Under limited supervision, performs advanced-level professional planning work and serves as the primary subject matter specialist in the division. This position has department specific responsibility.

(Illustrative Only) Is acting planning director in the absence of the planning director/zoning inspector; implements the long range goals and objectives and coordinates actions with multi-agency projects; aligns short range and permitting activities with long range goals; assists the planning director/zoning inspector with the division’s comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and subdivision regulation development, review and implementation; performs research, data gathering and statistical reporting for population, housing, land ownership, land use and economic studies; assists the planning director in the review of complex and short- and long-term planning projects, and determines potential impact; institutes effective planning practices to achieve consistent growth in accordance with the comprehensive plan; reviews, evaluates, and processes applications for rezoning, land use amendment, tentative map, and special use permits; processes text amendments to the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and comprehensive plan; participates in the comprehensive review of construction and development permit applications through the single point management system; assists the planning director in the review of county policy; responds to public questions and concerns; provides advice and recommendations; assures discretion in the treatment of sensitive and confidential information; organizes and coordinates community meetings and public hearings; prepares and presents briefings, reports, summaries, recommendations and analysis both in writing and verbally to applicable public agencies, contractors, developers, real estate professionals and the public; serves as a liaison to the general public and public agencies; serves on committees, task forces and other groups to coordinate efforts and services; assists the planning director with project management strategy, legal issues, planner collaboration and skills exchange, and other related matters; produces professional quality staff reports, explaining codes and policies applicable to a specific land use proposal; discusses the quality and nature of the proposal and expresses these considerations in a report that can be understood by lay people; presents oral and written reports to Boards, Commissions, public agencies and citizens, as well as at public hearings; assists in the development and updating of internal procedures; participates in the revision and development of new planning and land development procedures and ordinances; reviews existing procedures and recommends changes to improve operations, reviews turnaround times and work processes to streamline and provide quality seamless customer service; monitors and reviews trends in public sector planning, and recommends operational, procedural and policy improvements; regular and reliable attendance is required; performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in planning or a planning-related field which may include municipal, urban or regional planning AND four (4) years of professional planning experience and two (2) years of supervisory experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience, must be certified by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license; requires successful completion of a background check; special requirements: bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.

Knowledge of: County policies and procedures; County, state and Federal laws, codes and regulations pertaining to community planning, industrial development and community conservation; land use regulations and zoning codes; principles and practices of project management, environmental planning, economic development, and long range planning and zoning; research techniques for land use trends and regulations; graphic & digital mapping display techniques and topographic mapping. 

Skill in: Providing effective customer service, including problem solving and conflict resolution; reading, understanding and interpreting land use law, engineering standards, building codes, right- of-way issues, zoning enforcement and State laws on environmental health; assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands; detection of discrepancies in plans, methods and processes; presenting and defending planning information in a public speaking setting such as neighborhood meetings, public hearings, and group meetings; leadership qualities which foster the growth and development of Division staff; effectively utilizing computer systems and applications, including spreadsheets, word processing, database, Geographic Information System, graphics, project management, and presentation software; interpreting planning requirements and objectives to interested groups and the public; providing effective customer service, including problem solving and conflict resolution; technical writing and making technical mathematical computations; compiling statistical information, and preparing and presenting technical reports; maintaining complete and accurate records and preparing clear and concise reports; establishing effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; following written and verbal instructions; communicating effectively verbally and in writing. 

Ability to: Read, to write and synthesize data and reports; research and write detailed reports; use modern office equipment and computers; establish and maintain effective working relationship with co-workers; communicate effectively verbally and written; lift up to 5 – 25 lbs; perform the essential functions of the job specifications with or without a reasonable accommodation.

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity; generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking and 20% standing; working at a computer monitor for extended periods required; this job may be performed under varying extreme weather conditions.