Performs professional and technical work in current and/or long-range planning; works with major development proposals, studies, and surveys involving compliance with permit system and land use regulations, floodplain, and other applicable regulations; researches and processes technical data pertinent to special and routine studies; presents results of research to others; performs duties associated with GIS support.

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.

Processes Class I, Class II projects, Lot Consolidation (LC), Boundary Adjustment (BA) Temporary Use, variance requests, amended plats and subdivision requests and presents staff reports on projects to decision-making body; works with local, state, and federal agencies and local business and industry to collect, analyze and update information regarding special planning projects as assigned.

Prepares and reviews Developers Improvements Agreements (DIA); obtains necessary signatures for recording of plat/documents; records with county Clerk and Recorder; provides applicant with reception number of approved recorded documents; follows up on status and informs developers of DIAs about to expire; approves full or partial release of DIAs and record documents.

Works with the county's legal council when necessary; provides information to attorney for litigation; keeps accurate records; acquires legal information, reviews and interprets legal information.

Communicates with the public and developers to process projects and ensure comprehension of the County's planning and land use goals and processes; conducts pre-application conferences with applicants to explain permit requirements and processes.

Provides professional planning advice and guidance to community groups regarding current and long range and planning projects.

Reviews and processes land use permit applications for major subdivisions and Class II land use permits; determines applicable standards for each project; conducts analyses to determine impact created by different land use projects.

Writes resolutions for land use project decisions; writes and organizes staff reports and planning packets for the Board of County Commissioners, BOA, and Planning Commission; makes recommendations on projects and presents staff reports; performs site plan and plat review for completeness and conformance with land use regulations; visits sites and inspects for conformance with approved plans; reviews, researches and investigates potential violations of the land use regulations; conducts research and writes reports.

Logs Class II and subdivision applications upon submittal.

Prepares planning agendas for public notice; organizes staff reports for planning agendas.

Maintains project files; organizes paperwork and makes available for public review; distributes requests for comments to resource agencies with applicable information; determines appropriate agencies.

Researches regional planning, legal planning process, and other issues related to current and/or long range planning.

Researches and resolves illegal land splits; acquires maps, assessors data, legal documents to prove the illegality of the action; writes letters to violators with attachments; offers valid solutions to legalize the lot(s); works with county attorneys to develop solutions; works with those in violation to resolve issue; keeps updated records of all known illegal lot splits/boundary adjustments; informs and educates the public regarding the issue and what the results could be if violation occurs; informs building department of parcels know to be in violation; assists building department in researching these and other violations; issues and posts cease and desist orders when necessary.

Serves as County contact and resource for the public and private organizations involved in current and/or long range planning.
Assesses needs and assists in the creation of land use maps.

Meets with planning staff to review and advise on planning activities.

Performs public relations duties and presents information in public meetings.

Provides staff support and utilized GIS to query information and conduct data analysis.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:
General office and computer equipment.
Vehicles.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Planning, or a related field; and,
Three to five years of progressively responsible related experience; or,
Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid State Driver's License.

Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.

Skill in:
Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a minimum of direction.
Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
Accurately proofreading copy with accompanying knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Using mathematics.
Communicating clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
Making oral presentations.
Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.

Ability to:

Ability to establish and maintains effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.

Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Statement

La Plata County prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with La Plata County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or genetic information.

La Plata County is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. La Plata County takes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for protected classes, persons with disabilities and for covered veterans. Covered veterans include: special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized.

Inquiries regarding La Plata County's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to:

Director of Human Resources

1101 E 2nd Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

Tel: (970)382-6361

Fax: (970)375-7985

Email: HR@co.laplata.co.us