Senior City Planner - Community and Strategic Planning

Overview

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Principal Planner, this position manages complex and diverse Community and Strategic Planning projects that shape Loveland’s future. The position requires independent judgment, creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to work with other divisions and groups to complete projects. This is the project manager level of the professional planner series and includes planning, organizing, reviewing, and participating in strategic and long-range planning projects.

Salary and Application The salary range for this position is $85,272.51 - $ annually with a hiring range of $85,272.51 - $, depending on qualifications and experience. This opportunity will be available to applicants until filled. Applicant reviews begin February 18, 2026. A current resume is required, and a cover letter is preferred. Join Us as Our Next Senior Strategic Planner — Shape the Future of a Growing City.

This role involves leading and shaping strategic planning efforts in Loveland, including opportunities on the Hwy 402 corridor and updates to the Comprehensive Plan. Housing affordability is a key focus, with collaboration among residents, local organizations, nonprofits, and regional partners to address housing scarcity and costs. View our video Working at Loveland to learn more about the city and benefits.

• Assist in developing and implementing long-range planning initiatives, including corridor plans, comprehensive plan updates, and amendments to land use codes
• Maintain understanding of new land use legislation and planning policies; assist in developing amendments to comply with state laws
• Assist in implementing a broad range of planning projects and programs and resolve planning challenges
• Apply current planning theory, best practices, and strategic leadership to manage complex and sensitive long-range planning projects
• Prepare reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other boards or commissions
• Answer questions from the public regarding the Comprehensive Plan, land development process, historic preservation, and other planning initiatives
• Coordinate with City divisions, regional planning bodies, other jurisdictions, and state/federal agencies to complete projects
• Evaluate and revise land use regulations to align with City policies and address emerging needs
• Represent the City in regional planning efforts and advocate for local priorities
• Develop and lead public participation strategies to foster community engagement
• Negotiate solutions to neighborhood and community concerns related to planning projects
• Compile and analyze data on economic, social, and physical factors affecting land use, and respond to questions on demographics, forecasts, and planning implementation

• Prepare special planning studies and make recommendations for ordinances, resolutions, and policies
• Manage specified development review projects
• Perform related work as assigned
• Process current planning land use applications to assist staff
• Work collaboratively in a team environment
• Participate in continued education and stay current with professional standards
• Perform other duties as assigned

• There are no supervisory/management expectations

• Education: Required: 4 Year/Bachelors Degree in Urban or Regional Planning or a closely related field. Preferred:
  Graduate Degree in Urban or Regional Planning or a closely related field
• Experience: Required: 5 years of increasing responsibility in urban planning; 2 years project management. Preferred: 2 years in long-range planning
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may substitute for education requirements on a year-to-year basis
• Certifications: Must possess a valid driver’s license. AICP certification is preferred

• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Extensive knowledge of urban planning principles, physical design, and planning regulations
• Experience with the development review process and applying zoning and development codes
• Clear and effective spoken and written communication
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and…