questions and concerns.
• Proposes solutions to issues arising from development requests, and guides developers in proper request procedures.
• Coordinates, researches and manages special projects as assigned.
• Researches and collects data for special planning studies and assembles findings for reports.
• Maintains database system for project tracking.
• Assists with various projects including referral packets, adjacent landowner notifications, project closeouts, data collection and analysis, public notices, scheduling, and staff report packets.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Work involves a high degree of independent judgment within regulations, guidelines, and the political environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not directly supervise other employees but may mentor others and lead teams.

INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT:

Uses technical and analytical expertise to develop solutions to difficult problems. Consequence of error may have a serious effect upon the function of the division, the public, the development community, and the County. Consequence of error is high and may result in inconsistent or inappropriate land use causing undue financial burden, personal hardship, ability for public involvement, or liability to the County. Errors in processing liquor and massage facility license applications could result in the loss of license for the license holder.

Errors in judgment or failure to achieve goals are likely to have serious consequence for, and negatively affect the function of the Department, the public, the development community, and the County socially and economically.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• A high school diploma or GED is required; a Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field is preferred
• Two to three years related experience or training.
• A combination of experience and education may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge: Ability to read and interpret plans, maps, permits, plats, zoning and legal documents, and regulations.

Skills: Ability to respond to inquiries from regulatory agencies, developers, or citizens. Ability to effectively communicate information in a manner appropriate to the audience. Must have strong writing and presentation skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Abilities: The ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks. Ability to handle detail with accuracy and recall information. Working knowledge of professional planning theories, concepts, principles, and methodologies. Ability to analyze and interpret development plans, regulations, and laws. Show understanding, tact, and politeness to others and relate well to people from varied backgrounds. Skill in the use of computer and audiovisual equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Work Environment: Work is generally performed in a typical office environment, and sometimes involves attendance at evening and weekend meetings.

Physical Demands: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus and perceive multiple map overlay variables.

Material and Equipment Directly Used: Requires the ability to effectively use computers, various software programs (including Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, and GIS), scanners, printers, and audiovisual equipment.