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County of Alpine Adopted: PLANNER I / II / III DEFINITION Under general supervision, to perform professional planning assignments in the County Community Development Department; to perform technical reviews of land use and permit applications; to participate in planning studies, environmental reviews, community design, general plan preparation and transportation planning activities; to assist with planning policy formulation and implementation; to explain ordinance, resolution, regulations and county policies to the public, and to perform related work as required. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a series classification specification descriptive of the levels of work assigned to the professional Planner class series. Planner I is an entry level in a professional Planner class series. Incumbents receive relatively close supervision while performing basic planning assignments. This class differs from the next higher level of Planner II in that incumbents have greater decision making latitude and more independent responsibilities in performing job assignments. An incumbent who, at Planner I level, demonstrates sound work habits and the ability to perform independent assignments may expect promotion to the Planner II level, when the requisitie experience has been gained. Planner II is a an intermediate level in the professional Planner class series. Incumbents perform a variety of professional planning work with minimal guidance and supervision. Incumbents have greater decision-making latititude and work independence than the Planner I position. However, they do not exercise the independent judgment or perform the specialized assignments of a Planner III. Planner III is the advanced working level in the professional Planner class series. Incumbents perform a variety of the most complex and specialized professional planning work with minimal guidance and supervision. Incumbent may be assigned to represent the Community Development Department on standing committees. May also provide some lead direction and project coordination for other staff. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES – Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Gathers data and information for planning studies and long range planning policy development. Assists with preparation and implementation of general plan elements, ordinances and amendments. Conducts research and performs data analysis; reviews and processes all types of land use planning projects. Makes field trips and investigations pertaining to planning projects. May assist with transportation planning activities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Planner I / II / III Page 2 Investigates and processes complaints regarding zoning violations; assists with the preparation and review of environmental documents; develops conditions of approval and mitigation measures; conducts mitigation monitoring of projects; assists with the implementation of general plan amendments and specific planning requirements. Performs basic review of site development and building plans; prepares and presents staff reports on routine items for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Prepares public hearing notices; prepares or assists with the preparation of maps, tables, charts and graphic presentations; attends meetings outside normal working hours; answers public inquiries regarding planning issues, permit procedures, and zoning; and does related duties as assigned. Level II: (In addition to the above duties) Researches, reviews and analyzes information and data for the preparation of planning studies and reports both current and long range issues. Performs review of more complex site development and building plans, prepares and presents staff reports on more complex items for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Assists with transportation planning activities. Manages, updates and maintains the Geographic Information System. Level III: (In addition to the above duties) Researches and prepares drafts of general plan elements, ordinances and amendments. Leads and or helps to direct the work of other staff and consultants working for the Community Development Department. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Level I: Basic principles, techniques, and knowledge of land use planning. Basic laws, regulations and ordinances governing planning, zoning and land use. Current trends in land use planning and community design. Research and statistical methods. Environmental impacts of change in land use. Graphic illustration and presentation. Basic drafting. GIS. Level II andIII: (in addition to above) More complex principles, techniques and trends of land use planning and environmental assessment. ---PAGE BREAK--- Planner I / II / III Page 3 More complex laws, regulations and ordinances governing planning, zoning and land use. Purposes and procedures of governmental planning agencies, boards and governing bodies. Ability to: Level I: Assist with planning studies and environmental reviews. Collect, compile and analyze technical, statistical, and other information related to land use planning. Assist with the preparation of planning and zoning reports. Write clear and concise reports and letters. Adjust to pressures of meeting deadlines and changes in workload. Read and understand maps, laws, ordinances, general plan elements, environmental impact statements and other documents related to community planning and land use. Give and follow written and oral instruction. Operate a personal computer and use appropriate software in the performance of professional planning work. Effectively represent the Community Development Department and the Land Use Agency in answering questions, responding to inquiries, providing assistance and dealing with concerns from the public, community organizations, other county staff, and other agencies. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Safely operate a motor vehicle. Attend meetings outside normal working hours. Level II: (In addition to above) Perform a variety of planning studies and environmental reviews. Write planning laws, policy guidelines and ordinances. Draw and interpret maps, diagrams and site plans. Level III: (In addition to above) Perform a variety of the most complex planning studies and environmental reviews. Perform special assignments representing the Community Development Department on standing committees as delegated. Independently prepare comprehensive and concise planning and zoning reports. Education: Level I - Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities to perform the requirements of the job. Equivalent of graduation from a four year college or university with major work in planning, or a closely related field. ---PAGE BREAK--- Planner I / II / III Page 4 Level II and III – A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in regional or city planning, environmental studies, geography, architecture, or closely related field. Experience: Level I: Experience equivalent to that of a Planning Technician with the County may be substituted for the required one year minimum experience at this level. Level II – Two years of responsible experience in governmental or similar land use planning work equivalent to a Planner I with the County. Level III – Two years of responsible experience in public planning work equivalent to a Planner II with the County. Other Requirements: All levels – Possession of a valid and current driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles and maintenance of an acceptable driving record throughout employment. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires the ability to sit at desk and intermittently walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and reach while performing office duties and/or field work; drive vehicles to meetings and inspections; lift and/or move up to 15 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools and controls. Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and writing, and operating office equipment and hand tools. Must be able to use a telephone to communicate verbally and a keyboard to communicate through written means, to review information and enter/retrieve data, to see and read characters on a computer screen.