What are the responsibilities and job description for the PRINCIPAL PLANNER position at Sutter County?
JOB SUMMARY
Under general direction, administers and manages professional and technical personnel engaged in varied and difficult professional planning work, and in preparing and administering the general plan, specific plans, zoning ordinances and development regulations, and in reviewing and advising on private sector development plans; assists in office management; trains, supervises and evaluates subordinate staff; performs administrative and budget functions as required.
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NOTICES: All correspondences, notices and invitations to test and/or interview will be via e-mail through Governmentjobs.com/NEOGOV. Please be sure to set-up your inbox to receive them or check your junk-mail to make sure you are receiving Sutter County's recruitment communications.
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill any future opening(s), including Part-Time and Extra Help, in this class for up to six months.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other related duties may be required and assigned.
- Directs and supervises professional and/or technical staff engaged in various planning and regulatory activities.
- Interprets, explains and makes recommendations on various laws, regulations and policies pertaining to zoning and land use.
- Interprets planning programs and related ordinances to the public.
- Manages and coordinates the update of the Comprehensive General Plan Revision.
- Manages consultant contracts; oversees and facilitates the work of consultants engaged in various planning and environmental activities.
- Performs studies and develops recommendations for formulation of staff policies and completion of department administrative work.
- Reviews and provides input on planning/environmental programs/projects in adjacent jurisdictions.
- Reviews and coordinates land use proposals and/or applications submitted by developers and the general public.
- Reviews applications for compliance with applicable laws and ordinances, including variances, zoning changes, and subdivision plans involving difficult or complex planning problems; makes recommendations as appropriate.
- Reviews, edits and approves staff reports and environmental documents prepared by staff members.
- Confers with supervisor, the County Administrator, Board members, Planning Commissioners, and other department heads in matters relating to planning, land use and environmental review; provides technical advice and assistance.
- May perform the duties assigned to the Secretary of the Planning Commission.
- Represents the department at hearings, meetings, and conferences of the Board of Supervisors, other departments, other governmental agencies and private organizations concerned with the general plan, community plan, land use, and zoning ordinances and regulations.
- Represents the County and participates in regional planning activities.
- Assists in organizing community participation programs in the preparation and effectuation of planning programs.
- Answers inquiries and disseminates information regarding present and proposed general plans, zoning ordinances, statistical studies, surveys, etc.
- Makes oral and graphic presentations of planning or zoning projects before Planning Commissions and governing bodies.
- Writes and delivers speeches to community organizations, clubs, planning seminars, and property owner groups.
- Meets with representatives from other governing bodies and community organizations to encourage cooperative action or resolve problems.
- Supervises, directs and evaluates assigned staff, to include assigning work, handling employee concerns and problems, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
- Assists in preparing departmental budget and monitoring expenditures.
- Prepares and/or generates various reports, charts, correspondence and documentation.
- Performs research as required; gathers and analyzes statistical data.
- Operates a computer to enter, modify and review data.
- Reviews various documentation and processes, forwards, or takes other action as appropriate.
- Maintains a current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws and regulations; reads professional literature.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of: The principles and practices of governmental planning in urban, rural, and urbanizing areas; trends and statistics affecting community planning; California planning, zoning and environmental laws and regulations; pertinent county ordinances such as zoning and subdivision codes; principles and techniques of personnel management, supervision and training; mathematical and scientific practices related to planning work; research and statistical methods and techniques; standard office equipment and audio/visual equipment; and basic computer applications and techniques.
Ability to: Administer ordinances and laws related to planning projects or land use applications; plan and direct the work of professional and/or technical staff through subordinates; direct the collection, analysis and interpretation of data pertaining to planning and zoning activities in complex rural and urban areas; analyze data and make recommendations based on findings in studies, field observation, and public contacts; organize, conduct and supervise research studies; prepare comprehensive reports of project findings, using graphic aids; prepare comprehensive planning reports; organize and conduct public meetings as a part of the consensus-building process in General Plan development; make presentations and speak effectively in public; establish and maintain effective interpersonal relations with the general public and personnel at all organizational levels; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; read and interpret maps; distinguish color and shape; operate standard office equipment and audio/visual equipment; operate a motor vehicle; and utilize various software programs relevant to the position.
Education and Experience: Equivalent to completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in city/regional planning, architecture, environmental engineering, geography, or a related field; and five years of progressively responsible full-time experience which would demonstrate possession of the above knowledge and abilities, including at least one year performing duties equivalent to Senior Planner in Sutter County; or, three years of full-time experience supervising a professional planning staff engaged in urban, regional or new town planning; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A Master's Degree in city or regional planning is desirable.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential Duties require the following physical skills and work requirements:
Requires the ability to maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of exercising sound judgment and rational thinking under varied circumstances; the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area of the office to another; some positions require sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as drafting, filing, data entry, and/or use of other office equipment or supplies; must be able to perceive forms and colors; may require the ability to operate a motor vehicle.
License or Certificate: May require the possession and maintenance of a Valid California Driver's License.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process for this position includes completing an application and participating in oral interview(s). Please notify the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date for this position if you believe you have a disability, which would make it difficult to participate in any portion of the recruitment process and would require reasonable accommodation. Sutter County reserves the right to require medical documentation concerning the need for accommodation. Offers of employment are contingent upon investigation of employment history, references, drug testing, medical review/exam and fingerprinting in addition to other appropriate requirements of the position.
NOTE: Sutter County utilizes E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the United States.
The County of Sutter is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Sutter County encourages both incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
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Full-time employees are eligible for benefits.
Extra-help employees working more than 30 hours per week MAY be eligible for some benefits.
