Senior Planner

DEFINITION
Under limited direction, performs the full range of functions in the Planning Division. The Senior Planner position advises the public on a variety of regulatory requirements, performs routines and technical work both at the public counter and in the back office; answers inquiries related to Planning requirements and regulations such as general plan policies, development regulations, permit procedures and schedules; performs preliminary review of plans and specifications; reviews, tracks, and processes applications; signs off on building permits; participates in planning studies, environmental reviews, transportation planning, community design, general plan preparation; assists with planning policy formulation and implementation, such as zoning ordinance updates; and to do related work as required. This position plans, develops, and implements complex professional planning projects on the most difficult current and/or advanced planning projects; develops recommendations on planning policy formulation and implementation; directs the work of major planning programs. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.
  
 DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the most advanced working level in the professional Planner series. Incumbents are responsible for performing the most complex planning assignments and may provide lead direction to professional and technical staff. Work includes managing complex projects, overseeing environmental review, coordinating with multiple agencies, and contributing to the development and implementation of planning policies and programs.
Incumbents exercise a high degree of independent judgment and are expected to identify and resolve complex planning, regulatory, and process-related issues. This class is distinguished from the Associate Planner in that the latter performs assignments of moderate complexity, while the Senior Planner is responsible for the most difficult projects, advanced analysis, and policy-level work.
  
 REPORTS TO
 Deputy Director of Planning.
  
 CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
Incumbents may provide lead direction and coordination for technical support staff and other professional planning staff.

Essential functions: 

• Provides information to the public on various Community Development Department regulations, permits, and applications; 
• Accepts and reviews application and plan submittals for completeness and compliance with Siskiyou 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; 
• Coordinates applicable inquiries with code compliance staff; 
• Gathers and evaluates data and information for planning studies and long-range planning policy development; 
• Prepares or coordinates preparation of general plan elements; 
• 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.); 
• May conduct inspections of sites to ensure compliance with General Plan and zoning codes; 
• Assists with, coordinates and prepares environmental studies; 
• Assists with and prepares public presentations; 
• Participates in the environmental review of proposed projects; 
• Assists with the implementation of general plan and specific planning requirements; 
• Assists with the revision of planning ordinances; 
• Interprets use permits, ordinances, policies, and regulations; 
• Performs reviews of site development plans and prepare and present staff reports for the Planning Commission; 
• Prepares or assists with the preparation of maps and graphs; 
• Answers public inquiries regarding planning issues, permit procedures, and zoning; 
• May represent the Department on committees; 
• Provides staff support to the Local Transportation Commission, regional planning advisory committees, and certain state mandated and local commissions; 
• Develops grant proposals;
• Responds to inquiries and complaints related to planning regulations; 
• Develops and/or maintains departmental web page;
• Maintains necessary records according to department policy; 
• Performs general office duties including staffing the customer service counter; 
• Maintains confidentiality; 
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: 

• Methods, procedures, principles and practices of record keeping and report writing.
• Computer and Internet applications related to permit functions, planning and land use.
• Building, zoning and related codes and ordinances enforceable by the County.
• Basic housing construction methods and terminology.
• Basic symbols and content of construction plans and blueprints.
• Functions and responsibilities of a public planning agency.
• Principles, techniques, and knowledge of land use planning.
• Current trends in land use planning and community design.
• Research and statistical methods.
• Transportation planning.
• Environmental review and impacts of changes in land use, including CEQA.
• Graphic illustration and presentation (GIS preferred).
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws and codes.
• The Surface and Mining Reclamation Act (SMARA).
• Williamson Act law and local guidelines related to the Act.

Desired skills:

• Read, understand and apply ordinances and regulations.
• Educate the public on the significance of community development initiatives.
• Assist in the preparation of planning studies and reports.
• Review permit applications for completeness and conformity with requisite ordinances.
• Ability to interpret and explain building plans, specifications and building codes.
• Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Provide advice on standard construction methods and requirements.
• Enforce regulations with firmness and tact.
• Facilitate and/or participate in team/group problem solving.
• Prepare clear and concise written reports.
• Provide attention to detail while maintaining focus on larger projects/tasks
• Learn and enforce Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations related to planning and zoning activities.
• Assist with planning studies and environmental reviews.
• Collect, compile, evaluate, and analyze technical, statistical, and other information related to public planning.
• Assist with and prepare planning and zoning reports.
• Read and understand laws, ordinances, general plan elements, environmental impact statements, and other documents related to community planning and land use.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Effectively represent the Community Development Department.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and co-workers.
• Make public presentations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Plan and organize work in an efficient manner.
• Track and complete multiple tasks while maintaining focus.
• Adapt to constantly changing work environment.
• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Use technology effectively.

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Senior Planner. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications would be:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban, regional, or resource planning, or a closely related field; and
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning, environmental analysis, community development, or a closely related field, including at least one (1) year performing lead or advanced-level assignments such as managing complex projects, preparing or overseeing staff reports, or coordinating with multiple agencies; or

A Master’s degree in planning, public administration, law (Juris Doctor), or a closely related field; and
two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning, environmental analysis, community development, or a closely related field, including at least one (1) year performing lead or advanced-level assignments; or
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in land use planning, environmental analysis, community development, or a closely related field, including at least one (1) year performing lead or advanced-level assignments.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, copies, and FAX.  
  
 TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
 Work is performed in an office environmental; occasionally works outside; continuous contact with other staff.

Salary : $80,122 - $102,315