Job Description

Summary

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A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process.

All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application.

"See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and evaluates the activities, projects, and programs of the Planning Division of the County's Development Services Department; ensures compliance with established statutes, codes, and regulations; manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and services provided; serves as a subject matter expert and professional resource to the Director and Assistant Director of Development Services in assigned areas of responsibility; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Director of Development Services or designee. Exercises direct supervision over professional staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the operations of the Planning Division. The incumbent is responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which includes short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of division policies, procedures, and services. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the assistant department director in that the latter has responsibility for assisting in the overall administration and operation of the department.

Essential Job Functions

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EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Planning Division, including current and long-range planning and related projects and programs. Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned division; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures. Selects, trains, motivates, and directs personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns; works with department management and staff to build and maintain a high performing team environment. Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and reviews with the management staff; manages the implementation of improvements. Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of assigned budgets. Develops, revises, and implements zoning, subdivision, and General Plan elements and goals. Coordinates regional and statewide policy interpretation; recommends code amendments, solutions to technical problems, and required legal actions; makes final decision on technical interpretations. Consults with design professionals, attorneys, builders, and owners regarding land use applications and plan interpretation; analyzes and recommends alternatives; analyzes and reviews new construction projects for acceptability to achieve compliance. Researches, analyzes, and reviews legislative proposals and new laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations to determine the impact on division policies and procedures; develops recommendations for policy and procedure changes and implements upon approval. Confers with representatives from other agencies regarding administration of state and federal programs; coordinates with County departments, Board of Supervisors, and others to review and discuss new programs. Directs the preparation and review of reports on planning issues and environmental assessments; prepares special and recurring reports, grants, proposals, and contracts. Coordinates the preparation of Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, Airport Land Use Commission, Land Conservation Commission meeting agendas, and other committees as assigned; attends meetings and advises on aspects of County planning; presents planning issues and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. Attends and represents the County at meetings, conferences, and court hearings. Receives, processes, and responds to escalated questions, complaints, and requests for information; provides information on processes and procedures; interprets and explains applicable federal, state, and local statutes and regulations; coordinates resolution to problems and issues. Reviews publications, attends conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and monitors trends to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the field of planning. Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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Knowledge of:

Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility. Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures. Principles and practices of leadership. Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, codes, and regulations applicable to the areas of assignment including those governing planning and land use, California Environmental Quality Act, State Map Act, and related environmental issues. Public agency budget administration practices and general principles, rules, and regulations of risk management related to assigned area of responsibility. Modern principles, practices, and technical and legal issues of urban and regional planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, and environmental planning and program management. Principles of land use regulations and strategic planning. Methods, practices, and procedures used in current and advanced planning. Local government organization and service delivery, as related to assigned area of responsibility. Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff. 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 work performed.

Ability To:

Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner. Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards. Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the Planning Division. Prepare and administer budgets and contracts; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner. Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques. Respond to and investigate inquires and complaints and prepare an appropriate response. Gather, assemble, and analyze data and make sound recommendations for planning projects, programs, and activities. Conduct research, analyze, and interpret data, draw conclusions, and summarize and present information, reports, and data in an effective manner. Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. Effectively represent the division and the County in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, community groups, the public, and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations. Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written material. 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 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, experience and educational degrees that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Substitutions will be made on a year for year basis. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:


Bachelor's degree in geography, regional or urban planning, environmental studies, or related field; and


Six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience, including three (3) years of supervisor experience.

Certifications and Licenses:

Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

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PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects up to 20 pounds. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.