Associate Planner

Salary: $74,859.20 - $85,966.40 Annually
Location : Gallatin County Courthouse- 311 W. Main St, Bozeman, MT
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00895
Department: Planning
Opening Date: 10/06/2026

POSITION OVERVIEW
This position works in the Department of Planning and Community Development and is an intermediate level position within professional planning. This position is responsible for a variety of moderately complex professional and technical duties for the County's zoning, subdivision review, floodplain management, open lands and community development programs. The position provides technical assistance regarding zoning and subdivision regulations, processes subdivision applications, processes zoning applications and permits, conducts research, and performs other planning projects as assigned.

The position reports to the Chief Planning Officer and does not supervise other County personnel.

• Provides professional-level customer service to the general public and other customers of the Department of Planning and Community Development.
• Provides information to the public regarding land-use, adopted development regulations, and plans.
• Reviews or assists in the review of increasingly complex subdivision and zoning applications (e.g. subdivision exemptions, subdivisions, zoning amendments, site plans, conditional use permits, variances, land use permits, sign plans, zoning determinations, etc.) to determine conformance with applicable plans, and regulations.
• When assigned, collaborates with the Compliance Department to develop potential remedies for regulatory violations.
• Conducts site visits and performs research to compile information and perform analyses relevant to applications.
• Prepares and presents detailed reports that summarize a specific application, identify applicable regulations, and provide other relevant factual information to inform advisory boards and decision-making bodies.
• When assigned, conducts research, gathers data, and prepares summary reports on complex subjects relevant to land-use planning and community development (e.g. socioeconomic, demographic, and land-use trends; trends in application numbers; cross-jurisdictional Human Resources 2 October 2020 information; legislative history; case law; gathering planning-related information from other jurisdictions, etc.).
• When assigned, develops planning studies and in-depth reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations.
• When assigned, assists in writing or writes policy, plans and regulatory documents.
• Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing and administering plans and regulations.
• When assigned, collaborates with interns, other departments, and consultants working on County projects.
• Attends hearings, meetings, conferences, and trainings, including, when necessary, those held on evenings and weekends.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Performs a variety of other duties as assigned by the Gallatin County Planning Director or others, including organizing and coordinating a variety of special projects; completing special reports or compiling specialized data; making presentations at hearings, meetings and conferences; attending continuing education and training; maintains databases necessary for accurate and timely tracking of application information; creates a variety of forms and policy documents related to the processing of applications and permits and performs a variety of other functions as needed. If the County Commission proclaims a local emergency due to an actual or threatened disaster such as an earthquake, fire, riot, flood, etc., County employees may be required to provide services during the emergency and for a subsequent period of assessment and recovery.

QUALIFICATIONS
This work requires knowledge of well-developed planning principles, practices, methods and procedures associated with land-use planning, including direct experience with land-use regulations and plans. Position requires professional planning work of moderate difficulty and is characterized by increasing specialized knowledge of the planning field. Position must have the ability to effectively communicate complex technical information verbally and in writing to audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge; perform research and collect data; apply basic mathematical skills to practical situations; ability to use common computer software to develop reports and spreadsheets and maintain databases and familiarity with geographic information systems is desirable; work on several complex projects or issues simultaneously; work independently or in a team environment as needed; the ability to have creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems; the ability to review plans and apply provisions of the regulatory documents to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions and the ability to facilitate small group meetings.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Planning or a related field and two to four (2-4) years of experience in a planner position or a Master's Degree in a planning or closely related field and one to two (1-2) years of experience.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Please be prepared to attach the following documents when you submit your application materials:

• cover letter
• resume
• three work references.

As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a background and driving check. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of Montana or attain a Montana driver's license within six months of hire and be insurable under the County's liability policies.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

• Individual health benefits premium is paid at 100% for full-time employees and pro-rated based on hours worked for part-time employees
• Includes limited vision and dental coverage (Dental is provided by MetLife and includes a dental buy-up option)
• Dependent health benefits premium is offered at very low costs
• Coverage is effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
• Talkspace: In-Network behavioral health support through virtual counseling & psychiatry
• Optional Supplemental Coverage is offered through Mutual of Omaha including Voluntary Accident Policy, Voluntary Critical Illness Policy and Voluntary Life Insurance Policy (also available for dependents)
• FREE unlimited access and care to PMR Clinic East. This is a private Clinic and is available to all employees and family members who are enrolled in our health benefits.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Optional pre-tax, out-of-pocket medical expenses & day care expenses

COUNTY PAID LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 Group Life Insurance Policy (eligible employees only) (age reductions apply)

COUNTY PAID LONG TERM DISABLITY INSURANCE: Eligible employees only, benefit duration shortens once a specific age is reached

RETIREMENT:

• County employees are covered by the Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS)
• County Deputies and Detention Officers are covered by the Sheriff's Retirement System (SRS)
• An optional supplemental 457 deferred compensation plan/ROTH is available through Empower and Nationwide

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE:

• Eligible employees are offered a maximum of six weeks (240 hours) of paid parental leave for the bonding and care of a newborn child or adoption of a child

SICK AND VACATION LEAVE:

• Employees accrue 12 sick days and 3 weeks of vacation per year, depending on years of service. (Hours are pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Leave starts accruing on an employee's date of hire and can be used as soon as time is in the books.

HOLIDAYS:

• The County observes 11 legal holidays in even numbered years (Federal Election Day) and 10 legal holidays in odd numbered years.
• A Floating Holiday is available to eligible employees after six months.

HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: Discounted rates are offered at participating clubs with payroll deduction.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

• Offers a confidential counseling hotline and up to six sessions with a Licensed Professional Counselor at no cost to the employee. This program is also available to dependents.

WORLDWIDE TRAVEL EMERGENCY PROGRAM AND WILL & LEGAL PREPARATION SERVICES:

• Limited 24/7 services anywhere in the world
• Will and limited legal service

TUITION ASSISTANCE:

• The County offers partial reimbursement of qualifying tuition expenses

BILINGUAL PAY:

• Gallatin County allows for bilingual pay to employees that provide translation services to County departments and offices. The bilingual pay allows for extra compensation to employees that provide this service.