Planner III

The Position

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

• All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents: Reviews and conducts the most complex and controversial studies related to current or advanced planning projects, programs, and operations. Gathers, compiles, and evaluates statistical data related to the County's existing population, housing needs, income level, employment, etc., for use in projecting future planning needs of the County. Prepares checklists and surveys to gather information relevant to development of the County's General Plan and evaluates information obtained through such survey instruments. Prepares a variety of technical planning reports and recommendations related to planning, zoning, land divisions, and environmental quality for presentation to the planning commission and Board of Supervisors. Reviews and interprets State and County laws, codes and guidelines associated with current and advance planning activities and determines County's obligations toward same. Administers the County's surface mining regulations including preparation of state mandated reports and field inspections as well as the review of financial assurances. Prepares ordinance amendments to County code to accommodate revisions in the state law and local policy. Designs and prepares maps, mapping systems, charts, and other graphic information for presentations and/or reports concerning planning matters. Designs and completes geographic or spatial analysis for planning projects and studies. Initiates, organizes, manages, and prepares community plans, general plans, and other projects of a public nature. Formulates and conducts special studies related to current or advance planning projects, programs and operations. Initiates, formulates and manages grant projects. Prepares fiscal analysis of programs, plans, projects and community needs. Evaluates and makes recommendations on department and County functions. Prepares and manages contract process and budget for consultant-performed projects. Staffs, manages or participates in various commissions, committees and agency or citizen planning efforts. Formulates and conducts citizen participation process including media involvement. Reviews the work of consultants for accuracy. Prepares and makes recommendations relative to alternative techniques for approaching planning activities and problems. Conducts field inspections and investigations of planning projects to assure compliance with applicable codes, laws, and specifications. Processes a variety of planning-related applications including; acceptance of applications at the counter, initial review for completeness, evaluation of environmental impact, analysis for compliance with County regulations, preparation of staff report including recommendation for approval, modification or denial, and regular presentation to the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors. Works with the Code Enforcement Officer in investigating zoning complaints and violations; makes recommendations for resolving these issues. Investigates claims of title to determine legal status of parcels in the County. Initiates "notices of intent" regarding potential violations of the Map Act and the County Division of Land Regulations; reviews potential land division violations with County Counsel and coordinates efforts to resolve violations. Issues certificates of compliance for legal parcels. Serves as information source to other staff members, planning commission, contractors and developers, and the general public regarding all planning matters and requirements. Has a working knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and reviews environmental impact reports (EIR’s) for planning projects and activities as needed. Reviews building permit applications for conformance with zoning and site plan requirements. May guide and train new planners. Performs other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED Education and Experience: To qualify for this classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience, training, and education that would likely produce the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: Experience: 2-years related experience; or 1-year as Planner II Education: Normally, education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Rural/Community Planning/Environmental Studies, or a related field. Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license Incumbents must possess and maintain, or obtain and maintain, all licenses, certifications, registrations, and/or other requirements identified in the minimum qualifications, as applicable, and within the timeframes specified. These requirements are conditions of continued employment and minimum qualifications for the position. Failure to possess, obtain, or maintain any required license, certification, registration, or other requirement within the specified timeframe may result in rejection during the probationary period, or disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
• All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents:
• Reviews and conducts the most complex and controversial studies related to current or advanced planning projects, programs, and operations.
• Gathers, compiles, and evaluates statistical data related to the County's existing population, housing needs, income level, employment, etc., for use in projecting future planning needs of the County.
• Prepares checklists and surveys to gather information relevant to development of the County's General Plan and evaluates information obtained through such survey instruments.
• Prepares a variety of technical planning reports and recommendations related to planning, zoning, land divisions, and environmental quality for presentation to the planning commission and Board of Supervisors.
• Reviews and interprets State and County laws, codes and guidelines associated with current and advance planning activities and determines County's obligations toward same.
• Administers the County's surface mining regulations including preparation of state mandated reports and field inspections as well as the review of financial assurances.
• Prepares ordinance amendments to County code to accommodate revisions in the state law and local policy.
• Designs and prepares maps, mapping systems, charts, and other graphic information for presentations and/or reports concerning planning matters.
• Designs and completes geographic or spatial analysis for planning projects and studies.
• Initiates, organizes, manages, and prepares community plans, general plans, and other projects of a public nature.
• Formulates and conducts special studies related to current or advance planning projects, programs and operations.
• Initiates, formulates and manages grant projects.
• Prepares fiscal analysis of programs, plans, projects and community needs.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations on department and County functions.
• Prepares and manages contract process and budget for consultant-performed projects.
• Staffs, manages or participates in various commissions, committees and agency or citizen planning efforts.
• Formulates and conducts citizen participation process including media involvement.
• Reviews the work of consultants for accuracy.
• Prepares and makes recommendations relative to alternative techniques for approaching planning activities and problems.
• Conducts field inspections and investigations of planning projects to assure compliance with applicable codes, laws, and specifications.
• Processes a variety of planning-related applications including; acceptance of applications at the counter, initial review for completeness, evaluation of environmental impact, analysis for compliance with County regulations, preparation of staff report including recommendation for approval, modification or denial, and regular presentation to the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors.
• Works with the Code Enforcement Officer in investigating zoning complaints and violations; makes recommendations for resolving these issues.
• Investigates claims of title to determine legal status of parcels in the County.
• Initiates "notices of intent" regarding potential violations of the Map Act and the County Division of Land Regulations; reviews potential land division violations with County Counsel and coordinates efforts to resolve violations.
• Issues certificates of compliance for legal parcels.
• Serves as information source to other staff members, planning commission, contractors and developers, and the general public regarding all planning matters and requirements.
• Has a working knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and reviews environmental impact reports (EIR’s) for planning projects and activities as needed.
• Reviews building permit applications for conformance with zoning and site plan requirements.
• May guide and train new planners.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Licenses and Certifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of: Principles, methods, and techniques related to land use planning with emphasis on rural issues and natural resources, including ordinances and regulations pertaining to zoning, subdivisions and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). All applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations. Social, economic, and financial principles and practices associated with public planning projects. Skill in: Planning, directing and coordinating complex projects. Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials. Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction. Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols. Using mathematics. Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials. Mental and Physical Abilities: Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations. Ability to identify and analyze problem situations, establish priorities of action based on analysis, and take appropriate action to resolve problems. Ability to prepare and present complex technical reports. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. While performing the essential functions of this job the incumbent is regularly required to walk, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, speak and hear, push and pull, move, or lift above and below the neck objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Knowledge of

Skill in

• Planning, directing and coordinating complex projects.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
• Using mathematics.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.

Mental and Physical Abilities

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this classification, please submit unofficial transcripts with your application. Applicants who completed their education outside of the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must provide an education evaluation. The education evaluation must state the number of units to which foreign coursework is equal. Foreign education evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org . This education evaluation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be submitted with the application.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
• Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an application appraisal exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.
• Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements

• Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.
• This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.
• The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.
• Learn more:
• E-Verify Notice of Participation (Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work (Download PDF reader)

Benefits

• This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract. SALARY Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range. RETIREMENT Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to: https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 – 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit. VACATION Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years. SICK LEAVE Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually. MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance. HEALTH INSURANCE For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to: http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to: http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to: http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow LABOR CONTRACTS For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to: http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Supplemental Questions