Planner - Senior

Salary $50.91 - $63.58/hour; $8,824.40 - $11,020.53/month; $105,892.80 - $132,246.40/year

POSITION INFORMATION

The Placer County Community Development Resource Agency is accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Senior Planner vacancy on the current planning team. This position can be based out of either the Auburn or Tahoe City office, depending on department business needs and applicant location preferences. Please indicate location preference of Auburn, Tahoe, or both on your application. Planning Services Division offers a hybrid remote work environment, but the role requires occasional work outside normal hours, such as evenings and weekends, to attend and participate in community and/or staff decision-maker meetings, and requires travel to various countywide locations, including Auburn and Tahoe City offices for meetings and hearings. Salary plus up to an additional $1,100 per month Tahoe Branch Assignment Premium for employees who are permanently assigned to a position located in the North Lake Tahoe Area.

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

DEFINITION

Perform a variety of highly responsible complex professional planning duties in the field of current and advanced planning; assume a lead role over less experienced professional and technical staff; provide information and assistance to developers and the public on complex planning matters.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class in the professional Planner series. Positions at this level are able to work independently and receive minimal supervision and assistance from management staff. Positions at this level are distinguished from other positions within the professional planning series by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including overseeing the activities associated with a variety of complex planning projects and related assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from supervisory or management staff as assigned. May exercise direct supervision over less experienced professional, technical and clerical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Trains and leads subordinate staff in planning duties. Researches, analyzes and interprets social, economic and population and land use data and trends. Researches planning information and concepts, land use and legal issues relating to current and long‑range planning matters and policy issues. Analyzes and recommends long‑range comprehensive planning policy documents; collects, records and summarizes statistical and demographic information; establishes and maintains a comprehensive database. Reviews and checks commercial, industrial and residential development plans and applications for projects approval and compliance with applicable County or Air Pollution Control District policies and procedures; performs site reviews; confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors and engineers regarding planning issues; negotiates and develops binding contracts and development agreements relative to County development policies and standards. Reviews, investigates and enforces zoning and sign regulations or, when assigned to Air Pollution Control, prepares air quality rules and regulations. Prepares and reviews environmental analysis of projects and ensures compliance with Federal, State and local laws, ordinances and regulations. Prepares initial studies and assists in preparation and review of environmental impact reports, Zoning and Design review requirements; compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies. Prepares staff reports for the Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, and Design Review Committee, various local and State regulatory agencies and advisory boards and the Board of Supervisors as directed. Prepares correspondence to project applicants, violators and other agencies regarding compliance issues. Prepares and provides planning presentations to community groups; responds to community groups regarding impact and/or effects of projects. Prepares advanced planning studies for the County General Plan including element preparation, community plan preparation, policy formulation, program implementation and public presentation of findings and recommendations. Assists in production of major planning documents such as the County General Plan, environmental documents and specialized plans such as area‑specific plans, air and water quality plans, environmental compliance plans and related topics. Conducts current planning reviews of large and/or complex land development projects including subdivisions, conditional use permits, design reviews, development agreements, rezoning and General Plan amendments. Reviews the plans of other public jurisdictions for compatibility with County or Air Pollution Control District plans. Performs environmental analysis for current and advanced planning projects, especially those of a difficult or complex nature; review environmental impact reports. Assists the public by providing information and explaining particularly complex land use, environmental compliance, development and related regulations and procedures; meet with applicants as necessary and correspond with applicants and/or their representatives regarding project status; write staff reports; and make presentations of findings and recommendations at public hearings and to public agencies; conducts and participates in public hearings. When assigned, administer public education and public service programs through assigned employees or by contact. Coordinates with other County Departments and public agencies as needed; coordinates, directs and participates in interdepartmental land use development committees. Prepares and administers contracts with independent contractors or consultants who provide planning, or environmental services to the County or Air Pollution Control District. Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; provide standards and operating guidelines, provide timely input to performance evaluations; recommend disciplinary measures, when necessary; implement discipline procedures as directed; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the assigned functional area of responsibility. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co‑workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service. Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible planning experience performing duties similar to those of an Associate Planner. Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban, regional or environmental planning, or a closely related field. License or Certificate: May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of land use planning and development; principles and practices of environmental planning and administration of environmental policies; all applicable local ordinances and State and Federal statutes; operation, policies and procedures of the assigned functional area of responsibility; principles of supervision, training and performance evaluations; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; arithmetic, basic statistics and mathematical calculations; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment; planning related software applications. Ability to: Operate, maintain, and participate in tasks requiring prolonged periods of sitting or standing; use telephone and keyboard; occasionally lift moderate weight; analyze, interpret and evaluate technical reports and projects; understand all operational procedures; problem‑solve operational issues; interpret applicable ordinances; compile and evaluate complex technical, statistical and economic information; read and interpret maps, legal property descriptions and laws; explain complex planning and zoning programs to the public; coordinate multiple projects and meet deadlines; negotiate and develop contracts and agreements; plan, supervise, train and evaluate work activities of supervisory and/or professional staff; obtain information through interview; deal fairly and courteously with the public; work effectively with interruptions; analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. Additional background investigations, including credit check or polygraph, may be required for certain positions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active non‑discrimination program. All terms and conditions of employment will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions without regard to protected characteristics. For assistance or accommodation during the examination process, contact the Human Resources Department at least five working days before the scheduled examination. #J-18808-Ljbffr Placer-County