Job Description

Note:  This is a limited position with an anticipated end date of December 31st, 2026, with the potential to be extended or become unlimited.

Are you a professional planner with climate and resiliency planning and development regulation experience and an aptitude for multi-faceted project management? Do you have a passion for sustainability and are looking to use your land use planning experience and climate change expertise to make a meaningful impact on city plans and development regulations? If so, we have an extremely unique and exciting opportunity for you!  The City and County of Denver’s Community Planning and Development (CPD) Department is seeking a Principal City Planner (Climate and Land Use Planning) to align our land use plans and zoning regulations to advance Denver’s vision to be a thriving, sustainable city that is connected to nature.  In this position, you will have a leading role on land use planning and zoning to mitigate urban heat islands, adapt to climate change, and increase our resiliency in the face of extreme weather, especially through improved landscape regulations. We offer excellent work/life balance, unmatched benefits, and a pension plan for life! Apply today!

Working for the City and County of Denver (CCD) is so much more than a job. It’s a chance to make a difference in your own life and in the lives of people around you. Click here to find out about all the amazing benefits and reasons to work for the city that you love!

As a Principal City Planner (Climate and Land Use Planning), you will play a prominent role in leading efforts connecting land use and climate change for all of Planning Services, with a focus on regulatory changes. Planning Services leads the long-range planning and plan implementation for Denver. The position is on the Regulatory Planning Team and will focus, at least in the first 1-2 years, on zoning code amendments and other regulatory tools to advance the city’s climate-related goals.  In this position, you will build upon our adopted plans and established climate goals to develop clear priorities for planning and implementation, work with others in Planning Services to shape our work program, lead complex planning and regulatory projects focused on climate goals, and serve as a climate subject matter expert for multiple projects and initiatives including zoning code amendments and neighborhood plans.

Schedule: Hybrid, at least 3 days a week in office. 9/80 flex option after completion of probation. Occasional attendance of evening meetings (City Council meetings, etc.).

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead conversations to integrate climate-related goals into land use planning and plan implementation projects in Planning Services
• Identify gaps (in terms of climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency) in our current work program and projects – and partner with leadership in Planning Services to address those gaps
• Lead complex projects, such as zoning code changes focused on climate-appropriate landscaping, to advance climate-related goals
• Provide climate change expertise for a variety of projects
• Partner with the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR), Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, Department of Parks and Recreation, and other city departments to advance climate-related work

Initially, this position is not expected to directly supervise staff. In the future it is possible that this principal city planner could supervise one or two planners on complex projects.

About You

We value diverse perspectives and encourage candidates to apply even if you don’t have all the desired skills. If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, we encourage you to apply and to consider joining our team!

The ideal candidate will have:

• Demonstrated expertise in climate and resiliency planning and development regulation
• Excellent collaboration and diplomacy skills with demonstrated results building relationships and consensus across government agencies
• Extensive experience in project management for complex projects
• Experience that demonstrates a multi-disciplinary approach to planning and program implementation
• Demonstrated success in identifying issues, identifying solutions, evaluating alternatives, public engagement, developing systems, and building consensus
• Commitment to the values and principles of Denver’s long-range plans, including a focus on equity
• Strong interpersonal, political, and customer service skills

We realize your time is valuable so please do not apply if you do not have at least the following required minimum qualifications:

• Education requirement: Bachelor’s Degree in City or Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, Engineering, or a related degree
• Experience Requirement: Six (6) years of professional planning experience
• Education/Experience Equivalency: One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education
• Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements

To be considered for this position, you must include the following on your job application (upload the attachment(s) to the Resume/CV section on the My Experience tab):

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About Everything Else

Job Profile

CE2159 City Planner Principal

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type

Limited (Fixed Term)

Position Salary Range

$86,801.00 – $143,222.00

Starting Pay

$100,000-115,000/year, based on education and experience

Agency

Community Planning & Development

How to Apply

Job Categories: Land Use. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 100,000 and above.

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