Senior City Planner - Community and Strategic Planning

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Development Services, this position manages complex and diverse Community and Strategic Planning projects that play a vital role in shaping Loveland’s future. The position requires a high degree of independent judgment, creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to work closely with other divisions and groups to successfully complete projects. This position is the project manager level of the professional planner series and includes planning, organizing, reviewing, and participating in the undertaking of strategic and long-range planning projects.

The salary range for this position is $84,012- $113,416 per year with a hiring range of $84,012- $98,714, depending on qualifications and experience.

This opportunity will remain open until filled with the first reading of applicants to take place on Monday, September 22nd 2025.

A current resume is required, and a cover letter is preferred.

Be a Part of Loveland’s Growth and Vision

At the heart of the City of Loveland’s efforts to build a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future is the Development Services Department. We collaborate closely with residents, developers, and builders to promote development that is safe, forward-thinking, and aligned with the community’s long-term goals. Our work is grounded in a strong commitment to innovation, integrity, and outstanding service.

As Loveland continues to grow, we’re committed to guiding that progress through inclusive, forward-thinking planning rooted in community values. Our strategic priorities of economic vitality, housing affordability, and diverse housing options reflect a deep dedication to serving all residents and fostering long-term resilience. We’re expanding our planning capacity with a renewed focus on implementing our Comprehensive Plan, preserving Loveland’s historic character, and ensuring alignment with evolving State land use legislation. We’re seeking a strategic planner who brings vision, collaboration, and a passion for community-centered outcomes to help us shape Loveland’s next chapter.

Work Where You Live, Thrive Where You Work

Our office is located in the heart of downtown Loveland, just a short walk from an array of local attractions—including restaurants, brew pubs, unique shops, the Chilson Recreation Center, the public library, and the Loveland Museum. A nearby trail connects to a variety of recreational and open space amenities. Plus, with Rocky Mountain National Park only 30 miles away, you’ll enjoy unparalleled access to natural beauty and outdoor adventure. From sculpture parks and scenic lakes to live concerts, festivals, and top-tier golf courses, Loveland offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match.

We take pride in supporting work-life balance and offer a comprehensive benefits package, along with ample opportunities for growth and professional development. Join our team and help shape the future of a city that values your work—and your well-being.

Please view our video Working at Loveland to learn more about our exceptional Loveland community and the benefits of working for the City.

Essential Functions:

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

Other Job Functions:

• Prepare special planning studies and make recommendations for ordinances, resolutions, and policies.
• Responsible for the project management of specified development review projects.
• Perform related work as assigned.
• Process current planning land use applications as necessary to assist current planning staff.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation
• Participates in continued education and staying current with professional standards through attending conferences and workshops that relate to the position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelors Degree in Urban or Regional Planning or closely related field required.
• Graduate Degree in Urban or Regional Planning or closely related field preferred.

Experience:

• 5 years increasing responsible experience in the field of urban planning required.
• 2 years project management experience required.
• 2 years experience in long range planning preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and or experience may substitute for education requirements on a year for year basis.

Certifications:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong communication and customer service skills are required.
• Extensive knowledge of urban planning principles and practices, physical design, and comprehensive planning regulations and methods of assessment.
• Knowledge and experience with the development review process and how to apply zoning and development codes.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely, and effectively;
• Work collaboratively with development review staff and applicants.
• Obtain guidance as appropriate from more experienced staff.
• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with fellow employees, developers, consultants, City officials, and the general public.
• Handle conflicts and address concerns from dissatisfied members of the public with professionalism and efficiency.
• Attend neighborhood meetings and assist other planners in negotiating solutions to neighborhood concerns related to land development proposals.
• Ability to manage high workloads, diverse demands, and deadlines effectively.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Frequent m inimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal.
• Frequent e xposure to routine office noise and equipment.
• Occasional e xposure to hazards typically found in general office environments where there is rarely to no exposure to injury or accident.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

With over 300 days of sunshine, and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park in the heart of northern Colorado, Loveland is an ideal community for anyone to call home. Known as the Sweetheart City, this vibrant cultural hub is home to nearly 500 sculptures and public art installations, the world-famous Valentine Remail Program, and picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains. The community is bustling with a thriving arts, brewery, foodie, and shopping scene. Enjoy headliner concert and theatre productions, professional hockey events, endless community recreation and open space opportunities, art and sculpture shows, and several local festivals. Loveland also boasts an award-winning golf course and an inclusive library and community center. Loveland, Colorado has EVERYTHING YOU LOVE!

In 2020, Loveland was the only Colorado City to win the Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence, is the top residential recycling City in the state for 4 consecutive years and has been ranked as one of the top places to live, work and raise a family in the U.S. and as one of the Most Idyllic Picturesque towns in America.

Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness. The City of Loveland is a diverse and welcoming community organization, and our employees enjoy a competitive benefits program, various opportunities for growth and development, and an exceptional work-life balance.

A vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty, where you belong!

Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes:

• Two (2) Medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
• A Dedicated, exclusive Employee Health and Wellness Center
• Discounted Chilson Center passes
• Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and medical leave
• Flexible spending including Dependent Care
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
• A Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary 529 College Invest program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities
• Employee Recognition Program
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Market based pay & regular performance reviews
• Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

City of Loveland job descriptions are designed to describe the general nature and level of work necessary to perform well in the job; they are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. City of Loveland job descriptions may be updated periodically, and additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be assigned by management as deemed appropriate.

The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

The City of Loveland participates in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation.Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information.

Hybrid Remote Work Eligibility

This position may be eligible for up to two days per week working remotely. Probationary employees (within the first six months of employment) may not be eligible. Subject to change based on business needs and performance expectations.

Employment offers will be conditional on the successful completion of a driving record and background check.

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• City of Loveland

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