What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant/Associate Planner position at Shasta County?
THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
ORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 2025
SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENT” SECTION REGARDING
POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE
RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED
FINAL FILING DATE: APRIL 04, 2025 AT 12:00 PM
SALARY INFORMATION
ASSISTANT PLANNER: $4,478-$5,715 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $25.84-$32.97 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*
ASSOCIATE PLANNER: $5,184-$6,616 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $29.91-$38.17 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*
*Please refer to the appropriate Bargaining Unit Memorandum of Understanding for potential future salary increases* Please visit https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/labor-agreements-mous.
ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY
Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Resource Management consists of Air Quality Management District, Building, Environmental Health, and Planning Divisions.Through its four Divisions and the Community Education Section, the Department of Resource Management (DRM) is able to supply the public with a variety of important services and information. The functions of the DRM support the economic activities of the County, promote the health of its residents, and protect the natural environment in which these functions take place. The integrated nature of the DRM is structured to respond to this challenge through management of personnel and resources to fulfill target programs and service needs on an annual basis.
Each Division has a distinctly different orientation and range of responsibilities, yet this blend of skills and expertise allows the Department of Resource Management wide latitude and flexibility to respond to the needs of the County's residents and its visitors. This commitment to enhance public service delivery is consistent with the overall mission of the Department as described below:
"To manage and enhance the multiple resources of Shasta County through a balanced program of environmental oversight and public health."
The Planning Division serves as the land use information center for the County. The Division functions as a professional staff to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, and the Airport Land Use Commission. The Division is responsible for the maintenance and implementation of the County General Plan, the County Zoning Plan, and implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Planning Division staff is available to review and discuss questions relating to land use matters such as zoning, general plans, land divisions, and use permits, and to direct the public to other County and outside agencies that review Planning Division applications. The Planning Division maintains and/or hosts on-line copies of various County codes, regulations, and related maps which can be used for reference.The Department's objective is to provide efficient and courteous service to all citizens and property owners seeking our assistance.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Assistant Planner: Under supervision, to learn to perform entry level professional planning duties involved in conducting planning studies and in preparing plans and reports; and to do related work as required.
Associate Planner: Under direction, to perform professional planning duties; to do research and prepare planning studies and reports; to explain and interpret planning laws and policies to the public; and to do related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Assistant Planner: This class represents the entry or training level class in the professional planning series.
Associate Planner: This is the journey level class in the series. Incumbents whose positions are assigned to this class perform professional assignments with greater latitude for initiative and independent judgment than positions found at the Assistant Planner level. Incumbents in the Associate Planner class may provide lead supervision over lower-level planning personnel in carrying out various planning projects.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be a positive, inquisitive, and resourceful individual who enjoys working with a team and is meticulously detail oriented with outstanding customer service, organizational, and project management skills. Must be an internally motivated and self-driven individual with a desire to learn and convey what they learn to customers, staff, commissions, and the Board of Supervisors. Report writing, documentation, and public speaking abilities are essential to this role. A prior working knowledge of California land use planning, land use data compilation methods, and geographic and cartographic methods, forms, and interpretation, including modern mapping technology, is highly desired.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Assistant Planner: Gathers a variety of information and data for the preparation of planning reports and studies; develops statistics and engages in research preparatory to various phases of planning projects; develops maps, charts, and graphs used in planning studies and reports; assists in compiling, arranging, analyzing, and interpreting data; assists in making comparative studies of land use, population structure, and economic activity; researches, investigates, and surveys available sources of information used in planning studies and related projects; assists in the preparation of planning displays and exhibits; answers inquiries and assists the public in providing information about planning ordinances and policies; investigates complaints regarding zoning violations; and/or provides information to the public on various planning regulations, policies, permits, and applications; performs a full range of clerical support functions; sets up and maintains file systems and records; prepares routine reports; may conduct routine field inspections for Department of Resource Management programs, if needed.
Associate Planner: Gathers and evaluates data for various planning studies relating to land use development, environmental review, economics, and population; researches and recommends General Plan policies and zoning ordinances; formulates tentative and final conditions for land division projects and use permits in accordance with established ordinances and laws; makes field trips and investigations pertaining to planning projects; prepares and assembles maps, tables, charts, and reports on planning projects, prepares recommendations and does graphic presentation; may supervise the work of subordinate planning personnel assisting on planning assignments and studies; conducts special research projects; attends staff meetings and consults with supervisors regarding work problems and progress; may make presentations before the Planning Commission; provides information to the public on all planning regulations, policies, permits, and applications.
QUALIFICATIONS
It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.
Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:
Assistant Planner:
Knowledge of: Theory, principles, and practices of public planning, and environmental analysis; mathematical and scientific practices related to planning work; nomenclature, symbols, and instruments used in planning, drafting and mapping work; knowledge of methods and procedures for the conduct of Department of Resource Management inspections including modern office practices, record keeping, and reporting, as well as familiarity with federal, state, and local resource protection laws and codes.
Ability to: Compile and analyze technical and statistical information and data; comprehend and accurately carry out oral and written directions; learn and apply applicable laws and regulations; learn to prepare and present clear and concise reports and research studies; communicate with and advise the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
These standards are typically attained with a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related subject OR two years of technical experience in the environmental quality and/or planning fields AND one semester of related college course work. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred, but not required.
Associate Planner:
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of governmental planning; state and local laws affecting planning; nomenclature, symbols, techniques, and instruments used in planning work; statistical research methods as applied to the collection and tabulation of data affecting public planning; grant application preparation and grant administration; purposes, policies, procedures and regulations of a county Planning Commission and/or a development services agency; methods of graphic illustration and presentation.
Ability to: Collect, analyze, interpret, and apply data to various planning projects; prepare and present planning research studies; interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations to planning projects; meet and deal effectively with the public and other governmental officials; research and present laws and ordinances dealing with assigned areas.
These standards are typically attained with a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related subject AND one year of professional level experience in the environmental quality and/or planning fields, including substantial experience in technical report writing. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred, but not required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
- Possession of a valid California driver license.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.
- I acknowledge this position requires a valid California driver’s license. Yes / No
- Do you have a bachelor’s degree in planning or related subject? If “Yes,” please list the issuing institution and subject of your degree. If “No,” please type “N/A.”
- Do you have one semester of related college course work? If “Yes,” please list the issuing institution, courses taken, and credits earned. If “No,” please type “N/A.”
- Do you have two years of technical experience in the environmental quality and/or planning fields? If “Yes,” please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties. If “No,” please type “N/A.”
- Do you have one year of professional level experience in the environmental quality and/or planning fields, including substantial experience in technical report writing? If “Yes,” please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties. If “No,” please type “N/A.”
- Do you possess a current, Certificate issued by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) If “Yes,” please provide your certificate number. If “No,” type N/A.
- I acknowledge that if I answered "Yes" to any of the above questions, but did not give the requested additional information, my application may be considered incomplete and may be screened out. Yes / No
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms and must have ability to operate an automobile or truck.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
- All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
- Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
- As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
- Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.
- Shasta County participates in E-Verify. For more information visit https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPoster.pdf (Download PDF reader). If you do not have internet access, contact Personnel at (530) 225-5515 to request a flyer.
- In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
- Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the United Public Employees of California –Professional Unit.
- Employees in this classification are covered under the CalPERS retirement program. Depending on the provisions of the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and other applicable laws, an employee in this classification will be covered under one of the following CalPERS retirement formulas: (1) 2% at 55, (2) 2% at 60, or (3) 2% at 62. An employee in this classification will also contribute up to 8.5% his/her pay to this plan or will contribute such other amount to the plan as authorized by PEPRA and other applicable laws. Please visit our employees benefit page at https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/employee-benefitsfor additional information regarding benefits and CalPERS coverage information. The provisions in this flyer and on the County website are for information purposes only. To the extent the provisions of the flyer or the County website are inconsistent with PEPRA and other applicable laws, PEPRA and other applicable laws shall govern.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES
Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 12:00 p.m., on April 04, 2025. A Resume and/or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and/or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and/or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.
Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
Veterans' Credit:Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.
Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.
Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.
SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Shasta County Personnel
1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515
Salary : $26 - $33
