Associate Planner

The County of Siskiyou is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry. For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule, County website. DEFINITION Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional planning duties, including the independent processing of land use and development applications; conducts research and analysis; prepares staff reports and recommendations; and provides information to the public regarding County land use regulations, policies, and procedures. Assignments are varied and typically more complex than those assigned to Assistant Planners, requiring the application of independent judgment and interpretation of applicable laws and policies. This classification is a for‑cause, non‑exempt position. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the journey‑level class in the professional Planner series. Incumbents perform a full range of planning assignments with increasing independence and are responsible for managing projects from initial application through final action. Work includes research and analysis, preparation of staff reports and recommendations, coordination with other departments and agencies, and application of General Plan policies, zoning regulations, and environmental review requirements. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Planner in that the latter performs more routine assignments under closer supervision. It is distinguished from the Senior Planner in that the latter is assigned the most complex projects, provides lead direction, and is responsible for advanced planning, policy development, and program implementation. REPORTS TO Deputy Director of Planning. CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED Not a supervisory class. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.) Provides information to the public on various County land use regulations, permits, and applications; Accepts and reviews application and plan submittals for completeness and compliance with County ordinances and regulations; Refers plans to building inspectors, environmental health specialists, planners, code compliance personnel, public works, special districts, and plan checking personnel as needed; Signs off on building permit applications, as authorized; Gathers and evaluates data and information for planning studies and long‑range planning policy development; Prepares or coordinates preparation of General Plan elements and related planning documents; Coordinates and prepares project reports; Conducts research and performs data analysis and project evaluations; Processes applications for planning permits (e.g., use permits, variances, specific plans, etc.); Conducts site visits and field inspections to evaluate compliance with General Plan and zoning codes; Coordinates and prepares environmental review documents in compliance with CEQA; Prepares public presentations; Participates in the environmental review of proposed projects; Implements General Plan and zoning regulations through project review and analysis; Assists with the revision of planning ordinances and policy documents; Interprets use permits, ordinances, policies, and regulations; Reviews site development plans and prepares and presents staff reports for the Planning Commission and other decision‑making bodies; Prepares maps, exhibits, and other graphic materials; Answers public inquiries regarding planning issues, permit procedures, and zoning; May represent the Department on committees; Provides staff support to the Local Transportation Commission, LAFCO, regional planning advisory committees, and other state‑mandated and local commissions; Responds to inquiries and complaints related to planning regulations; Develops and/or maintains departmental web page; Maintains necessary records according to department policy; Administers and processes applications and compliance activities related to surface mining and reclamation requirements under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA); Administers and processes applications and compliance activities related to Williamson Act contracts and associated County guidelines; Maintains confidentiality; Performs other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE OF Principles, practices, and terminology of land use planning; Methods, procedures, and practices of research, data analysis, and report preparation; Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances related to land use and development; Environmental review processes and impacts of changes in land use, including California Environmental Quality Act; Building, zoning, and related codes and ordinances enforceable by the County; Basic housing construction methods, terminology, and plan reading; Functions and responsibilities of a public planning agency; Current trends and practices in land use planning and community design; Research and statistical methods applicable to planning; Transportation planning principles; Graphic illustration and presentation methods (GIS preferred); Requirements and administration of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA); Williamson Act law and local guidelines related to agricultural preserve contracts; Computer applications related to planning, mapping, and data management. DESIRED SKILLS Read, understand, interpret, and apply ordinances, regulations, and policies; Educate and communicate with the public regarding planning policies, procedures, and requirements; Prepare clear, concise, and complete planning studies, staff reports, and technical documents; Review permit applications for completeness and compliance with applicable requirements; Interpret and explain building plans, specifications, and applicable codes; Perform mathematical calculations accurately; Apply standard construction and development requirements in project review; Enforce regulations with firmness, consistency, and tact; Facilitate and participate in team‑based problem solving; Conduct research and analyze technical, statistical, and planning‑related data; Read and interpret laws, ordinances, General Plan elements, environmental documents, and related materials; Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Represent the department in a professional manner; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; Plan, organize, and manage multiple assignments effectively; Adapt to a changing work environment; Provide effective customer service; Use computers and related technology effectively. TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning, geography, environmental studies, or a closely related field; and One (1) year of experience performing duties comparable to those of an Assistant Planner; or Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in land use planning, environmental analysis, community development, or a closely related field, including duties such as research, data analysis, preparation of staff reports, or evaluation of land use policies. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Possession of a valid and appropriate driver's license. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye‑hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in an office environment; occasionally works outside; continuous contact with other staff. #J-18808-Ljbffr