Principal Planner

Description

About the Position

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Manage, direct, supervise and train subordinate staff involved with current and long range planning duties.
• When assigned, manage land development activities.
• Recommend goals and objectives regarding advanced planning studies for the District Master Plan including element preparation, preparation of plans, including the community plan, policy formulation, program implementation and public presentation of findings and recommendations.
• Manage production of major planning documents such as environmental documents and specialized plans such as community plans, ecosystem restoration plans, air and water quality plans, planning documents related to environmental compliance plans and related topics.
• Conduct current planning reviews of land development projects.
• Review the plans of other public agencies for compatibility with District plans.
• Perform analysis for current and advanced planning projects, especially those of a highly complex, visible and sensitive nature; review environmental impact reports.
• Monitors and keeps informed of current trends in the field of urban planning and community development, including legislation, court rulings and professional practices and techniques; stays current on state and county issues, evaluates their impact and recommends policy and procedural modifications accordingly.
• Performs the more difficult and complex planning and construction project management work; reviews construction plans and specifications; provides technical assistance to field crews; coordinates with contractors providing services to the District; conducts periodic construction management inspections to ensure compliance with specifications and standards.
• Creates, analyzes, and administers the capital improvement programs.
• Monitor and closely manage all capital improvement projects and related assets including budget.
• Assist in the development, preparation and administration of the approved Department, division and project annual budgets.
• Assist the public by providing information and explaining particularly complex land use, environmental compliance, development and related regulations and procedures.
• Meet with applicants, developers, and stakeholders as necessary and correspond with contractor/consultants and their representatives regarding project status.
• Write staff reports; and make presentations of findings and recommendations at public hearings and meetings and to public agencies; conduct and participate in public hearings and meetings.
• Coordinate with other departments and public agencies as needed; coordinate, direct and participate in interdepartmental and interagency land use development committees, Boards and Commissions.
• Prepare, manage and monitor grant programs.
• Administer contracts with independent contractors or consultants who provide planning or environmental planning services to the District.
• Provide or coordinate staff training; provide standards and operating guidelines, provide timely input to performance evaluations; recommend disciplinary measures, when necessary; implement discipline procedures as directed; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the assigned functional area of responsibility.
• Oversee the plan review of District parks, and related facilities; determine appropriate use of in-house staff versus outside consultants/contractors; perform difficult project management responsibilities.
• Oversee grant administration, monitor submittals, expenditures, and audits related to park renovation, construction and facility development.
• Oversee the preparation and update of standards for landscape architectural design, parks and construction, ensuring consistency with Federal, State and local requirements.
• Coordinate, plan and forecast short and long range improvement and rehabilitation projects and prepare and identify resource needs related to the development of major recreation facilities such as interpretive and education centers, aquatic centers and community centers.
• Review and issue approval of design and development/construction plans that affect the District; review and issue approval of design and construction plans developed by in-house professional and technical staff.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, District management and staff and the public.
• Performs related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of land use planning and development.
• Principles and practices of environmental planning and administration of environmental policies.
• Principles and practices of grant project management and contract administration.
• All applicable local ordinances and State and Federal statutes.
• Operation, policies and procedures of the assigned functional area of responsibility.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluations.
• Arithmetic, basic statistics and mathematical calculations.
• Planning related applications software.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Professional English grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures including the use of computers and software applications relevant to the work performed.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations and policies related to assigned responsibilities.

• On a continuous basis sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently stand at counter for long periods of time; twist and reach office equipment; write and/or use keyboard to communicate through written means; and occasionally lift moderate weight.
• Perform work outdoors as required to monitor and assess project activities, conduct site surveys, and inspect construction sites.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job. Intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe planning activities and problem solve when appropriate; understand, interpret and explain applicable ordinances and statutes and assigned functional area of responsibility policies and procedures; visually differentiate between colors on land use maps.
• Manage complex, lengthy, highly public and visible element(s) of the assigned functional area of responsibility's work program.
• Manage, direct, supervise, train, assign, review and evaluate the work of assigned subordinate staff.
• Manage grant programs.
• Compile, analyze and evaluate technical, statistical and economic information of a difficult and complex nature; read and interpret maps and legal property descriptions; read and interpret applicable laws and regulations.
• Organize, prioritize and follow up on work assignments
• Use initiative and sound judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Demonstrate strong customer service skills.
• Develop the proper attitudes toward safety and health in self and subordinates and ensure that all operations are performed with the utmost regard for the safety and health of all personnel, individuals, constituents and groups.
• Operate modern office equipment including computers and specialized software applications relevant to work performed.
• Follow written and oral directions.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban, regional or environmental. planning, or a related field
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning and development.

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver’s license.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Project Management Program Certification within one (1) year of date of hire.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

When working on external sites for inspection related responsibilities, must have mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level and slippery surfaces; reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, to climb and descend ladders, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. When working in the field, may be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submittal of the application. Documentation of the need for an accommodation must accompany the request. El Dorado Hills Community Services District is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including employment verification, drug testing, and a Department of Justice (DOJ) fingerprint check. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.

NOTE: The provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.