Planner I/II

INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED ON MAY 4, 2026Planner I: $26.74 - $32.50 /hr.
Planner II: $29.55 - $35.91 /hr.

Under direct and general supervision, performs professional office and field work involved in planning, zoning, and land use matters; interprets and enforces various zoning regulations of the County; completes technical assessments and prepares written project analyses; provides professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, community development, zoning, and permits; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct and general supervision from the Deputy Community Resources Agency Director – Community Services. Exercises no supervision of staff. May exercise technical and functional direction over and provide training to lower-level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Planner I: This is the entry-level classification in the planning series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of professional office and field work related to the interpretation, application and enforcement of County planning codes, ordinances and regulations and the County’s General Plan. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Planner II: This is the journey-level of the planning series, able, under general supervision, to perform the full scope of general planning duties required. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Planner in that the latter is the advanced journey-level class in the series and is responsible for organizing, assigning, and reviewing the work ofdepartmental staff involvedin a major area of the Planning Division, in addition to performing the more complex planning and project management activities.

The positions in the Planner class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II level are normally filled by advancement from the I level requiring two (2) additional years of experience and after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.(Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Receives and processes land use applications for conditional use permits, rezones, parcel and subdivision maps, site development or site review permits, general plan amendments, and other requests related to County planning activities.
• Reviews applications for consistency with the County’s General Plan, codes, and ordinances.
• Conducts site inspections to collect pertinent information regarding site conditions.
• Collects, researches, reviews and organizes field and office data for the development of staff reports, analysis of planning elements, and/or development or modification of current land use policies.
• Conducts environmental review and analyses.
• Compiles findings and prepares recommendations in written form for projects, including project analysis and conditions for permit approval.
• Interprets federal, state and County laws, codes, and ordinances associated with current and advanced planning activities.
• Prepares and updates maps, charts, and graphs for visual presentations related to planning activities.
• Prepares a variety of periodic and special reports regarding assigned activities; makes presentations to the public, special districts and agencies as requested.
• Confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding County development policies and standards; provides and clarifies information relative to land use, zoning, code interpretation, general plan compliance, signage, and other issues.
• Participates in coordinating County planning and development related activities with other County departments and with outside agencies.
• Performs various duties related to alcoholic beverages control (ABC) and other types of business licenses.
• Refers to and applies numerous documents including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act, State Planning laws, Ordinance Code, Specific Plans, emergency operations manual, historical preservation guidelines, County tax assessor’s maps and records, building and architecture plans, etc.
• Researches and assists in preparing ordinances for review.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field ofurban planning and other types of public services as they relate to the area of assignment.
• May provide technical direction and training to other planning and technical staff.
• May provide assistance to the Code Compliance Officer in enforcement of the zoning ordinance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

.Knowledge of:

Planner I:

• Modern principles and practices of technical and legal issues of urban and regional planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, and environmental planning and program management.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to city planning.
• Comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process.
• Site planning and architectural design principles.
• General concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, and traffic and transportation engineering as they relate to the process of urban planning.
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive environmental planning program.
• Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the County in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational and regulatory organizations, and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

Planner II: (In addition to the above)

• Federal, state and county laws, codes, rules, regulations and standards affecting planning, zoning, land development and other programs of the department.
• County and department policies and procedures.
• Methods, practices and procedures used in current and advanced planning operations.
• Practices of researching planning and land use issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Planning terminology and technical report writing requirements related to planning.
• Project management and contract administrationprinciples and techniques.
• Basic Geographic Information Systems technology.
• Environmental / biological issues impacting planning activities.

Ability to:

Planner I:

• Learn and apply federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to division programs and services.
• Learn County and department policies and procedures.
• Interpret land use maps and legal descriptions of property.
• Draft land use maps as needed.
• Read plans and specifications and make effective site visits.
• Assess, monitor, and report environmental impact on and of various County programs and services.
• Analyze site design, terrain constraints, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
• Conduct routine research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed.
• Perform mathematical and planning computations with precision.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Planner II: (In addition to the above)

• Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, Board of Supervisors, and other boards and commissions.
• Collect, interpret and analyze field and office planning data accurately.
• Process a variety of land development applications.
• Perform technical planning operations and studies without immediate supervision.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinate assigned activities with other County departments and agencies as required.
• Direct the work of contract consultants.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oralreports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Effectively use basic GIS technology.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals.
• Coordinate assigned activities with other County departments and agencies as required.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be

Planner I:
Equivalent to the completion of a two-year degree or equivalent education from an accredited educational institution with major coursework in planning, political science, environmental studies, natural resource management, watershed management, forestry, or a closely related field.

Planner II:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in planning, political science, environmental studies, natural resource management, watershed management, forestry, or a closely related field and two (2) years of experience at a level equivalent to the classification of Planner I with Tuolumne County.

The completion of a two year degree with major coursework in planning, political science, environmental studies, natural resource management, watershed management, forestry, or a closely related field supplemented by the completion of a land use certificate from an accredited program may substitute for the four-year degree.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Interpersonal / Soft Skills needed to be successful in this positions:

• flexibility
• compassion
• innovation
• self initiator
• self awareness
• active listening

Technical /Hard Skills needed to be successful in this position:

• data analysis
• workload tracking
• organized
• CEQA Legislation
• knowledge of TC zoning Code