The Principal Planner position is an advancedlevel professional position involving a wide and complex range of assignmentswithin the Department of Community Development. Requires a thorough, specialized knowledge in the subject matter ofplanning processes and a proficient ability to implement and administer thevarious plans and land development regulations of Douglas County. The position requires taking a project managementrole in all aspects of the development and planning processes with applicants;County departments; regional, state, and federal agencies; special districts;and the general public. Performs avariety of complex and detailed professional planning duties as well aspresents data, and represents the County, at Planning Commission and Board ofCounty Commissioners hearings, various public meetings, and other forums.
Generally, the hiring range is $69,251-$86,563 annually. Qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position will be taken into consideration when determining hiring salary.
Douglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the full Employee Benefit Guide. ESSENTIALDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to beall inclusive.)

• Representsthe County at various governmental functions, regional councils, and with othercommunity and special interest groups.
• Coordinatesplanning activities with other federal, state, and county departments anddivisions, and with outside agencies.
• Assessesdevelopment proposals for compliance with federal, state, and Countyregulations; development guidelines; County policy; and sound planning principles.
• Reviewsand evaluates environmental and fiscal impact reports regarding development andmajor local, state or federal projects.
• Evaluates,analyzes, synthesizes and develops multi-discipline data for planning studies,the Comprehensive Master Plan, County land use regulations, regulation amendments,and staff reports.
• Assiststhe public by answering inquiries about, and providing information concerning,land use regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Exhibits clear and concise professional andtechnical writing and communication skills. Organizes and writes requireddocuments per established organizational guidelines.
• Presents data, and represents the County, atPlanning Commission and Board of County Commissioners hearings, various publicmeetings, and other forums.
• Analyzesand drafts refinement of land use regulations and procedures.
• Managesall aspects of complex development and planning process with applicants; Countydepartments; regional, state, and federal agencies; special districts; thePlanning Commission; the Board of County Commissioners; and citizens’organizations.
• Researchessolutions for issues arising from the development request. Analyzes development impacts and works towarda final resolution or mitigation.
• Analyzescomplex land-use proposals and community development activities with respect toCounty policies, regulations, development guidelines, sound planning practices,and land carrying capacity.
• Evaluates, interprets, and providesprofessional assistance to members of the public, landowners, media, anddevelopers regarding the County's zoning requirements, subdivision regulations,comprehensive plan policies, overall County policies, sound planningprinciples, and planning processes in general.
• Researchesand implements mitigation measures consistent with County resources, services,objectives, and goals to control and guide community development.
• Facilitatesinter- and intra-governmental collaboration and cooperation with County departments,referral agencies, state agencies, and federal agencies.
• Createsongoing partnerships that facilitate deeper understanding and teamwork betweenagencies.
• Actsas a resource or expert in a program area, assisting the Chief Planner in mentoringstaff.
• Establishesmethodology for planning studies and projects.
• Performsthe more complex planning duties of, and serves as project manager for, majorplanning projects.
• Conducta variety of related special projects and studies dealing with land use,zoning, development, demographics, economics, housing, and natural resources.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Receives minimal supervision.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position does not directly supervise other employees but is expectedto lead teams and mentor others.
CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR: Uses technical, analytical, and design expertise to develop solutions todifficult problems that often affect diverse functional areas of the County. Errors in judgment or failure to achievegoals are likely to have serious consequence for, and negatively affect thefunction of the Department, the public, the development community, and theCounty socially and economically. Evenincremental mistakes in planning and land use review often will have seriouscumulative impacts on the environment quality and proper functioning of thebroader community, and possible legal impacts.
INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT: Work involves a very high degree of independent thinking and judgmentwithin County policies, regulations and guidelines. Frequent contacts both inside andoutside of the County. Contacts oftenimpact County residents, businesses, and governments, asdecisions regarding investments in land and infrastructure (including time andmoney) are often made based upon these discussions.