Senior Planner- Land Use Review

About the role

The Senior Planner works under general supervision and exercises a high level of discretion and independent judgment in performing the full range of routine to complex responsibilities spanning the entire spectrum of the planning function. The incumbent also provides recommendations to the Planning Director, Planning Commission, and the Board of County Supervisors, negotiates on behalf of the County, and provides staff support to local and regional boards, committees, and commissions.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing and preparing reports for land development applications as part of the land entitlement process.
• Researching and developing reports that evaluate public and private projects involving the full range of land uses in the County (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.).
• Verifying the accuracy of applications.
• Evaluating consistency with plans and policies of the County region.
• Presenting to a range of small and large audiences, and the ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner.
• Producing Staff Reports and Memoranda.
• Complying with time-sensitive deadlines.
• Representing the agency at regularly scheduled public meetings, some of which may take place outside normal work hours.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED and 6 years of planning-related experience.
• The equivalent combination of education and related work experience (including internships) may be considered.
• A bachelor's degree in planning, urban and regional planning, or a closely related field is preferred, along with land development and planning experience.
• A master's degree and AICP certification are preferred.
• Knowledge of the practices, theories, methods, and objectives of local and regional planning, research techniques and methods, drafting, and engineering designs.
• Experience working with land use applications that involve rezonings and special use permits.
• Experience working independently and leading teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to prepare accurate and concise reports, and to present data in an effective manner.
• Direct experience in local government and communicating with policymakers, senior-level managers, interdepartmental staff, and intergovernmental entities.
• Experience with technical writing, presenting, facilitating, negotiating, explaining, planning terms and processes to constituents, and working as a team member.
• A self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws on a wide variety of planning topics.
• Knowledge of zoning and development regulations and strong research skills.