Under specified direction, performs professional-level work in comprehensive planning and/or development review for the city of Thornton.

Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from level I or II or, when filled from the outside, require previous and directly related experience. The Planner I/II is also flexibly linked to the Senior Planner.

Planner I:
Under general supervision, incumbents entering this class have limited related work experience. Work performed at this level is routine and moderately complex. Generally, work is closely observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion.

Planner II:
Under direction, work performed at this level is more complex in nature. Incumbents assigned to this class are expected to perform the full range of work assigned to this class and to work with considerable independence and initiative.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

• Performs professional work in either current or long-range planning. Analyzes and reviews development proposals or applications including but not limited to zoning requests, conceptual site plans, subdivisions, architectural reviews, development permits, variance applications, minor building permits, and temporary use permits for compliance with appropriate planning principles, regulations, and policies.
• Prepares and implements elements of the Comprehensive Plan, master plans, long-range planning studies, ordinance amendments, and reports on other planning issues. Coordinates outreach programs associated with long-range planning projects. Prepares recommendations as appropriate. Assists in the administration of consultants performing long-range planning projects for the city.
• Manages the review of metropolitan districts; conducts meetings with property owners and their representatives during the application period. Reviews and analyzes applications for the metropolitan districts for compliance with appropriate planning principles, state and local regulations and policies.
• Organizes and facilitates meetings with developers and community groups to introduce and discuss new development proposals and planning projects. Answers planning, zoning and development process questions from citizens, developers and other agencies.
• Advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public on the City's Comprehensive Plan, ordinances, development process, policies, procedures, standards and other land use matters including the current zoning of property. May assist in research of these matters.
• Conducts field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and conditions. Reviews and approves building permits for zoning compliance.
  Researches and writes Development Code Amendments, including text amendments and the creation of new zoning districts.
• Designs and prepares illustrative and graphic presentation materials for public hearings and meetings; utilizes the City's GIS map programs.
• Collects, records, and maintains databases of statistical and demographic information. Retrieves, manipulates, and summarizes information for planning reports.
• Prepares articles and correspondence related to planning issues or projects. Prepares technical staff reports for elected and appointed boards and committees.
• Participates in regional planning efforts and federal census processes. Researches local, regional and national planning issues. Researches and advises department on use of federal programs and funding.
• Presents to the Planning Commission, City Council, or other boards and commissions.
• Facilitate resolution of conflicting views on projects and negotiate and prepare developer agreements and contracts.
• Updates job knowledge continuously regarding planning methods, design criteria, city zoning, land use regulations and long-range planning matters.
• Conducts physical and socioeconomic surveys. Analyzes socioeconomic forecasts and population trends and compiles technical information.
• May acts as City Development representative at city events and festivals.
• Maintains case files, both electronically and hard copy, and ensures files are clean and contain the required information.
• May mentor and assist in training less experienced planners.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

Planner I:
Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university; one year of related experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Planner II:
Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university; three years of professional planning experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.