Assistant/Associate Planner

The Butte County Development Services department is looking to hire an Assistant Planner 

The salary rage for Assistant Planner is $2284.20 - $3060.80 biweekly ($28.55 - $38.26 per hour).

FLSA Assistant : Non-Exempt

FLSA Associate : Exempt 

DEFINITION

Under general supervision or direction, conducts planning studies and develops reports and plans; performs essential planning practices to achieve growth and public service goals for Butte County; interprets and enforces various zoning regulations of the County; provides professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, zoning, and permits; and performs related duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision (Assistant Planner) or direction (Associate Planner) from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Assistant Planner: This is the entry-level classification in the professional planner series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine work related to the interpretation, application, and enforcement of the County’s General Plan and related planning ordinances, codes, and regulations. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Associate Planner 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. 

Associate Planner: This is the journey-level classification in the professional planner series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Planner 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 performs the more complex work assigned to the series and serves as project manager on complex development applications and special projects. 

Positions in the Planner classification series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Associate-level may be filled by advancement from the Assistant-level; progression to the Associate-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Associate-level.

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.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (Assistant-level) positions.

• Receives and processes a variety of planning, development, and related applications and documents; reviews applications for conformance with regulations, codes, project specifications, and environmental protocols.
• Protects and ensures the health, safety, and welfare of the public by providing sensible and logical land development, adequate public services, and compatible land use; institutes effective planning practices to achieve consistent and controlled growth.
• Answers inquiries and assists the public in matters relating to planning and environmental review; provides zoning, general plan, and subdivision information within scope of authority; acts as planner of the day on a rotational basis.
• Develops maps, charts, and graphs used in planning studies and reports; conducts comparative studies of land use, population structure, and economic activity; prepares technical reports, specifications, and drawings.
• Writes zoning ordinances in proper legal form.
• Researches and presents information to public; processes complaints submitted by the general public.
• Reviews building plans for consistency with zoning regulations and compliance with conditions of permit approval.
• Conducts site inspections to collect pertinent information regarding site conditions; ensures compliance with conditions and established regulations. 
• Compiles, arranges, analyzes, and interprets field and office data; analyzes planning elements and develops or modifies current land use policies or components of long-range efforts; ensures accuracy of information.
• Assists in the development of departmental recommendations on matters to be heard by the Board of Supervisors, committees, or commissions.
• Assists in executing the Williamson Act.
• Attends and participates in meetings; may serve as an advisor to committees or commissions.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (Assistant-level) positions. 

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to planning, zoning, land development, and other programs of the division. 
• Principles of land use regulations.
• Methods, practices, and procedures used in current and advanced planning. 
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. 
• Geographic, socioeconomic, economic, environmental, and other elements related to planning.
• Principles and practices of a comprehensive environmental planning program. 
• Planning terminology and technical report writing requirements related to planning. 
• 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:

• Understand, interpret and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures and standards relevant to work performed. 
• Collect, interpret, and analyze field and office planning data accurately. 
• Conduct routine planning studies, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations. 
• Read and interpret plans and specifications. 
• Effectively use basic GIS technology. 
• Analyze site design, terrain constraints, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services. 
• Assess, monitor, and report environmental impact on and of various County programs and services. 
• Perform mathematical and planning computations with precision. 
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, and other written material. 
• Interpret and explain planning and land use programs to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, Board of Supervisors, and other committees and commissions. 
• 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 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 planning, environmental studies, or related field; and 

Assistant Planner: None.

Associate Planner: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience at a level equivalent to Assistant Planner. 

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

When assigned to an office environment: 

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; 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.

When assigned to field inspection:

• Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel and bend, to climb and descend ladders and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
• Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 10 pounds. 
• Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. 
• Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. 
• Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions and road hazards. 
• 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.

Salary : $59,384 - $87,922