Planner, City (Environmental)

The City of Fort Collins is hiring a full-time City Planner (Environmental) to review development proposals in line with environmental policies. The role involves project management, policy creation, and community engagement, focusing on ecological restoration and sustainable development. Candidates should have a background in urban planning or environmental management. This position offers a hybrid work environment, allowing flexibility to work from home as needed.
About the position

The City of Fort Collins is seeking a dedicated and experienced City Planner (Environmental) to join our team. This full-time position is focused on reviewing development proposals to ensure they align with the city’s environmental protection policies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in urban planning, environmental management, or a related field, with a passion for ecological restoration and sustainable development practices. The Planner will play a crucial role in managing projects related to development applications, working through the site planning process to restore natural habitats impacted by development, and promoting sustainable habitat corridors throughout the city. As part of the environmental planning team, the Planner will advance the City’s environmental health priorities through policy creation, implementation of regulations, land use planning, and development review. This position requires a candidate who can interpret complex scientific problems and technical challenges, effectively communicating these to a non-technical audience. The Planner will also support priority projects such as the Nature in the City Strategic Plan, ecological restoration planning, and climate adaptation planning. This role offers a hybrid work environment, allowing for flexibility in working from home as needed. The successful candidate will be responsible for project management, compliance review, and providing technical support to various stakeholders, including elected officials, civic groups, and citizens. The Planner will also prepare and present educational content, facilitate community engagement efforts, and assist in policy formation and code changes. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about environmental protection and has the skills to ensure a balanced approach to development and conservation.

Responsibilities
• Review development applications for compliance with City regulations and coordinate additional review by other departments and/or agencies.
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• Serve as an information resource to elected officials, City boards and commissions, City staff, developers, civic groups, and citizens regarding City policies, programs, and procedures.
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• Prepare and coordinate plans, programs, strategies, and policies for adoption by the City Council; administer, implement, and monitor these plans and policies.
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• Schedule and facilitate meetings with applicants, consultants, citizens, and others.
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• Compile and analyze data on economic, social, and physical factors affecting land use and prepare graphic and narrative reports on this data.
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• Partner with local authorities, civic leaders, social scientists, and land planning and development specialists to recommend arrangements of land and physical facilities for various uses.
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• Deliver presentations and reports to citizens, developers, committees, City boards and commissions, and the City Council.
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• Prepare staff reports, plans, policies, and summaries for management, boards and commissions, and City Council.
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• Provide public information regarding development proposals, policies, regulations, and City projects.
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• Assist in policy formation and code changes.
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• Oversee and direct the work of temporary employees as needed.
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• Represent the department, service area, and City at meetings and conferences.
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• Apply codes, plan guidance, and development review processes with accuracy and consistency.
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• Lead neighborhood outreach, stakeholder engagement, and community education efforts.
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• Prepare and present educational content and formal presentations for public meetings, website updates, and printed materials.

Requirements
• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Geography, Community Planning, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, Natural Resource Management, Architecture, or related field from an accredited college or university.
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• Master's Degree preferred.
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• 3-5 years of related experience in urban planning, environmental management, landscape architecture, or a related field.
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• Knowledge of City codes, systems, and plans related to urban planning.
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• Skilled in project management and group facilitation.
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• Ability to read and understand site plans and related drawings and documents.
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• Ability to perform data and statistical analysis.
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• Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to various audiences.
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• Ability to problem solve and exercise judgment with some supervision.
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• Skills in negotiating and mediating disagreements.
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• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, City Council, City Boards and Commissions, developers, regional partners, and the public.

Nice-to-haves
• AICP Certification or other related credentials preferred.
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• Knowledge of Federal and State laws and policies may be required.
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• Knowledge of research sources and techniques.

Benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for self, spouse, and children, eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire.
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• Paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, and an additional one-time bank of 40 PTO hours for new, full-time hires.
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• Retirement plan with company contributions after a 6-month probation period and immediate vesting.
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• Flexible spending accounts for medical expenses and dependent care.
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• Employee Assistance Program offering counseling, legal, and financial assistance.
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• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage.
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• Wellness program and access to workout facilities.
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• Employee/family onsite health clinic.
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• Learning and development opportunities at all levels in the organization with opportunities for career mobility.