Senior Planner

Senior Planner

Salary

$82,709.56 - $119,928.86 Annually

Location

Adams County Government Center, 4430 S. Adams County Parkway, Brighton, CO

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

07491

Department

Community & Economic Development

Division

Planning & Development

Opening Date

05/15/2026

Closing Date

5/29/2026 4:30 PM Mountain

Our Mission

To responsibly serve the Adams County community with integrity and innovation.

EEO

Adams County is an equal opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Position classification

Hybrid -- Job duties and expectations allow for onsite and remote work scheduled every week. Employees in this classification are regularly scheduled onsite one (1) to four (4) days per week based on the County needs and as determined by Department Director. Hybrid classified roles can be onsite more than the set minimum based on employee preference.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

What Success Looks Like In This Job

Plan and coordinate the programs and activities of Current Planning within the Community and Economic Development Department. Coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public. Provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Community and Economic Development Director, Development Review Manager, Board of County Commissioners, Planning Commissions, and the Board of Adjustment.

Examples of Duties for Success

• Reviewing complex site development plans and building permit applications for conformance with adopted regulations and standards; writing staff reports and making presentations before the Board of County Commissioners, Planning Commission, and the Board of Adjustment.
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting complex development regulations and standards, as well as social, economic, and land use data.
• Identifying the need for changes to processes, programs, policies, and systems. Proposing positive changes and helping with scoping projects to be completed within the department.
• Conducting complex studies and needs assessments for the development of programs to address significant development issues.
• Leading significant special projects within the department under the direction and guidance of the Development Review Manager.
• Presenting issues of importance to county leadership and decision makers; making policy recommendations under the supervision of the Development Review Manager.
• Assisting with the management of complex projects as assigned; negotiating with public or private entities; monitoring and making policy recommendations related to major regional projects.
• Responding to and resolving difficult and sensitive citizen inquires and complaints with respect to Current and Comprehensive Planning.
• Assisting in the management of consultant projects; preparing requests for proposals, coordinating selection, and acting as project manager.
• Coordinating public participation on major projects; conducting outreach to encourage public participation; preparing news releases and public information; and facilitating public meetings.
• Performing other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications for Success

• Demonstrate and apply the operational characteristics, services, and activities of an urban planning and development program.
• Use basic organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of planning theory principles and practices and applying them to a wide variety of projects.
• Utilize principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Use methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Apply quantitative and statistical analysis.
• Keep abreast of recent developments, current literature, and sources of information as they relate to urban planning and administration.
• Coordinate the work of professional and technical personnel.
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient planning services.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Identify, coordinate, and resolve a wide variety of interests in the development of land use policy.
• Analyze and develop policies related to land and community development.
• Interpret, apply, and ensure project compliance with Federal, State, and local rules, laws, and regulations.
• Prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.
• Coordinate inter-governmental planning activities and effectively represent the interests of the County.
• Negotiate agreements.
• Prepare and present information at public hearings and meetings.
• Accurately interpret "The Comprehensive Plan" and the Adams County Development Standards and Regulations to the general public and developers.
• Computer Skills: Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

More Qualifications for Success

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience: Five (5) years of practical planning experience.

• Education and Training:

• A Bachelors Degree in Urban Planning or a related field is required.

• A Masters Degree with is preferred and may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

• An AICP designation is preferred.

• With demonstration of exceptional abilities, candidates without an AICP designation may qualify for this position.

• License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado drivers license.

• Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.

• Other: Night time meetings may be required.

Special requirements include the following essential duties, which require these physical abilities and work environment:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, squat, and stoop.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 45 pounds.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions occurs on the job.
• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).
• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more).
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors).
• Ability to adjust focus.

Ability to obtain, maintain, and ensure continued access to State and County systems in strict compliance with all applicable county and state regulations, policies, and user agreements.

Adams County and the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office complies with Colorado's Job Application Fairness Act ("JAFA"). JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant's age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation.

Adams County provides a comprehensive benefits package to employees that goes above and beyond what is offered at most organizations.

Benefits You Expect:

• AFLAC Supplemental Medical Insurance
• Basic Term Life & Optional Term Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Dental/Vision/Medical Plans
• Generous Vacation/Sick leave
• Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan
• Short-Term Disability

Plus some you might not expect:

• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Fitness Center
• Employee Health Clinics
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Recreation Center Discounts
• Training & Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Wellness programs
• Lactation friendly certified workplace

01

Please be aware that your cover letter and resume will not be accessed in the initial screening process, so you must complete your application and supplemental questions with as much detail as possible. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your cover letter and resume will then be accessible to the hiring team. Information provided on the application is used to determine if a candidate meets minimum qualifications. Only information provided at the time of the application being completed will be considered and additional information that is not listed on the application will not be considered when deciding if a candidate meets or does not meet the qualifications. Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to include all information and details on their application. I understand and agree that only information provided at the time of my application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum requirements for this position.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• Yes, I understand but disagree.

02

Please indicate how you meet the minimum experience and education requirements for this role.

• I have nine (9) years of practical planning experience and a high school diploma.
• I have seven (7) years of practical planning experience and a related Associates degree.
• I have five (5) years of practical planning experience and a Bachelors degree in Urban Planning or a related field.
• I have three (3) years of practical planning experience and a related Masters degree.
• None of the above

03

This role requires possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Colorado drivers license. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

04

This role prefers an AICP designation. Do you meet this preference?

• Yes
• No

05

What is your understanding of citizen participation in land use decisions?

06

What experience do you have with writing staff reports and making public hearing presentations?

07

What experience do you have with current planning/development review?

Required Question

Employer Adams County

Address 4430 S. Adams County Parkway, Suite C4000B

Brighton, Colorado, 80601-8213

Website http://www.adamscountyco.gov/careers