City Planner

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

January 31, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

69,118.40 - 100,297.60

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time salaried position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Non Union (30+ Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

OVERVIEW OF ROLE (Code Amendment)
Under the general supervision of the Development Code Amendment Manager, the City Planner (Code Amendment) assists the workgroup and department initiatives related to three principle focus areas including; 1) community engagement, involvement and outreach programs, including philanthropic and volunteer opportunities 2) research, compilation, evaluation and development of reports, presentation materials and data to support work plan initiatives, 3) assisting the workgroup on a variety of capital projects, operational needs and planning initiatives associated with the annual Capital Improvement Program, Asset Management Program and work plan. Functions as a project manager working interdepartmentally and with the public to coordinate and process zoning code amendments, directly supports the Senior Policy Advisor and Senior Planner in preparing zoning code amendments, and performs related duties as required.

Job Description:

CODE AMENDMENT

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES                 

Analyzes and prepares information regarding zoning code amendments:

• Conducts and facilitates public outreach with interested resident / neighborhood groups and the development community in the formulation of recommendations for zoning code amendments. Works closely with resident / neighborhood groups and the development community to facilitate an open, high quality, transparent public review process.

• Coordinates proposed zoning code amendments with multiple city departments to identify potential impacts and outcomes.

• Supports the Development Code Amendment Manager and Principal Planner in drafting zoning code amendment language to implement city policy in a consistent manner and improve the efficacy of the land use code.

• Writes detailed memos and reports to other staff, the public, review boards and city council.

• Presents information and recommendations in public hearings to review boards, city council and resident / neighborhood groups.

• Communicates directly with the public to provide information about policy objectives, processes, requirements and collects feedback about proposed amendments and their impacts.

• Researches applicable background information.

• Coordinates with and manages consultants and consulting budgets when necessary.

• May occasionally review and process administrative development review project applications.

• Uses automated case tracking software, geographic information system applications, word processing, presentation, project management and spreadsheet software.

• Continuously updates skills, knowledge of planning methods and city codes and policies.

• Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the city.

• Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, other materials, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to deal with ambiguity and can shift gears comfortably; can effectively cope with and manage change.

• Ability to demonstrate customer focus. Dedicated to the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.

• Ability to demonstrate excellent communication skills: strong listening, verbal, written, presentation and public speaking skills.

• Ability to demonstrate excellent organizational skills. Comfortable learning the processes necessary to complete tasks; knows how to organize tasks and people to get things done.

• Ability to demonstrate excellent writing, speaking and public presentation skills.

• Ability to demonstrate good time management skills. Uses time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates efforts on the more important priorities; can independently prioritize tasks; can attend to a broad range of activities; makes decisions in a timely fashion. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to demonstrate interpersonal skills including strong mediation, facilitation, consensus building, and diplomacy, including the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and groups in potentially controversial situations.

• Ability to demonstrate organizational skills and the ability to multitask. Ability to participate in planning projects which involve politically sensitive or controversial issues.

• Ability to demonstrate patience and is tolerant and sensitive with people and processes.

• Ability to demonstrate well-developed leadership and customer service skills, and proven ability to support a solution-oriented staff response to customer needs.

• Ability to learn technical concepts, new information and processes quickly. Is comfortable asking questions of other staff.

• Ability to persevere and pursue everything with energy, drive, doesn’t give up in the face of resistance.

• Ability to work in a team environment or independently with limited supervision.

• Knowledge and proficiency in MS Office 365.

• Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.

• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to demonstrate analytical and organization skills. Knowledge and understanding of the community, including its geography, politics, and laws.

• Ability to demonstrate working knowledge or proficiency in GIS, Adobe InDesign, SketchUp and Smartsheets.

• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in analyzing and processing zoning code amendments including report writing and presentations to elected boards, councils and or citizen groups.

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, or related field.

• One (1) year of development review and or code administration or code amendment experience.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, or related field; or equivalent of eight (8) years of experience may substitute for the education requirement only.

• Three (3) years of development review experience and or code administration or code amendment experience.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received:  Development Code Amendment Manager

Supervision Exercised:  None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS    

• Physical and Mental Effort: Requires occasional lifting, carrying, walking and standing; frequent hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment; vision for reading, recording and interpreting information; speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and the public

• Work Environment:  Participates in evening meetings and engagement events when necessary

• Machines and Equipment Used: Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers, telephones, calculators and copy/fax machines. May drive a city vehicle when necessary.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated:  October 2024

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.