Planning Tech/ Planner I, Planner II

ALAMOSA COUNTY, Land Use Department, Planning Tech/ Planner I, Planner II

REPORTS TO: Land Use & Building Director

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

SALARY RANGE: $48,000-$65,000/year DOE

DATE ADOPTED: September 2026

CLOSE DATE: Open until filled

1st Review of Applications: October 19, 2026

JOB SUMMARY:

Planning Tech - The Planning Tech is a paraprofessional and technical position that assists in the daily operation of the Land Use & Building Department, including a significant amount of time on administrative tasks. This individual will work closely with the public on a regular basis to provide customer service on planning related issues. The successful Planning Technician may be asked to perform basic professional-level duties of moderate complexity and will assist in the administration and enforcement of the Land Use Development Code and Comprehensive Plan.

Planner I & II- In addition to the duties of the Planning Tech position, the Planner I position performs professional level planning and zoning work under basic supervision. This individual performs a variety of routine and professional planning duties in support of the Department, including collecting, organizing, analyzing, and evaluating data pertaining to the zoning and development review process. This position is focused on processing land use cases, research related to long term planning, and special planning related projects. The Planner II position is similar to the Planner 1 but requires prior planning experience and this individual is expected to handle more complex and specialized professional planning duties and work with minimal supervision.

For all positions, the individual will serve as a resource to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other County departments. These positions directly support the role of the Director and this individual is expected to participate in training and professional development. This is a full time 37.5 hour/week position eligible for county benefits.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (The following are illustrative of essential functions to perform duties and responsibilities of the job. The position may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional tasks as needed by the Department. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.)

• Provide information, process applications, and perform inspections as needed to assure compliance with adopted codes and standards
• Assist in the analysis, drafting, refinement, and amendment of department policies, land use regulations, and the comprehensive plan.
• Public Engagement: Provide the public with technical assistance and information on the Land Use Development Code, county and state regulations, planning projects and Department policies and procedures.
• Permit Review: research, evaluate, and make recommendations for compliance with planning principles and relevant regulations of site plan, subdivision, use permit, variance, and other land use applications.
• Land Use Case Management: participate in pre-application meetings; process applications; perform site visits and research prior decisions and actions; prepare recommendations, staff reports and meeting materials; present to county and public Boards and Commissions; track compliance and perform enforcement as appropriate.
• Investigate violations of planning regulations and ordinances, including site visits.
• Prepare a variety of maps, written reports, memos, and correspondence for use by the Department, County Staff and Officials, and the public.
• Maintain accurate records of permits, inspections, and other job-related activities in automated tracking systems, hard copy files, and other records.
• Research, compile, and compare information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
• Provide administrative support and make oral presentations as needed to the Planning Commission, County Commission, and Board of Adjustment.
• Attend public meetings as necessary, including those in the evenings and on weekends.
• Participate in professional training
• Communicate effectively, answer telephones/emails, assist customers at the front counter, bilingual preferred.
• Perform routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying, answering telephone, and responding to e-mails
• Perform other tasks and duties to support the department and as required by the Director

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge:

• Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. Specifically, the understanding of the various ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning, building, and site development.
• Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, water, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
• Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge and use of phones, copiers, fax machines, computer hardware and software. Knowledge in the use and understanding of information from a GPS device. A master level of computer proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation slide programs, and databases.

Skills:

• Writing Skills Skilled in writing reports, research, and data management.
• Maps/GIS Must be proficient in interpreting maps, and identifying and resolving contradictions or discrepancies between mapped data and actual physical characteristics of land. Experience with GIS software including ESRI is preferred.
• Plans & Drawings Must be proficient in reading and using site plans, construction drawings, profiles, and cross sections.
• Consistency & Accuracy Requires a level of knowledge and ability to accomplish tasks or projects in a consistent and accurate manner and in a variety of situations.
• Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Administration and Management Skilled in organization, decision making and time management skills. Exercise independent judgment and critical thought.

Abilities:

• Professionalism

• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism.

• Ability to pay attention to detail, be dependable, and be responsible.

• Ability to process paperwork, maintain files, and generate reports and communications.

• Ability to work effectively in an environment that can be very busy or very slow.

• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.

• Ability to adapt to changes in work assignments.

• Communication & Listening

• Ability to accurately and effectively transmit and receive information that is necessary to the accomplishment of goals and objectives including effective written and oral communication.

• Ability to engage effectively with property owners, professionals, and the general public.

• Ability to listen and respond effectively in stressful situations and during conflict.

• Ability to keep customers, peers, and supervisors informed.

• Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to maintain courteous and effective working relationships with the public, county departments, co-workers and other agencies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• All Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of land use concepts and procedures
• Planning Tech: Bachelor's or Associate's degree in planning, geography, social science, history, English or related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Planner I: Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field or 1-2 years of related experience
• Planner II: Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field AND 1+ year related experience OR Master's Degree in Planning or related field.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Colorado Driver's License
• Must pass Alamosa County background check and pre-employment drug testing
• Preference given for AICP candidate status or AICP certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORK CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minimal physical effort is generally required in the performance of duties under typically office conditions. Moderate physical effort is required when conducting field inspections. The ability to maneuver stairs and uneven terrain is required for field inspections during all types of weather conditions. The ability to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment at efficient speed is required. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit, talk and hear; hearing and vision correctable to normal ranges; close-up vision and the ability to adjust focus across a presentation audience. The employee is required to communicate both orally and in writing. The employee must be able to reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls, drive, and lift (typically not more than 25 pounds). This position may be required to drive in a variety of weather conditions.

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The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this job, the level of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

It is the policy of Alamosa County to not discriminate against any person with regard to all federally protected classifications including race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, any disability, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.