Planner I/II/Senior - Current Planning

Planner I/II/Senior - Current Planning

Salary

$76,011.00 - $108,035.00 Annually

Location

City of Thornton; City Hall, CO

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

26194

Department

City Development

Division

Planning

Opening Date

08/07/2026

Closing Date

8/24/2026 5:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Non-Exempt

WORK HOURS

STANDARD 40 HOUR WORKWEEK

PROBATION

One year (if not currently a certified City of Thornton employee)

STATUS 2

FLSA STATUS DEPENDENT ON LEVEL

BENEFITS

SEE BENEFITS TAB

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Thornton is looking for an enthusiastic planner to join the Current Planning division in the City Development Department. The Current Planning group is small, passionate about improving the lives of the community, and has a collaborative leadership environment. Everyone's contribution is valued.

The City Development Department emphasizes a positive overall work experience, including a work-life balance through flexible/hybrid work schedules, professional and personal training opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.

Work examples will be requested from candidates who are interviewed for this position.

The level the successful candidate will be hired at depends on their experience, education, and qualifications. The target hiring range and full pay ranges are:

• Planner I (non-exempt) target hiring range: $36.54 - $42.39 per hour

• Planner I (non-exempt) full pay range: $36.54 - $48.24 per hour

• Planner II (non-exempt) target hiring range: $39.10 - $45.36 per hour

• Planner II (non-exempt) full pay range: $39.10 - $51.62 per hour

• Senior Planner (exempt) target hiring range: $93,134 - $108,035 annually

• Senior Planner (exempt) full pay range: $93,134 - $122,937 annually

The City of Thornton offers an excellent benefits package, generous time off accruals, and a comprehensive wellness program.

Hybrid working options and flexible schedules are available as approved.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under specified direction, performs professional-level work in 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.

Senior Planner:

Under direction, performs advanced and complex professional work in planning and development for the city of Thornton, including either current or long-range planning, or both functions with considerable independence and initiative.

This position is flexibly linked to the Planner I/II series.

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.)

Planner I/II:

Performs professional work in current 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.

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 Citys 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 Citys 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.

May acts as City Development representative at city events and festivals.

Maintains case files and ensures files are clean and contain the required information.

May mentor and assist in training less experienced planners.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Senior Planner:

Analyzes and reviews development proposals or applications such as annexations, zoning requests, subdivisions, and development permits for compliance with appropriate planning principles, regulations and policies. Formulates recommendations regarding planning issues.

Prepares reports explaining proposed projects, problem areas, and proposed solutions. Provides assistance to developers, architects, land planners, attorneys, and the public regarding the development process, zoning issues, and planning matters.

Manages the review of development proposals; conducts pre-development meetings with land use planners, architects and the public; holds ongoing meetings with developers, consultants and owners during the application period.

Researches and defines code requirements pertinent to development applications. Negotiates with applicants, developers and other city departments regarding development requirements to obtain quality projects.

Facilitates resolutions to conflicting views on projects; negotiates and prepares developer agreements and contracts. Reviews and approves building permits for zoning compliance.

Conducts site visits and field inspections of development projects to verify compliance with codes and approved permits.

Collects, records, and maintains databases of statistical and demographic information utilizing the citys mapping program. Retrieves, manipulates, and summarizes information for planning reports.

Prepares articles and correspondence related to planning issues and projects.

Prepares technical staff reports and gives presentations to the Planning Commission, Development Permits and Appeals Board, City Council, and other boards and commissions.

Serves as staff liaison and conducts meetings for the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Prepares elements of the comprehensive plan, master plans and special studies; analyzes socio-economic forecasts, population and trends, and compiles technical information on findings. Prepares ordinance revisions.

Participates in regional planning efforts and researches local, regional, and national planning issues.

Researches and advises department on use of federal programs and funds.

Manages the review of metropolitan districts; conducts meetings with property owners and their representatives during the application period. Reviews and analyzes applications for metropolitan districts for compliance with appropriate planning principles, state and local regulations and policies.

Administers federal and other housing-related funding programs. Conducts research and prepares recommendations on housing-related issues.

Utilizes GIS to produce maps.

Conducts physical and socioeconomic surveys.

Administers consultants performing long-range planning projects.

May serve in an acting capacity during absences.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

Planner I:

Bachelors 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:

Bachelors 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.

Senior Planner:

Bachelors degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university; four years of progressively responsible professional planning experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Masters degree in Planning is preferred.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification preferred.

May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Planner I:

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.

Knowledge of the theory, principles, practices, and methods of current and advanced municipal planning.

Skill in performing routine and moderately complex current planning tasks.

Skill in reviewing and analyzing re-zoning requests, preliminary and final plats, architectural reviews, development permits, and temporary use permits.

Skill in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle.

Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks.

Ability to handle conflicts and deal with the public in a mature, effective, and responsible manner.

Ability to analyze data, issue findings, and develop recommendations.

Ability to exercise discretion or independent judgment.

Ability to assist developers, architects, land planners, and the public with the development process, zoning issues, and planning matters.

Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.

Ability to research, develop and lead formal and informal presentations and discussions with diverse groups.

Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, database management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, builders, developers, contractors and community members.

Planner II:

In addition to previous requirements:

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances related to comprehensive planning land use, zoning, subdivisions, and annexations.

Knowledge of the city of Thornton Comprehensive Plan, Master Plans, and Neighborhood Plans.

Skill in the use and operation of GIS applications.

Skill in writing comprehensive reports.

Ability to effectively conduct meetings with developers and community groups.

Ability to perform complex current planning tasks.

Ability to facilitate and negotiate resolution to complex planning issues and develop strategies and recommendations to address them.

Ability to properly administer grant funds.

Ability to conduct field inspections of development projects to verify compliance with codes and approved permits.

Ability to research and analyze planning issues and to develop strategies and recommendations to address them.

Senior Planner:

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances related to land use, zoning, subdivisions, and annexations.

Knowledge of Thorntons Comprehensive Plan, master plans, and neighborhood plans.

Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of current and long-range municipal planning.

Knowledge of materials and equipment used in municipal planning, including cameras, slide projectors, and GIS applications.

Skill in preparing comprehensive plans, master plans and area plans; and in developing planning policy and program proposals.

Skill in researching and analyzing planning issues, and developing strategies to address them.

Skill in conducting productive meetings with developers, land use planners, architects and the public.

Ability to perform advanced and complex current and/or long-range planning functions.

Ability to appropriately review and analyze development proposals and applications including annexations, zoning requests, subdivisions, and development permits.

Ability to research and define code requirements pertinent to development applications.

Ability to assist developers, architects, land planners, and the public with the development process, zoning issues, and planning matters.

Ability to formulate sound recommendations regarding planning issues and development cases.

Ability to facilitate and negotiate resolution to complex planning issues.

Ability to effectively manage specific program areas or planning functions such as a housing and neighborhood revitalization program.

Ability to prepare developer agreements and contracts.

Ability to exercise considerable independence and initiative.

Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.

Ability to research, develop and lead formal and informal presentations and discussions with diverse groups.

Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software required for the job.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, other agencies, developers, contractors and community members.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, lift, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly sedentary work; exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity, and is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.

TESTING PROCEDURES

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.

The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.

The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email Jobs@thorntonco.gov to receive a copy of our current Benefits Guide.

Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life, Dependent Life & Supplemental Life Insurance Options
• Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
• Flexible Spending Plan
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Retirement & Deferred Compensation Plans
• Short & Long-term Disability Plans
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation & Sick Leave
• Multilingual Incentive Pay
• Recreation Pass
• Wellness Program
• In-House Training Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

01

Select the highest level of education that you have completed.

• High School/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

02

How many years of planning experience do you have?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 -2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-4 years
• 4 years or more

03

Do you have experience doing current planning?

• Yes
• No

04

If you selected Yes to the previous question, please describe your experience. If you answered no, please enter N/A.

05

Do you have Project Management experience?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe experience. If you answered "No", please enter N/A

07

Do you have experience preparing documents and providing presentations to commissions and councils?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Thornton

Department City Development Address City of Thornton

9500 Civic Center Drive

Thornton, Colorado, 80229

Website www.thorntonco.gov