HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Planner JEFFERSON COUNTY
Job Description
Job Title: Senior Planner
Department: Community Development
Reports To: Director of Community Development
FLSA Exempt(Y/N): No
Union: UFCW
BBP: No
Salary Level: Grade 35
Location: Castle Hill �.
Approved By: Human Resources Manager
Approved Date: 2020
PP July
SUMMARY
Develops comprehensive plans and programs for utilization of land and physical facilities for the County.
Is the highest level professional position in the long range and current planning function serving to assist
the department in organizing and implementing a planning process that involves the citizens of the
County by performing the following duties.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties maybe
assigned.
Performs and directs programs m advanced planning and environmental analysis on comprehensive plans,
development regulations and/or use proposals.
Participates in the pursuit of grants, loans or other funding options.
Compiles and analyzes data on economic, social,and physical factors affecting land use, and prepares or
requisitions graphic and narrative reports on data.
Confers with local authorities,civic leaders, social scientists,and land planning and development
specialists to devise and recommend arrangements of land and physical facilities for residential,
commercial, industrial,and community uses.Assists in the development of policies, procedures and
regulations.
Develops current and long-range plans and planning programs in concert with community needs and
desires, including research,writing,public input,and public presentations necessary to accomplish tasks.
Recommends governmental measures affecting land use,public utilities,community facilities,and
housing and transportation to control and guide community development and renewal.
Reviews and evaluates environmental impact reports applying to specified private and public planning
projects and programs.
Participates in reviewing and proposing revisions of local and state plans, policies and regulations.
Assists in the formulation of comprehensive and functional plans to address land use,housing,water
resources,transportation,capital facilities,and historic preservation.
Instructs staff regarding problems not clearly covered by established policy or procedures. Prepares and
presents testimony and recommendations for public hearings before the Board of County Commissioners,
Planning Commission and citizen groups.
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Provides facilitation for citizen committees including but not limited to the Planning Commission.
Coordinates the public review of long-range-planning documents clearly and effectively through written
and oral presentations.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities, but may be associated as a"lead" position in the
division of assignment. Lead responsibilities include assisting the Department Head and/or Supervisor
with interviewing,training, planning,assigning and directing work. Lead positions also provide input for
performance appraisals and assist in addressing complaints and resolving problems.
COMPETENCY To perform the job successfully,an individual should demonstrate competency in the
following:
Analytical- Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and
experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
Problem Solving-Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information
skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason
even when dealing with emotional topics.
Project Management-Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and
progress; Completes projects on time and budget;Manages project team activities.
Technical Skills- Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Customer Service-Manages difficult or emotional customer situations.
Oral Communication- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets
clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in
meetings.
Written Communication-Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar;Varies
writing style to meet needs;Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written
information.
Teamwork-Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others'
views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Able to build morale
and group commitments to goals and objectives.
Cost Consciousness-Works within approved budget;Conserves organizational resources.
Diversity-Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural
differences; Promotes harassment-free environment.
Ethics-Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity
and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Organizational Support-Follows policies and procedures;Completes administrative tasks correctly and
on time; Supports organization's goals and values.
Planning/Organizing-Prioritize and plans work activities;Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional
resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks;Develops
realistic action plans.
Professionalism-Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with
respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions;
Follows through on commitments.
Quality-Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Quantity-Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner.
Safety and Security-Observes safety and security procedures;Reports potentially unsafe conditions;
Uses equipment and materials properly.
Adaptability-Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes
approach or method to best fit the situation;Able to deal with frequent change,delays, or unexpected
events.
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Attendance/Punctuality-Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered
when absent;Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
Dependability-Follows instructions,responds to management direction;Takes responsibility for own
actions;Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate
plan.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to
perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the
knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals
with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Masters degree(MA or MS)in planning, environmental science,natural science or related field
AND one(1)year directly related planning experience in the public or private sector including
work with the public in an information,assistance and enforcement capacity with demonstrated
supervisory or lead function capability.AICP Certification preferred.
OR
Bachelor's degree(BA or BS} in same fields as listed above AND three(3} years directly related
planning experience in the public or private sector including work with the public in an
information, assistance and enforcement capacity with demonstrated supervisory or lead function
capability. AICP Certification preferred.
OR
Associate of Arts(AA)degree(2-year degree)or certificate AND five(5)years directly related
planning experience in the public or private sector including work with the public in an
information,assistance and enforcement capacity with demonstrated supervisory or lead function
capability.AICP Certification required.
OR
High School Degree or GED and a historical record showing ability to manage difficult, complex
and controversial issues; while maintaining high professional standards in managing numerous,
demanding projects equal to seven(7)years of progressive experience in the public or private
sector land use planning profession with demonstrated supervisory or lead function capability.
AICP Certification required.
OR
Equivalent combination of education and experience.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read,analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals,
technical procedures, or governmental regulations.Ability to write reports,business
correspondence, and procedure manuals.Ability to effectively present information and respond to
questions from groups of managers, clients, customers,and the general public.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest,commissions,proportions,
percentages, area,circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and
geometry.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations
where only limited standardization exists.Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in
written,oral, diagram, or schedule form.
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COMPUTER SKILLS
Toperform thisjob successfully,an individual should have knowledge of Permit Plan; Windows;
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MS Access Database software;MS Explorer Internet software; MS Excel Spreadsheet software
and MS Word Processing software.
CERTIFICATES,LICENSES,REGISTRATIONS
Valid Washington State Driver's License
AICP Certification preferred but not required
OTHER KNOWLEDGE,SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of planning principles and practices;planning statutes related to general plans; land divisions,
and shoreline management; site planning principles; applicable County, State and federal statutes and
regulations.
Knowledge of principles of conflict resolutions,mediation,and interpersonal communication.
Ability to manage complex or controversial projects within legal requirements while upholding the public
interest.
Ability to read legal documentation, plat maps, survey records,and other technical maps; codes,
regulations and procedures related to area of specialty.
Ability to be self-motivated to complete required deadlines while simultaneously completing other tasks.
Ability to organize projects and workload to meet commitments.Knowledge of time management and
organizational skills.
Ability to function under conditions of frequent interruptions, high stress and crowded surroundings.
Ability to draft responses to letters of inquiry, customer complaints, and other externally generated
requests.
Ability to use standard office machines such as photocopier, facsimile machine, and calculator.
Knowledge of computers and computer peripherals and fax equipment. Proficient typing/keyboard skills.
Webmaster skills desired.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, staff, and the general
public.Ability to work on a team and do creative problem solving with others.Ability to remain calm and
productive in stressful situations,mediation and negotiation skills is helpful.
Ability to grasp new techniques and deal with a rapid change in events. Willingness to effectively utilize
continuing education opportunities and stay abreast of new developments,techniques, computer
programs,equipment,etc.,used in the performance of the position.
Professional attitude, diplomacy,patience,tact, understanding and pleasant manner when dealing with the
public,developers, management,planners, staff, and representatives of other agencies in a pleasant
manner.
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PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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 use hands to finger, handle,
or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand;walk; sit and reach with hands and
arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift
and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities
required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision,
peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters
while performing the essential functions of this jab.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
CAREER LADDER
This position is not part of a career ladder.