City of Thornton
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.
General Summary 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.
Responsibilities
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.
Planner I Specifics Under general supervision, incumbents entering this class have limited related work experience. Work is routine and moderately complex; it is closely observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion.
Planner II Specifics Under direction, work performed at this level is more complex in nature. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of work assigned and to work with considerable independence and initiative.
Education and Experience Planner I:
Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university; one year of related experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Planner II:
Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university; three years of professional planning experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Licensing/Certification Requirements:
AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification preferred. May need to travel to various locations promptly as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Planner I
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and its department.
Knowledge of the theory, principles, practices, and methods of current and advanced municipal planning.
Skill in performing routine and moderately complex current planning tasks.
Skill in reviewing and analyzing re‑zoning requests, preliminary and final plats, architectural reviews, development permits, and temporary use permits.
Skill in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle.
Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks.
Ability to handle conflicts and deal with the public in a mature, effective, and responsible manner.
Ability to analyze data, issue findings, and develop recommendations.
Ability to exercise discretion or independent judgment.
Ability to assist developers, architects, land planners, and the public with the development process, zoning issues, and planning matters.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to research, develop and lead formal and informal presentations and discussions with diverse groups.
Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, database management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, builders, developers, contractors and community members.
Planner II
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances related to comprehensive planning, land use, zoning, subdivisions, and annexations.
Knowledge of the City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan, Master Plans, and Neighborhood Plans.
Skill in the use and operation of GIS applications.
Skill in writing comprehensive reports.
Ability to effectively conduct meetings with developers and community groups.
Ability to perform complex current planning tasks.
Ability to facilitate and negotiate resolution to complex planning issues and develop strategies and recommendations to address them.
Ability to properly administer grant funds.
Ability to conduct field inspections of development projects to verify compliance with codes and approved permits.
Ability to research and analyze planning issues and to develop strategies and recommendations to address them.
Physical and Mental Requirements While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, lift, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly sedentary, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity and is subject to both internal and external environmental conditions.
Examinations and Selection Process Examinations may include, but are not limited to, application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job‑related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.
Application screening will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important. Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.
As a condition of employment, the City of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions, which may include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city‑designated provider may be required for pre‑determined positions.
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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.
General Summary 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.
Responsibilities
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.
Planner I Specifics Under general supervision, incumbents entering this class have limited related work experience. Work is routine and moderately complex; it is closely observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion.
Planner II Specifics Under direction, work performed at this level is more complex in nature. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of work assigned and to work with considerable independence and initiative.
Education and Experience Planner I:
Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university; one year of related experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Planner II:
Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university; three years of professional planning experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Licensing/Certification Requirements:
AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification preferred. May need to travel to various locations promptly as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Planner I
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and its department.
Knowledge of the theory, principles, practices, and methods of current and advanced municipal planning.
Skill in performing routine and moderately complex current planning tasks.
Skill in reviewing and analyzing re‑zoning requests, preliminary and final plats, architectural reviews, development permits, and temporary use permits.
Skill in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle.
Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks.
Ability to handle conflicts and deal with the public in a mature, effective, and responsible manner.
Ability to analyze data, issue findings, and develop recommendations.
Ability to exercise discretion or independent judgment.
Ability to assist developers, architects, land planners, and the public with the development process, zoning issues, and planning matters.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to research, develop and lead formal and informal presentations and discussions with diverse groups.
Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, database management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, builders, developers, contractors and community members.
Planner II
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances related to comprehensive planning, land use, zoning, subdivisions, and annexations.
Knowledge of the City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan, Master Plans, and Neighborhood Plans.
Skill in the use and operation of GIS applications.
Skill in writing comprehensive reports.
Ability to effectively conduct meetings with developers and community groups.
Ability to perform complex current planning tasks.
Ability to facilitate and negotiate resolution to complex planning issues and develop strategies and recommendations to address them.
Ability to properly administer grant funds.
Ability to conduct field inspections of development projects to verify compliance with codes and approved permits.
Ability to research and analyze planning issues and to develop strategies and recommendations to address them.
Physical and Mental Requirements While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, lift, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly sedentary, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity and is subject to both internal and external environmental conditions.
Examinations and Selection Process Examinations may include, but are not limited to, application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job‑related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.
Application screening will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important. Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.
As a condition of employment, the City of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions, which may include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city‑designated provider may be required for pre‑determined positions.
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