Why Work in Bayfield, CO?

Nestled in the heart of Southwest Colorado, Bayfield offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and outdoor adventure. With stunning mountain views, a welcoming community, and easy access to hiking, fishing, and skiing, Bayfield is an ideal place to live and work. Our town prides itself on a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and a commitment to growth and innovation. If you are looking for a career where you can make a real impact while enjoying an exceptional quality of life, Bayfield is the place for you!

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $82,264 - $102,830

Application Materials: Resume, Cover letter (stating relocation ability)

References: Two professional, one personal

Pre-Hire Requirements: Requires successful passing of a pre-hire drug test and criminal background.

Contact: mkehm@bayfieldgov.org

Deadline: Open till filled, first review of applicants on Thursday, September 4th, 2025

JOB SUMMARY

The town planner will provide guidance to the town with respect to the current, long-range and comprehensive plans. This position is also responsible for ensuring developer and builder compliance with approved town plans, zoning regulations and codes. The position also requires the performance of a variety of general, specialized and technical planning and building permit functions with the emphasis on customer service, processing permit applications and assisting with current and long-range planning projects. Manages and coordinates ongoing projects and programs utilizing the Town’s iWorQ permitting software.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The Town Planner works under the general supervision of the Town Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise both contract and town employees associated with the building inspection, development review, permitting and community planning programs.
• Perform professional planning functions in support of assigned projects including customer service, code interpretation, issuance of permits, review of development proposals, analyzing data, interpreting regulatory documents, researching best practices, and preparing reports.
• Receive, review, and manage the appropriate process for reaching decisions on development proposals and applications, including site plans, special use permits, limited use permits, variances, design review applications, building permit applications, sign permits, fence permits, etc.
• Interpret and explain code requirements to developers, builders, and the public. Prepare informational materials, application forms, and web-based content which aids in understanding code requirements. Recommend modifications to the code and procedures as appropriate.
• Work closely with other Town Departments, the Town’s contract engineers and building inspectors, Upper Pine River Fire Protection District, and other review agencies to make sure project timelines are being met.
• Conduct current and long-range planning studies as assigned. Research, analyze and interpret social, economic, land use and population data. Identify trends and potential impacts on the local community. Prepare written reports and make recommendations on planning activities.
• Confer with and advise developers, contractors and the general public on acceptable site plans and development proposals. Review annexation requests, building plans, surveys, parcel maps, tract maps, site plans, and subdivision plats. Ensure compliance with regulations and ordinances.
• Assist in the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Assist in the conduct of public meetings and prepare citizen participation materials, including brochures, flyers, maps, visualizations, audio-visual content, web-based content, and various materials about upcoming projects.
• Conduct field inspections for development and building proposals, land use surveys, and related planning studies.
• Provide staff assistance to the Board of Trustees, the Planning Commission, and other boards as assigned. Prepare staff reports and make presentations to the various Boards at evening meetings.
• Coordinate planning activities with other departments, outside agencies and other organizations.
• Provides staff assistance, advises, and takes minutes at planning commission meetings.
• Provide timely, courteous, and accurate customer service to the public at the counter, over the phone, via e-mail, and in the field.
• Oversee the preparation, presentation, and administration of departmental budget

KEY EXPERTISE AND SKILL SETS FUNDAMENTAL TO THIS POSITION

• Principles and practices of urban planning and design, economic and community development, and placemaking.
• Laws underlying Comprehensive Plans, zoning, and subdivisions.
• Principles of map reading, survey methods, geographic information systems, digitized mapping, public outreach methods, and data analytics.
• Applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Statistical and research methods and techniques related to planning.
• Computer operations, software applications, web-based technologies, and emerging technologies.
• Current literature, best practices, and recent developments in the field of housing, planning and zoning.
• Site planning techniques and methods.
• Technical report writing techniques.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations underlying general plans, environmental matters, zoning and subdivisions.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other mapping software to community development projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate’s degree in urban/municipal planning, public administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university plus at least four years of experience in a governmental or planning/design/permitting setting,

OR

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university plus at least two years of experience in governmental or planning/design/permitting setting required.

Master’s degree preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

• Colorado Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record.
• AICP Certification Preferred

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Work is typically performed in a standard office environment and in field investigating issues. Frequent to constant use of a personal computer. Work may involve competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to comply with tight deadlines. Some travel required.
 

PHYSICAL FACTORS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time and occasionally lift storage boxes of 20 lbs. or more.
 

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance: medical, dental, vision
• PERA Retirement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• PTO
• 13.5 holidays a year
• Mobile Allowance