Planner IV (B) (#GA8B )

$56.78-$71.84 hourly / $9,841.68-$12,452.03 monthly / $118,102.40-$149,427.20 yearly

• Prepares or conducts land use and other planning studies and analyses; prepares technical reports;
• Reviews land use development applications, prepares reports, and makes recommendations;
• Reviews issues, policies, and procedures related to land use and planning;
• Drafts ordinances and policy statements for review and approval;
• Conducts or leads field surveys and investigations;
• Researches grant sources, prepares grant applications, and may oversee grant-funded programs;
• Provides technical support or serves as a subject matter expert to task forces, commissions, and advisory committees;
• Responds to public inquiries and assists with zoning and land use matters;
• Inputs, retrieves, and analyzes data using computer systems;
• May represent the County at local, regional, and State levels for special projects or assignments;
• May serve as a project leader for complex land use and planning studies and projects. Zoning Administrator Assignment:
• Reviews and makes decisions on development proposals related to zoning adjustments and land use applications;
• Conducts public hearings and issues findings, including development permits, coastal permits, variances, and other special reviews;
• Assists departments, committees, and the public in interpreting the Zoning Ordinance;
• Ensures private development complies with environmental and other applicable County regulations;
• Hears and rules on administrative appeals.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Planner I

Some knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and trends of public planning or in the specialty area to which assigned.
• Statistical research methods as applied to the collection and tabulation of data affecting public planning.
• Laws, ordinances and regulations governing planning in California.

Planner II

Working knowledge of the above plus:

• Purposes and policies, procedures and regulations of a County planning department and zoning administration.
• Principles and techniques of gathering and analyzing data.

Some knowledge of:

• Basic statistical methods and procedures used in planning studies.
• Techniques of public presentation.

Planner III

Working knowledge of the above plus:

• Long range and regulatory planning practices.
• Laws and regulations related to planning, zoning and environmental protection.

Planner IV

Thorough knowledge of the above plus:

Working knowledge of:

• Legislative processes.
• Working knowledge of policy formulation.

Some knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of project leadership and training.

Ability to:

Planner I

• Collect, analyze and compile, organize and present technical statistical and related information pertaining to planning and zoning research.
• Interpret, apply and explain laws, rules, regulations and ordinances.
• Prepare concise written and oral reports.
• Participate in planning presentations before official bodies.
• Provide services to the public in a courteous and effective manner.
• Participate cooperatively and effectively as a contributing team member.
• Prepare rough charts, maps and other graphic illustrations.
• Apply laws and ordinances and conduct field investigations may be required for certain positions
• Produce acceptable work commensurate with the level of appointment in an acceptable timeframe.
• Learn to input, retrieve and analyze data using a computer.

Planner II

All of the above plus:

• Organize and present planning research studies.
• Collect, analyze, compile and arrange technical, statistical and related information for planing and zoning research.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, officials and personnel from other agencies.
• Interpret maps and aerial photos.
• Speak effectively before groups.

Planner III

All of the above plus:

• Present major planning studies analyses and reports to boards, commissions and committees.
• Complete complex assignments, determine alternative choices and make recommendations.
• Write, interpret, apply and explain complex rules, laws, regulations and ordinances.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and technical reports, ordinances, resolutions and plans.
• Interpret and consistently apply provisions of laws, regulations and policies.
• Understand and relate to others the concepts, aims and principles of land use planning and zoning.
• Speak effectively before large groups.
• Provide leadership to team efforts.

Planner IV

All of the above plus:

• Coordinate multifaceted programs as project leader.
• Track, monitor and advocate legislation.
• Develop, implement and monitor grants.
• Act as subject matter expert or resource.
• Complete the most controversial and technically complex planning assignments.

Training and Experience

Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Planner I: Two years experience in a public or private land use agency/firm plus completion of 12 semester units of college coursework in planning or a closely related field.

OR

Possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, urban studies, natural sciences, architecture or a closely related field.

Planner II: One year of demonstrated professional planning experience equivalent to a Planner I at Santa Cruz County.

OR

Possession of a Master in Arts Degree from an accredited college or university certified by AICP or AIA with a major in planning, architecture or a closely related field. A degree program that includes an internship in a public planning agency is highly desirable.

Planner III: One year of experience that is equivalent to a Planner II at Santa Cruz County.

Planner IV: One year of journey level planning experience equivalent to a Planner III at Santa Cruz County.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid California class C driver license or the ability to provide suitable transportation, which is approved by the appointing authority.

EST: 1/90 REV: 3/94 Analyst: CE