Historic Preservation - Planner I, or Planner II or Senior Planner (DOE)

City of Aspen
Aspen, CO

Pay Range (MIN): 30.24 Pay Range (MAX): 53.89 Added to system: 5/4/26 11:25 AM

Job Postings Closing Dates: A job posting may close before the listed deadline if the number of applications reaches the limit for that position. If the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected, the posting may remain open longer.
Application: The application must be filled out completely; stating "see resume" anywhere in the application, is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
Application Notification: Please note that some communications from the Human Resources department may be sent from noreply@services.cityofaspen.com.

Pay Ranges:
Hiring Range: The hiring range covers the starting segment of the pay scale, from the entry point up to the first quartile (Q1). Starting pay is determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Salary Range: The salary range reflects the full pay range for the position, from the minimum rate to the maximum rate. This represents the earning potential employees can achieve over time while in the role.

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Serve Your Community, Grow Your Career, and Enjoy Great Benefits:

Up to $3,000 Sign On Bonus may be available.

  • Be part of a collaborative, supportive team in a positive work environment
  • Make a real impact in the Aspen community through meaningful public service
  • Enjoy flexible schedules and a collaborative, supportive team environment
  • Access generous paid time off, holidays, and wellness bonuses
  • Take advantage of free or discounted transportation around Aspen and the Valley
  • Grow your skills with professional development and tuition reimbursement
  • Protect your health with medical, dental, vision, and employee assistance programs
  • Earn monetary wellness bonuses for healthy lifestyle choices
  • Plan for the future with competitive retirement options (Social Security, 401a, 457b, Roth IRA) and life/disability insurance

The City of Aspen is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Job Title: Historic Preservation - Planner I, Planner II or Senior Planner

Department: Community Development

Classification: Non-Exempt (Planner I), Exempt (Planner II and Senior Planner)

Hiring Range (DOE):

  • Planner I: $33.95/hourly - $38.20/hourly [Non-Exempt]
  • Planner II: $37.00/hourly - $41.63/hourly [Exempt]
  • Senior Planner: $43.96/hourly - $49.46/hourly [Exempt]

Salary Range:

  • Planner I: 33.95/hourly - $50.92/hourly [Non-Exempt]
  • Planner II: $37.00 - $55.51/hourly [Exempt]
  • Senior Planner: $43.96/hourly - $65.95/hourly [Exempt]

Position Summary: This position works with other members of the Planning team (12 members in total) under the larger umbrella of Aspen’s Community Development Department (Planning, Building, Environmental Health and Sustainability). Performs a variety of intermediate to senior professional level planning and zoning work, complex technical planning duties with an emphasis on historic preservation review; provides support and service to the public and Community Development Department consistent with the organization’s values and mission statement. This includes participating in zoning support, planner of the day, planning caseload, building permit review, and other special projects.

Supervision Exercised and Received: Works under the supervision and general direction of the Historic Preservation Officer/Principal Planner.

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Essential Job Functions:

Planner I:

  • Performs entry to intermediate professional level planning work, including participating in zoning support and planning projects related to historic preservation.

  • Processes minor land use cases, such as administrative level historic preservation reviews (Certificates of No Negative Effect), acts as the primary reviewer for minor permits (MEPs, permits associated with administrative level approvals), writes pre-application summary documents, and assists senior level staff with Historic Preservation Commission related items.

Planner II:

  • Performs full intermediate professional level planning work in addition to the job functions of a Planner I.

  • Processes more technical land use cases, such as Certificate of Appropriateness reviews and other reviews requiring a decision by an elected or appointed body, acts as a reviewer for complex permits associated with historic preservation land use cases, performs site inspections and provides information on historic preservation guidelines and best practices to contractors and applicants.

  • Prepares and presents staff recommendations to the Historic Preservation Commission and potentially City Council.

Senior Planner:

  • In addition to the job functions of a Planner I and II, this position manages high-level historic preservation land use cases that involve additional reviews such as Planned Developments and Growth Management Quota System review.

  • Reviews complex permits related to historic preservation projects, performs site visits and meetings to guide applicants. Prepares and presents staff recommendations to the Historic Preservation Commission and City Council.

Responsibilities Across All Planner Roles:

Customer Service and Records Keeping

  • Serves as a primary ‘planner of the day’ providing exemplary customer service to the public in person, by phone and via email, by answering technical questions related to land use code, official zone district map, and departmental procedures.

  • Confers with applicants and the public to explain, interpret, and discuss regulations, plans, and polices as they relate to proposed development, and provides verbal and written communication as needed.

  • Prepares pre-application conferences and assists with public records requests. Maintains records and files for data tracking purposes according to departmental procedures.

Land Use Planning

  • Processes administrative applications and prepares staff recommendations by administering review criteria, design and development standards.

  • All positions are expected to apply professional judgement and navigate ambiguity in responding to a range of complex land use issues commensurate with work experience.

Zoning Support

  • Works with customers and city referral agencies to bring projects into compliance with city codes and land use approvals.

  • Provides final historic preservation approval on permits as assigned.

  • Provides zoning research, field inspections, and documentation, or analysis of current conditions for zoning enforcement.


Enforcement of Historic Preservation Ordinance

  • Assists in actions taken to address unpermitted alterations affecting historic properties. Coordinates enforcement work with other City departments and the City Attorney’s Office.

Current Planning

  • Performs professional level planning work according to designated level, including participating in zoning support and planning projects. Primarily processes land use cases under the purview of the Historic Preservation Officer.
  • Reviews and analyzes land use applications, written application materials, and other application documents for consistency with applicable provisions of the City’s Land Use Code and Comprehensive Plans. Determines sufficiency of applications for completeness and content. Formulates recommendations and prepares staff reports for assigned land use cases. Researches historical records and matters pertinent to land use applications.
  • Coordinates referral agencies through the Development Review Committee (DRC) to facilitate timely, complete, and accurate comments. Confers with Zoning and Engineering staff to ensure compliance with code, conditions of approval, and representations of the applicant. Presents staff reports to appointed boards, citizen groups, and elected officials through written communication and oral presentations at public meetings.
  • Conducts site visits with applicants, appointed and elected officials.

City Organizational Values:

  • Supports and models the City of Aspen organizational values: Service, Partnership, Stewardship, and Innovation. Organizational values are shared principles that guide behavior across the organization. This position is responsible for upholding and applying these values while performing daily work functions.

Other duties as assigned.

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Core Competencies: Displays the following key competencies and behaviors in the overall job performance to include knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Service: Provides service with excellence, humility, integrity, and respect in daily work, builds trust by listening, treats people with respect, acknowledges opportunities for improvement, and follows through with commitments.

  • Partnership: Actively creates strong, supportive internal and external relationships to attain a common goal and achieve greater impact together.

  • Stewardship: Balances social, environmental, and financial responsibilities, evaluating the impact of decision making on a thriving future for all.

  • Innovation: Develops technical expertise to pursue new ideas and creative outcomes, grounded in Aspen’s unique culture, opportunities, and challenges.

  • Communication: Knowledge of effective and appropriate communication. Ability to use knowledge effectively in various contexts which may require oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication.

  • Interpersonal: Works to develop strength in interpersonal skills. Has the ability to work well with diverse groups of people, both inside and outside the organization.

  • Technology: Demonstrates technology skills sufficient for the nature and level of position. Demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies and transition job duties accordingly to support technological advances and innovation.

  • Building/Construction Systems: Knowledge of or ability to learn zoning regulations, laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and agency rules as applicable to the Community Development Department.

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Minimum Qualifications

Planner I:

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Historic Preservation, City or Regional Planning, or Architecture. A Master’s Degree in one of the fields identified above is preferred.
  • Experience: One to two years of professional experience in Municipal, County, regional or private sector planning. (A Master’s Degree in Planning may be considered in lieu of professional experience.)
  • Technical Knowledge: Must be proficient in the following areas: Microsoft Office applications, and a basic understanding of computers and online computer-based technology applications, which includes accessing web-based platforms. Experience using a Salesforce platform is desired, but not required. Graphic design skills are desired, but not required
  • Licenses & Certifications: Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of start date. Pursuit of AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification will be encouraged.
  • Desirable Qualifications: Pursuit of AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification will be encouraged.

Planner II:

  • Education: Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation, City or Regional Planning, or Architecture. American Institute for Certified Planners (AICP) Certification, or ability to obtain, is preferred.
  • Experience: Two to three years of professional experience in Municipal, County, regional or private sector planning.
  • Technical Knowledge: Must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, ArcView, SketchUp, and Email.
  • Licenses & Certifications: Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of start date.
  • Desirable Qualifications: American Institute for Certified Planners (AICP) Certification, architectural design review experience, experience with historic preservation projects, experience using municipal land use codes, experience presenting to elected or appointed boards.

Senior Planner:

  • Education: Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation, City or Regional Planning, or Architecture.
  • Experience: Four or more years of professional experience in Municipal, County, or Regional or private sector planning. At least two years of which must have been in a Planning caseload position. Experience presenting to elected or appointed boards. Experience applying historic preservation code and/or guidelines.
  • Technical Knowledge: Must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, ArcView, SketchUp, and Email.
  • Licenses & Certifications: Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of start date.
  • Desirable Qualifications: American Institute for Certified Planners (AICP) Certification, architectural design review experience, experience with technically advanced historic preservation projects, multiple years of experience using municipal land use codes, and presenting to elected or appointed boards.

NOTE: Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required abilities, knowledge, and skills as determined by the City of Aspen may be substituted for the requirements above.

NOTE: This position requires a Criminal Background Check upon hire. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Criminal Background Check.

Position Type and Work Hours:

  • Regular full-time hours may vary with workload.
  • Evenings/Weekends may be required depending on department needs and special projects.
  • Flexible work schedule that may allow for remote days in accordance with City policy.

Work Environment:

  • Indoors: Office environment.
  • Outdoors/Off-Site: Conduct site inspections and attend open houses. Meetings, trainings, and site visits at a variety of city facilities, housing units and areas.

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Physical Demands:

Bending: Bending or position oneself to move an object from one level to another.

Carrying: transporting or moving an object.

Climbing: Ascending or descending stationary objects.

Crouching: Bending body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Performing work through using two or more body parts or other devices.

Gripping/Grasping: Ability to apply pressure with fingers and palm.

Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, through use of hands, fingers, or other means.

Hearing: Perceiving and comprehending the nature and direction of sounds.

Lifting: Moving objects weighing no more than 10 pounds from one level to another.

Reaching: Extending the hands and arms or other device in any direction.

Repetitive motions: Making frequent or continuous movements.

Sitting: Remaining in a stationary position.

Standing: Ability to sustain position for a period of time.

Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.

Talking: Communicating ideas or exchanging information.

Visual Acuity: Ability to bring objects into focus.

Walking: Ability to move to traverse from one location to another.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

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