Planner, Government, Environmental & Urban Planning

The City of Durango’s Community Development Department helps shape a safe, thriving city that meets today’s needs while planning responsibly for future generations. As a
Planner I, you’ll help community members navigate the development process and support the community’s livability. You’ll review and process permit applications, explain planning and zoning requirements, and contribute to current planning projects. You’ll also help manage ongoing programs, including the City’s permitting software and vacation rental program.

This role offers an opportunity to grow in municipal planning
, whether you’re an early-career planner or bring transferable experience in environmental science, geographic information systems (GIS), public administration, or community-focused work. You’ll build professional skills and contribute to local planning projects as part of a collaborative, supportive team.

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.

• 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.

• Support planning projects through customer service, code interpretation, permit review, data analysis, research, and report preparation.
• Coordinate the review and processing of development proposals and applications, including site plans, special use permits, variances, design review applications, building permit applications, sign permits, fence permits, and more.
• Interpret and explain code requirements to developers, builders, and community members; develop and distribute informational materials to aid understanding and suggest code modifications when necessary.
• Conduct current and long-range planning studies. Analyze social, economic, land use, and population data to identify trends and potential community impacts, prepare reports, and make recommendations on planning activities.
• Work with developers, contractors, and community members to help them comply with applicable 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.
• Support boards and commissions by preparing and presenting staff reports and participating in public meetings to support 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,…