Planner I​/II - Planning

Thornton is looking for an enthusiastic planner to join the Current Planning division in the City Development Department. The Current Planning group is small, passionate about improving the lives of the community, and has a collaborative leadership environment. Everyone’s contribution is valued.

The City Development Department emphasizes a positive overall work experience, including a work‑life balance through flexible/hybrid work schedules, professional and personal training opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.

Work examples will be requested from candidates who are interviewed for this position.

The level the successful candidate will be hired at depends on their experience, education, and qualifications. The target hiring ranges for 2026 for each level are:

• Planner I: $36.54 – $42.39 per hour ($76,011 – $88,173 annualized)
• Planner II: $39.10 – $45.36 per hour ($81,337 – $94,350 annualized)

The full 2026 pay ranges for each level are:

• Planner I: $36.54 – $48.24 per hour ($76,011 – $100,334 annualized)
• Planner II: $39.10 – $51.62 per hour ($81,337 – $107,364 annualized)

The City of Thornton offers an excellent benefits package, generous time‑off accruals, and a comprehensive wellness program. Hybrid working options and flexible schedules are available as approved.

Under specific direction, performs professional‑level work in development review for the City of Thornton. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from level I or II or, when filled from the outside, require previous and directly related experience. The Planner I/II is also flexibly linked to the Senior Planner.

• Analyzes and reviews development proposals or applications—including zoning requests, conceptual site plans, subdivisions, architectural reviews, development permits, variance applications, minor building permits, and temporary use permits—for compliance with appropriate planning principles, regulations, and policies.
• Manages the review of metropolitan districts; conducts meetings with property owners, developers, and community groups during the application period.
• Organizes and facilitates meetings to introduce and discuss new development proposals and planning projects; answers planning, zoning, and development process questions from citizens, developers, and other agencies.
• Advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public on the City’s Comprehensive Plan, ordinances, development process, policies, procedures, standards, and other land‑use matters, including current zoning.
• Conducts field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and conditions; reviews and approves building permits for zoning compliance.
• Researches and writes Development Code Amendments, including text amendments and the creation of new zoning districts.
• Designs and prepares illustrative and graphic presentation materials for public hearings and meetings; utilizes the City’s GIS mapping programs.
• Collects, records, and maintains databases of statistical and demographic information; retrieves, manipulates, and summarizes information for planning reports.
• Prepares articles and correspondence related to planning issues or projects; prepares technical staff reports for elected and appointed boards and committees.
• Participates in regional planning efforts and federal census processes; researches local, regional, and national planning issues; advises the department on the use of federal programs and funding.
• Presents to the Planning Commission, City Council, or other boards and commissions.
• Facilitates resolution of conflicting views on projects and negotiates and prepares developer agreements and contracts.
• Continually updates job knowledge regarding planning methods, design criteria, city zoning, land‑use regulations, and long‑range planning matters.
• May act as City Development representative at city events and festivals.
• Maintains case files and ensures files are clean and contain the required information.
• May mentor and assist in training less experienced planners.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Under general supervision,…