What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Planner - Level A position at Contra Costa County?
The Position
Bargaining Unit: Local 21 - Supervisory Management
The Department Of Conservation And Development (DCD) Is Led By a Director And Is Organized Into Six Divisions Overseen By Senior Deputy Directors, Deputy Directors, Or Assistant Deputy Directors
About The Position
The Department of Conservation and Development is seeking qualified candidates to fill two (2) Principal Planner – Level A vacancies within the Current and Advance Planning Division.
Under the direction of the Director, Deputy Director, or Assistant Deputy Director, the Principal Planner – Level A oversees the effective operation of the Current and Advance Planning Division by supervising senior, associate, junior, and administrative planning staff; directing complex planning initiatives and zoning projects; coordinating with Board of Supervisors' staff; and working collaboratively with agencies and stakeholders both within and outside the County. The position also utilizes Accela Automation, GIS mapping software, and other electronic data management and communication systems to support planning operations.
About The Current And Advance Planning Division
The Current and Advance Planning Division is responsible for guiding and regulating land use within the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County through the administration of the County Zoning Code, the County General Plan, State Planning, Zoning and Housing law and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This is accomplished primarily through reviewing project plans and proposals and preparing reports to hearing bodies on a wide range of planning issues.
If you are an experienced planning professional who enjoys leading teams, solving complex land use challenges, and making a lasting impact on the future of local communities, we encourage you to apply.
We Are Looking For Someone Who Is
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or closely related to one or more Planning Fields.
Experience
Journey: Four (4) years of professional experience in one or more of the Planning Fields for a city, county or regional land use planning agency or other organization related to the Planning Fields.
Substitution for Academic Major: One (1) year of additional qualifying planning experience may be substituted for the required undergraduate academic major.
Desirable Qualifications
For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Christine Bissada at Christine.Bissada@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at 1 855-524-5627.
CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources Department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits
01
The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the position and to assist Human Resources staff in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application" or "see resume."
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
If you indicated that you possess a Bachelor's degree, or higher, was your degree in any of the following fields?
If you indicated that you possess a degree in a closely related field, what field is your degree in? If you do not have a degree, please type N/A.
05
How many years of full-time experience do you possess working in one or more of the Planning Fields for a city, county, or regional land use planning agency or other organization related to the Planning Fields?
If you indicated you have four (4) or more years of full-time professional experience in one or more of the Planning Fields for a city, county or regional land use planning agency or other organization related to the Planning Fields, please list the company names and dates below. If you do not have experience, please type N/A.
07
By checking this box, I am confirming that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and on the application are accurate and true; and I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will result in being rejected from this recruitment process, or released from future employment with Contra Costa County.
Bargaining Unit: Local 21 - Supervisory Management
- PROMOTIONAL ONLY**
The Department Of Conservation And Development (DCD) Is Led By a Director And Is Organized Into Six Divisions Overseen By Senior Deputy Directors, Deputy Directors, Or Assistant Deputy Directors
- Current and Advance Planning
- Building Inspection Services
- Business and Information Services
- Housing and Community Improvement
- Habitat Conservancy and GIS/Mapping
- Water Agency and Transportation
About The Position
The Department of Conservation and Development is seeking qualified candidates to fill two (2) Principal Planner – Level A vacancies within the Current and Advance Planning Division.
Under the direction of the Director, Deputy Director, or Assistant Deputy Director, the Principal Planner – Level A oversees the effective operation of the Current and Advance Planning Division by supervising senior, associate, junior, and administrative planning staff; directing complex planning initiatives and zoning projects; coordinating with Board of Supervisors' staff; and working collaboratively with agencies and stakeholders both within and outside the County. The position also utilizes Accela Automation, GIS mapping software, and other electronic data management and communication systems to support planning operations.
About The Current And Advance Planning Division
The Current and Advance Planning Division is responsible for guiding and regulating land use within the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County through the administration of the County Zoning Code, the County General Plan, State Planning, Zoning and Housing law and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This is accomplished primarily through reviewing project plans and proposals and preparing reports to hearing bodies on a wide range of planning issues.
If you are an experienced planning professional who enjoys leading teams, solving complex land use challenges, and making a lasting impact on the future of local communities, we encourage you to apply.
We Are Looking For Someone Who Is
- Results-driven, highly motivated, and exceptionally organized, with the ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines
- Committed to public service, bringing substantial experience in the public sector, ideally within a regulatory agency
- A strong team collaborator who works well with colleagues across the division, department, and external partners
- Reliable and self-directed, capable of independently managing assignments and representing the County on complex planning and policy matters
- Personable and professional, with the interpersonal skills to work closely with a multidisciplinary team and engage confidently with stakeholders
- Accountable, taking ownership of work products both individually and as part of a collaborative team
- Both a subject-matter expert and a well-rounded generalist, assigned to a specific focus area while also understanding other areas of planning
- Managing complex Current Planning projects and special assignments
- Providing supervision and leadership within the division
- Seeing projects through completion and facilitating the flow of work through the division
- Developing plans, policies, or programs related to one or more planning fields
- Collaborating and consulting with elected officials, local government officials, and other agencies
- Preparing various planning and environmental reports
- Supervising planning professionals, technicians, and clerical staff
- Administering, interpreting and analyzing County Zoning Code and County General Plan as well as State Planning, housing and environmental regulations
- The chance to make a meaningful impact by serving the diverse communities of unincorporated Contra Costa County
- Flexible work schedule options, including 9/80 schedules and potential hybrid arrangements (based on departmental needs)
- Exposure to a wide range of planning fields and complex projects
- Opportunities to grow your professional expertise and advance your planning career
- Work in a supportive, collaborative team environment with exceptional colleagues who truly care about their work and each other
- Managing a high volume of diverse and complex projects in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrating diplomacy and professionalism when engaging with members of the public
- Navigating and applying California’s dynamic and evolving regulatory environment
- Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
- Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
- Industry Monitoring: Grasping the external political, economic, competitive, and social factors affecting the industry
- Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
- Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
- Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
- Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
- Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
- Coaching & Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities
- Thinking & Acting Systematically: Formulating objectives and priorities, and implementing plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization in a global environment
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
- Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
- Managing Performance: Ensuring superior individual and group performance
- Delegating: Sharing responsibility, authority, and accountability
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or closely related to one or more Planning Fields.
Experience
Journey: Four (4) years of professional experience in one or more of the Planning Fields for a city, county or regional land use planning agency or other organization related to the Planning Fields.
Substitution for Academic Major: One (1) year of additional qualifying planning experience may be substituted for the required undergraduate academic major.
Desirable Qualifications
- Strong background working with the County Zoning Code and General Plan
- In-depth knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Subdivision Map Act, Housing Law, and Planning and Zoning Law
- Significant experience preparing reports and presenting to various hearing bodies for planning related items
- Previous experience supervising and managing planning and administrative staff
- A proven track record of interacting with public officials and community groups on planning matters
- Team-oriented with a positive attitude towards public service
- Excellent problem-solving skills, a self-starter, and motivated to carry projects through to completion
- Strong analytical, communication, and writing skills with a background in reviewing planning maps, site plans, and building landscaping and grading plans
- Application Filing and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
- Online Video Interview Assessment: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online video interview assessment. The assessment (interview) will be conducted to measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. These may include, but are not limited to: Displaying Ownership and Accountability, Legal & Regulatory Navigation, Professional & Technical Expertise, Analyzing & Interpreting Data, and Oral Communication. In the Oral Assessment, candidates must achieve an overall passing score of 70% of higher (Weighted 100%). The online video interview assessment will be administered remotely using a computer or mobile device such as a tablet. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment, as well as a computer or mobile device with a camera. The assessment is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) between 7/13/26-7/19/26.
- Departmental Hiring Interview: TBD
For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Christine Bissada at Christine.Bissada@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at 1 855-524-5627.
CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources Department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits
01
The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the position and to assist Human Resources staff in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application" or "see resume."
- I understand
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
- I do not have a GED or High School diploma
- G.E.D. equivalency
- High School Diploma/High School Proficiency Certificate
- Some College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree or higher
If you indicated that you possess a Bachelor's degree, or higher, was your degree in any of the following fields?
- Urban Planning
- Regional Planning
- Closely related to one or more Planning Fields
- I do not possess a Bachelor's degree or higher
If you indicated that you possess a degree in a closely related field, what field is your degree in? If you do not have a degree, please type N/A.
05
How many years of full-time experience do you possess working in one or more of the Planning Fields for a city, county, or regional land use planning agency or other organization related to the Planning Fields?
- 6 years, or more, of experience as described
- 5 years or more, but less than 6 years, of experience as described
- 4 years or more, but less than 5 years, of experience as described
- 3 years or more, but less than 4 years, of experience as described
- 2 years or more, but less than 3 years, of experience as described
- 1 year or more, but less than 2 years, of experience as described
- Less than 1 year of experience as described
- I do not possess any experience as described
If you indicated you have four (4) or more years of full-time professional experience in one or more of the Planning Fields for a city, county or regional land use planning agency or other organization related to the Planning Fields, please list the company names and dates below. If you do not have experience, please type N/A.
07
By checking this box, I am confirming that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and on the application are accurate and true; and I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will result in being rejected from this recruitment process, or released from future employment with Contra Costa County.
- I agree
- Required Question