City of Westminster
Senior Planner
City of Westminster, Westminster, Colorado, United States, 80031
3% Salary Increase effective July 2025Join our dynamic team as a Senior Planner, where you will play a key role in shaping the future of our city. Reporting directly to the Principal Planner, you will lead and manage current planning projects, ensuring they are delivered efficiently and effectively. As a solution-oriented professional, you will supervise a team of experienced staff, guiding them to success while maintaining high standards of performance.In this role, you will provide analysis and recommend policy and operational efficiency changes to the department, while also developing and standardizing processes to enhance overall team performance. Additionally, you will assist the team in implementing strategic goals and serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring clear and transparent communication throughout the planning process.If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for urban development and have a proven track record of effective leadership, we invite you to apply.
This recruitment is open continuous, with a first review of applications scheduled for October 15, 2024. Apply now!DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of professional, technical, and administrative staff performing difficult and complex professional and technical support related to all activities of a specific functional area in the Planning Division of the Community Development Department, such as current, advance, and historic preservation planning; manages the effective use of the City's planning resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Community Development Director, Principal Planner, City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Committee, and others in areas of expertise; oversees, reviews, and performs a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports; and performs related work.SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Principal Planner. Exercises technical and functional supervision and training to Associate Planners, Assistant Planners, Planning Technicians, and Administrative staff.CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Senior Planner is responsible for supervising the functions of the advance planning, current planning, and/or special projects sections within the Planning Division. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day current or advance planning activities, special projects, and is responsible for providing professional-level support to the Principal Planner and Community Development Director. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating departmental work with that of other City departments and public agencies.The Community Development Department organizationally has two senior planning positions, one in Advanced Planning and one in Current Planning. This recruitment is to fill the Senior Planner position responsible for Current Planning in the City of Westminster.Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Planner role involves planning, organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of lower-level staff engaged in planning duties. This includes training staff in work procedures, providing policy guidance, interpreting policies, evaluating employee performance, and addressing any deficiencies.The individual participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for their assigned function, recommending service and staffing levels in accordance with departmental policy and administering policies and procedures.They also work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services, projects, and activities by developing and standardizing procedures, monitoring workloads, and identifying areas for improvement to be recommended to the Planning Management Team.The Senior Planner assists the Principal Planner in the selection, motivation, and evaluation of personnel, as well as may coordinate staff training and assist the Principal Planner with addressing performance issues.They review staff reports, assign work, and provide guidance on work plans and methods.In addition to overseeing assigned budgets, the Senior Planner provides highly complex assistance to the Community Development Director and Principal Planner, including developing and reviewing staff reports, presenting to and advising the City Council and Planning Commission on technical planning and zoning matters.They may also engage in public relations and outreach efforts, leading forums and workshops, and writing articles for the City’s quarterly newsletter.The Senior Planner manages highly complex planning projects related to General Plan updates, project-specific plans, ordinance preparation, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, such as CEQA.They provide input to the Principal Planner and current planning staff regarding long-range planning policy documents and serve as a resource for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors.They facilitate community participation through ongoing dialogue with residents on major projects and representing the city to external agencies.They may represent the department in regional planning committee meetings.The Senior Planner will negotiate and manage service contracts, review consultant work products, oversee invoices and payments, and administer various grants.They will conduct organizational and operational studies, recommend modifications to programs and policies, and stay up to date on trends and innovations in planning.The Senior Planner receives, investigates, and resolves complaints, assists with special projects, and performs other duties as assigned.KNOWLEDGE OF:
The principles and practices of employee supervision, such as work planning, project and task assignment, employee review and evaluation, along with staff development training of operational processes.A solid understanding of the basic principles and practices of budget development and administration is essential, as is knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.The role also demands an extensive knowledge of modern principles and practices, as well as technical and legal issues related to urban and regional planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, environmental planning, and program management.Extensive knowledge of geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and environmental elements as they pertain to city planning is vital.This includes an understanding of comprehensive plans, current planning processes, the development process, and general concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, and traffic and transportation engineering in relation to urban planning.Additionally, the Senior Planner position requires knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive environmental planning program, as well as principles and techniques of project management and contract administration.Staying informed about recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review is important.It is also essential to be able to research planning and land use issues, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare and present effective staff reports.An understanding of the principles of mathematics and geometry, and their application to planning work; along with knowledge of effective technical report preparation and presentation methods.The position requires knowledge of the techniques of effective representation of the City effectively with external governmental agencies, community groups, business, professional, educational, and regulatory entities, property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.Knowledge of State, County, and local laws and ordinances underlying general plans, zoning, and land divisions is critical.Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related software, business letter writing, standard formats for reports and correspondence, and principles of record-keeping procedures.The role also involves modern office practices, methods, and the use of computer equipment and applications related to the work.Proper English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation is required.Knowledge of customer service techniques for providing a high level of service when interacting with members of the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field and five (5) years of professional experience in planning, zoning and related community development activities, including one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience.LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.Institute of Certified Planners Certification is desirable but not required.PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
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This recruitment is open continuous, with a first review of applications scheduled for October 15, 2024. Apply now!DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of professional, technical, and administrative staff performing difficult and complex professional and technical support related to all activities of a specific functional area in the Planning Division of the Community Development Department, such as current, advance, and historic preservation planning; manages the effective use of the City's planning resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Community Development Director, Principal Planner, City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Committee, and others in areas of expertise; oversees, reviews, and performs a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports; and performs related work.SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Principal Planner. Exercises technical and functional supervision and training to Associate Planners, Assistant Planners, Planning Technicians, and Administrative staff.CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Senior Planner is responsible for supervising the functions of the advance planning, current planning, and/or special projects sections within the Planning Division. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day current or advance planning activities, special projects, and is responsible for providing professional-level support to the Principal Planner and Community Development Director. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating departmental work with that of other City departments and public agencies.The Community Development Department organizationally has two senior planning positions, one in Advanced Planning and one in Current Planning. This recruitment is to fill the Senior Planner position responsible for Current Planning in the City of Westminster.Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Planner role involves planning, organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of lower-level staff engaged in planning duties. This includes training staff in work procedures, providing policy guidance, interpreting policies, evaluating employee performance, and addressing any deficiencies.The individual participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for their assigned function, recommending service and staffing levels in accordance with departmental policy and administering policies and procedures.They also work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services, projects, and activities by developing and standardizing procedures, monitoring workloads, and identifying areas for improvement to be recommended to the Planning Management Team.The Senior Planner assists the Principal Planner in the selection, motivation, and evaluation of personnel, as well as may coordinate staff training and assist the Principal Planner with addressing performance issues.They review staff reports, assign work, and provide guidance on work plans and methods.In addition to overseeing assigned budgets, the Senior Planner provides highly complex assistance to the Community Development Director and Principal Planner, including developing and reviewing staff reports, presenting to and advising the City Council and Planning Commission on technical planning and zoning matters.They may also engage in public relations and outreach efforts, leading forums and workshops, and writing articles for the City’s quarterly newsletter.The Senior Planner manages highly complex planning projects related to General Plan updates, project-specific plans, ordinance preparation, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, such as CEQA.They provide input to the Principal Planner and current planning staff regarding long-range planning policy documents and serve as a resource for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors.They facilitate community participation through ongoing dialogue with residents on major projects and representing the city to external agencies.They may represent the department in regional planning committee meetings.The Senior Planner will negotiate and manage service contracts, review consultant work products, oversee invoices and payments, and administer various grants.They will conduct organizational and operational studies, recommend modifications to programs and policies, and stay up to date on trends and innovations in planning.The Senior Planner receives, investigates, and resolves complaints, assists with special projects, and performs other duties as assigned.KNOWLEDGE OF:
The principles and practices of employee supervision, such as work planning, project and task assignment, employee review and evaluation, along with staff development training of operational processes.A solid understanding of the basic principles and practices of budget development and administration is essential, as is knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.The role also demands an extensive knowledge of modern principles and practices, as well as technical and legal issues related to urban and regional planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, environmental planning, and program management.Extensive knowledge of geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and environmental elements as they pertain to city planning is vital.This includes an understanding of comprehensive plans, current planning processes, the development process, and general concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, and traffic and transportation engineering in relation to urban planning.Additionally, the Senior Planner position requires knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive environmental planning program, as well as principles and techniques of project management and contract administration.Staying informed about recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review is important.It is also essential to be able to research planning and land use issues, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare and present effective staff reports.An understanding of the principles of mathematics and geometry, and their application to planning work; along with knowledge of effective technical report preparation and presentation methods.The position requires knowledge of the techniques of effective representation of the City effectively with external governmental agencies, community groups, business, professional, educational, and regulatory entities, property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.Knowledge of State, County, and local laws and ordinances underlying general plans, zoning, and land divisions is critical.Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related software, business letter writing, standard formats for reports and correspondence, and principles of record-keeping procedures.The role also involves modern office practices, methods, and the use of computer equipment and applications related to the work.Proper English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation is required.Knowledge of customer service techniques for providing a high level of service when interacting with members of the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field and five (5) years of professional experience in planning, zoning and related community development activities, including one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience.LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.Institute of Certified Planners Certification is desirable but not required.PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
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