Planner III - Open Until Filled

Under direction, performs complex and professional planning work in land development and long-range planning services; reviews and analyzes land use permits and land divisions; collects, prepares, and presents data and reports; conducts planning studies and research projects related to the physical development of the County; carries out county land use regulations and planning policies and procedures; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Senior Planner or assigned management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Types of work performed shall be within the scope and licensure (if required) for the classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.

• Conducts professional planning projects and environmental documents (EIR); engages with consultants and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Responsible Agencies (i.e., Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife, Caltrans, etc.).
• Performs project management on routine to complex planning projects; provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, policies, regulations related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements.
• Receives and processes applications for rezoning, general and specific plan amendments, use permits, environmental clearance, variance, and related zoning items.
• Administers, interprets, and enforces provisions of the County Zoning Ordinance and other planning laws, policies and standards to potential applicants and the public.
• Monitors status of development applications from acceptance to issuance of final permit and conducts periodic reviews of conditional permits.
• Reviews, investigates, and processes various plans and applications for subdivisions, housing and commercial developments, variances, use permits, and business licenses; determines conformity with laws, policies, regulations, and procedures; recommends approval, identifies problems and alternatives.
• Plans and conducts research studies and prepares reports and recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing, redevelopment, and community service needs.
• Assists with the review, development, or revision of the various elements of the General Plan, environmental impact reports, plans, ordinances and other policies and procedures.
• Develops and maintains statistical reporting systems; compiles, analyzes and interprets data relating to environmental conditions, social, economic, and housing trends, community needs, demographic trends, and zoning problems and prepares appropriate documentation.
• Coordinates, administers, and performs activities associated with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act and Williamson Act.
• Prepares a variety of written communications, including analytical reports, correspondence, and drafts of revisions to local ordinances, policies, and procedures; directs the preparation of graphic materials.
• Solicits proposals, analyzes proposals received, and coordinates fiscal reporting for Community Development Block Grants; prepares grant applications and amendments to grants.
• Performs occasional field surveys, inspections, and investigations related to planning and zoning projects or requests.
• Makes effective oral and graphic presentations or prepares material for presentation to the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, and community groups; answers questions and provides information and assistance to the public in person, on the telephone and in writing.
• Act as liaison with other agencies, departments, and planning sections, as assigned.
• Attends various meetings, briefings, and workshops related to planning assignments.
• Conducts special research projects.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information sources and trends of urban planning.
• Application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental, zoning and/or social concepts to the planning process.
• Permit application procedures and review processes.
• Statistical analysis and mathematical concepts related to the planning process.
• Terminology, symbols, methods, techniques, and instruments used in planning and map drafting.
• Graphic illustration and presentation techniques.
• Local government organization, functions, and practices.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping, data collection, zone verification and various parcel attributes.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation; report compilation and writing.
• Methods and techniques of conducting and documenting site inspections.
• Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Recordkeeping principles and practices.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to the work performed.

Ability to:

• Interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs, and statistical data.
• Research, analyze, and summarize planning data both manually and with computer applications.
• Read plans and specifications and make site visits.
• Prepare drafting presentations of data, plans, and maps.
• Receive and respond to a variety of questions from the general public, contractors, and developers or refer to higher level planning staff.
• Review applications for accuracy and completeness.
• Enforce zoning and land use ordinances.
• Collect, analyze, and compile technical, statistical, and related information pertaining to planning and zoning research.
• Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Perform mathematical computations with precision.
• Perform detailed administrative support work accurately.
• Prepare various studies and reports.
• Organize and maintain accurate files and records.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, ordinances, and standards relevant to the work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to the work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban or regional planning, geography, public administration, or a related field and two (2) years of professional planning experience, including at least one (1) year of experience at a level equivalent to the County’s class of Planner II.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate California driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10pounds.

When assigned to a field environment:

Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confining spaces and around machines; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds, or heavier weight with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.

Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the examination process which may be administered by a written examination, oral interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.

Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Of those passing the initial assessment, only the top 15 will move forward to the appraisal panel. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section. If only one assessment is conducted, the weight for that assessment will be 100%.

THE APPRAISAL PANEL WILL BE SCHEDULED ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS

To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our websitehttps://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/maderacountyca. All job postings are also included via the TDD phone at 559-675-8970 and the 24-hour job line at 559-675-8685. Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded), licenses, and certificates to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.

For an open recruitment, applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 form along with the application. Candidates who attain ranking on an eligible list and are involuntarily called to active duty may be considered for eligibility reinstatement upon their return.

PLACEMENT ON THE ELIGIBLE LIST:
The Civil Service Commission may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the examination process. If two or more candidates have the same total final score on an examination, they shall be ranked in order of their scores in that portion of the examination which has the greatest weight. The names of two or more eligibles having final ratings which are identical shall be grouped on the eligible list as tie names with equal rank for certification and appointment purposes.

Candidates who are successful in all phases of the examination process will be placed on an eligible list, in rank order based on a calculation of their total score from the examination process. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of six (6) months or one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to section 6-4 (b) and may be extended for up to an additional year by the Commission.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
As a condition of employment with the County of Madera, a candidate must submit to a Tuberculosis (TB) screening, and related follow up testing as necessary. Designated classifications* are also subject to a medical examination, which includes a review of medical history. TB screenings and medical exams are administered by the Madera County Public Health Department and/or health care professional designated by the County.

Designated classifications required to submit to an employment medical examination generally include those that are physical in nature or as may be required by law. If you have any questions about the pre-employment requirements, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (559) 675-7705 orhr@maderacounty.com.

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT:
You will be required to submit verification of your identity and citizenship or legal right to work in the United States at the time of and as a condition of an offer of employment.

As a condition of employment, all prospective employees shall be required to be fingerprinted.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Madera County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, political affiliation, or any other basis protected by Federal or State law.