Senior Planner

Summary
Under the general supervision of the Community Development Director and the direct supervision of the Planning Services Manager, the Senior Planner reviews and processes complex land use applications and works as a key part of the Community Development team to ensure effective, professional, and friendly delivery of land use and development services to Jefferson County.  The position conducts technical research and analysis on land use issues and is responsible for implementing the county’s comprehensive plan and zoning code.  The position also supports the department by leading or supporting updates to the comprehensive plan and zoning code, as well as conducting other special projects and serving on committees as assigned.   

Distinguishing Characteristics
The Senior Planner provides expertise in land use planning for the county, including the Community Development Department (“Department”), Planning Commission, and Board of Commissioners as well as the general public.  The position has primary responsibility for writing staff reports for complex land use applications, such as conditional uses, code/plan amendments, zone changes, and urban growth boundary amendments.  The position requires a high level of skill in writing and speaking and is responsible for presenting findings, decisions, recommendations, and other special reports and updates to the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners. The position has a significant amount of contact with the general public and partnering agencies, so strong verbal communication skills are critical.  The position assists the public by phone and at the “front counter” and is occasionally required to attend meetings in the evening and/or out of town.  The Senior Planner conducts research, analyzes data, meets with developers (builders, engineers, architects, planners, and others involved in residential, commercial, and industrial projects), and assists the Code Enforcement Officer with investigation into and successful resolution of reported code violations.  While not a full-time supervisory position, the Senior Planner provides advice, guidance, and recommendations related to land use issues to other staff within the Department and the broader county and will provide supervision in the absence of the Planning Services Manager. This position serves a key role on the Community Development Team and contributes positively to the workplace culture, while creating a friendly, professional atmosphere for customers.

• Provides technical support to the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners, and special project committees on land use related matters.
• Offers guidance to County staff members on the application of land use codes.  
• Assists developers, property owners, and the general public with land use questions on the phone, via email, and at the “front counter”.
• Writes and presents analytical staff reports for the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners for complex land use applications, such as non-farm dwellings, conditional uses, zone changes, and urban growth boundary amendments.
• Develops and participates in researching and developing recommendations to the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners on a variety of land use topics.
• Supports other planning staff by taking on less complex applications as necessary to balance workload.
• Leads and participates in complex planning projects, such as amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, or Transportation Systems Plan.
• Provides assistance, research, and information to the Planning Manager and County Counsel on related laws and codes.
• Assists or leads in the application of grants sources from other governmental agencies, such as State or Federal Government, on specific land use or projects, often working with staff from other departments.  
• Serves as staff to the Planning Commission.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.       

Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of computers, software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS, etc.), and office equipment.  Considerable knowledge of land use planning practices as well as state and local ordinances.  Provides a high level of customer service and community-oriented problem solving.   Skill in organizing, leading, and motivating groups and committees concerned with planning.  Knowledge of land use hearings procedures and the ability to manage complex and controversial public review items, such as those involving exceptions to statewide goals.

Abilities
Ability to work with the Community Development team in a cooperative, productive, and supportive way that contributes to a positive work environment and high-quality service to the public.  Ability to develop and maintain productive, harmonious relationships with community groups, officials, other county departments, and the general public.   Ability to give formal presentations to internal groups, committees and commissions, and the general public.   Working knowledge of computers, website editing/maintenance, and word processing/spreadsheet/mapping/application tracking software and/or the ability to learn.  The ability to speak Spanish is not required but is helpful in serving some members of the public.

Physical Abilities
Ability to work at a computer screen for long periods of time, ability to sit, read, stand, and have rapid finger, hand and arm movement for extended periods of time. 

Education and Experience
Four years of increasingly responsible experience at a level equivalent to an Associate Planner, Planner I/II and/or Senior Planner. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in planning, geography, engineering, law, public administration, or a related field. Knowledge of Oregon Statewide Planning Goals, Oregon land use statutes, administrative rules, and case law is preferred. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may substitute for the above.

Licenses and Certificates
A valid Oregon driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required. Driving is an essential duty of the job.Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily indoors but occasionally includes site visits outdoors where some safety considerations may exist from uneven ground, wet conditions, and construction/development sites.

Probationary Requirement
This position is based on the successful completion of a twelve-month probationary period.

Residency Requirement
Jefferson County residency is not a requirement of this position; however, upon establishing and maintaining residency the employee is eligible for salary Grade 29.

Salary : $77,644 - $103,905