Planner, Government, Environmental​/ Urban Planning

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The City of Durango’s Community Development Department helps shape a safe, thriving city that meets today’s needs while planning responsibly for many generations to come. As a Planner I, you will take a hands‑on role in supporting the community’s livability. You’ll process permit applications, assist community members in understanding building codes, and contribute to a variety of current planning projects. You’ll also help manage ongoing programs, including the City’s permitting software and vacation rental program.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career planner or someone with related experience in adjacent fields such as environmental science, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), public administration, or community-focused work. You’ll have the chance to grow in municipal planning, build strong professional skills, and make a meaningful impact at the local level as part of a collaborative, supportive team.

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence

The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full‑time and 300 part‑time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high‑quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible.

The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You’ll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

• Assist in professional planning tasks, including working directly with community members, code interpretation, permit reviews, data analysis, research, and report preparation.
• Manage the process for development proposals and applications, including site plans, special use permits, limited use permits, variances, design review applications, building permit applications, sign permits, fence permits, and more.
• Interpret and explain code requirements to developers, builders, and the public; develop and distribute informational materials to aid understanding and suggest code modifications when necessary.
• Conduct both current and long‑range planning studies, applying analytical skills to social, economic, land use, and population data to identify trends and potential impact on the community; prepare written reports and make recommendations on planning activities.
• Work closely with developers, contractors, and the public to ensure compliance with regulations and ordinances.
• Perform field inspections related to development and building proposals, ensuring adherence to planning standards and contributing to land use surveys and studies.
• Provide staff assistance to boards and commissions, including preparing and presenting staff reports and participating in public meetings to facilitate community engagement.
• Collaborate with other city departments and external organizations and agencies.

• A bachelor’s degree with coursework in planning, landscape architecture, political science, public administration, geography, environmental science, GIS, or a related field.
• One year of progressively responsible…