Planner I,II,III

Position Profile

The Planner series consists of three levels (I, II, III), each with progressively increasing responsibility in land use planning, zoning, and community development. Planners perform professional and technical duties to support the development and implementation of zoning ordinances, land-use policies, and urban planning initiatives.

Serving as key administrators of the County's zoning, subdivision, solid waste, and nuisance ordinances, Planners play a critical role in enforcing regulations and advancing the County General Plan. They provide staff support to the County Commission, Planning Commission, Public Lands Committee, and Trails Committee, ensuring that land development aligns with county policies and long-term strategic goals.

Planners conduct research, review applications, enforce ordinances, and provide recommendations on zoning and land use matters. They actively engage with residents, developers, government agencies, and community stakeholders to promote resilient planning practices and responsible development that supports the County's growth and vision.

Compensation

• Planner I: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour
• Planner II: $27.00 - $32.00 per hour
• Planner III: $32.00 - $36.00 per hour

Essential Functions

• Assists with the management of daily department operations, including land use studies, ordinance development, business regulations, and permit review. Monitors or leads projects to ensure compliance with the County General Plan.
• Provides interpretations of county zoning, planning, nuisance, solid waste, and related ordinances to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Serves as an administrative advisor and liaison to the Board of County Commissioners, Public Land Committee, Trails Committee, and Planning Commission. Offers technical insights, policy recommendations, and implementation strategies for county development initiatives.
• Conducts public meetings and hearings to solicit feedback and educate the public on planning policies and projects.
• Identifies funding sources, applies for grants, and ensures compliance with grant conditions for projects, including trails development and land use initiatives.
• Develops, organizes, and facilitates comprehensive planning processes for current and future county development needs. Assists in maintaining the County General Plan and converting policies into action plans.
• Coordinates planning research and program development with other county departments and governmental agencies. Conducts feasibility studies, updates zoning ordinances, and ensures compliance with land-use regulations.
• Engages with the public, developers, contractors, and entrepreneurs to discuss planning, zoning, and development concerns. Provides guidance on county regulations and requirements.
• Oversees subdivision development, zoning proposals, land acquisitions, and building permits to ensure compliance with county codes and ordinances.
• Represents County interests in discussions with federal, state, and local agencies that own or control land within the County. Prepares reports and recommendations for County Commissioners regarding public land issues.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Planner I (Entry-Level Professional Planner)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides public assistance on planning matters such as zoning, site plan reviews, and conditional use permits.
• Conducts field studies and surveys to collect data for planning projects.
• Gathers and analyzes statistical data related to zoning and land use.
• Acts as a technical assistant to various boards and commissions.
• Designs and drafts maps, charts, graphs, and other illustrative materials for planning projects.
• Conducts site visits and zoning variance investigations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Environmental Studies, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in urban or regional planning, zoning administration, or related work.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Planner II (Intermediate-Level Professional Planner)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Implements department work plans and programs and monitors compliance with planning, zoning, and development ordinances.
• Conducts research on policy and zoning regulations, presents findings to the Planning Commission, and prepares reports.
• Prepares draft proposals for zoning ordinance amendments and planning policies.
• Conducts feasibility studies and prepares progress reports on land use projects.
• Reviews and updates ordinances affecting zoning, development, and planning.
• Coordinates planning projects with other county departments and government agencies.
• Engages with the public to address land use concerns and follow up on policy decisions.
• Participates in project review meetings with developers to negotiate zoning compliance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in planning, zoning, or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• AICP Certification, if degree held is from an accredited planning program.

Planner III (Senior-Level Professional Planner/Project Lead)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serves as a team leader or project manager, supervising lower-level planners.
• Assists in performance evaluations for junior staff.
• Conducts in-depth research on planning, zoning, and community development issues.
• Prepares and presents written reports and zoning recommendations to commissions and elected officials.
• Develops proposals for zoning and planning policies.
• Conducts feasibility studies and monitors project progress.
• Ensures public engagement in land-use planning through hearings and meetings.
• Collaborates with government agencies and developers on regulatory compliance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in planning, zoning, or related fields.
• Experience in leading projects and mentoring junior staff preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• AICP Certification.

Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of:
  • Urban and rural planning principles, zoning regulations, and land use policies.
  • Economic, political, and sociological factors affecting planning decisions.
  • Research methods, statistical analysis, and ordinance compliance.
• Strong ability to:
  • Analyze planning and development issues, propose solutions, and implement regulations.
  • Utilize ArcGIS Pro, MS Word, Excel, Gmail, OnBase, and other planning tools.
  • Communicate effectively with public officials, stakeholders, and the general public.
  • Foster collaboration between county departments and outside agencies.

Salary : $22 - $36