County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, designs and drafts maps/graphics and does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the entry-level position for paraprofessional planning in the County service. Incumbents design and draft maps and graphics and perform other paraprofessional duties in Policy Planning and Research, Development Planning and Zoning Divisions. This position is distinguished from Planning Technician II in that Planning Technician I’s will work under close supervision and will not be assigned duties performed by the Planning Technician II until he/she has satisfactorily completed training.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Designs, assembles and drafts display maps, report-size maps, figures and tables, report paste-ups, and other similar graphics; uses a range of graphic tools and materials to produce both working drafts and high-quality finished graphics; modifies/corrects copies for blueprinting; planimeters mapped areas; coordinates the reproduction and printing of maps, graphics, and reports with printing vendors.

2. Corrects/modifies intermediate scale neighborhood map illustrating land use and zoning; adds notations of zoning and other land use limitations to the official Zoning Map.

3. Prepares and modifies planning presentation maps and original transparencies and official exhibits; draws with pencil and ink to prepare maps; uses industry standard software and hardware to produce graphics; redrafts reproducible exhibits; makes blue-print and photocopy reproductions.

4. Organizes and assembles documents, files and catalogues maps, photos, and other planning exhibits and documents; maintains application logs; rotates and transfers files and plans to storage; moves supplies, equipment or furniture as needed.

5. Contacts other agencies to obtain land use, zoning, general plan, environmental, public services and other data and update Planning Department databases as needed. Answers phone and written inquires for General Plan, Zoning, and other documents and materials.

6. Researches and writes the less complex sections of planning studies and related reports for review/modification by higher-level planning staff.

7. Reviews proposed street names to prevent duplication; reviews requests for boundary adjustments, subdivision map time extensions, minor Site Development Reviews and lot splits under direction of a planner.

8. Reviews for accuracy the initial intake of applications and the selection of referral agencies.

9. Goes into the field to verify existing landmarks; measures distances; posts signs and checks sites for compliance with existing agreements/requirements.

10. Uses a calculator, a planimeter, or spreadsheet to determine acreage of sites; tabulates and consolidates information on minor projects. Uses a personal computer, tabulates building permit, land use, parcel and other similar data. Uses field and other data, maps land use, zoning, general plan, environmental and other geographic units; uses a scale, a planimeter, or computer spreadsheet calculator to measure this information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Completion of a training program in architectural/engineering drafting, graphic illustration, or cartographics,
And

The equivalent of 1 year full-time experience in architectural/engineering drafting, graphic illustration, or cartographics.

Or II

The equivalent of 2 years’ full-time experience in architectural/engineering drafting, graphic illustration, or cartographics.

License:

A valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Physical Ability: Operate a motor vehicle, walk over rough terrain, lift 30 pounds.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Graphic materials and photography.
• Architectural or engineering drafting skills.
• Cartography and freehand drawing.
• Printing and reproduction processes.
• Photography and photo-interpretation.
• Computer-aided design.
• Geographic Information Systems.
• Computer mapping.

Ability to:

• Use a personal computer.
• Translate resource material into graphic form.
• Use a camera.
• Understand visual design principles.
• Accurately correct/modify copy for reproduction.
• Interpret topographical maps.
• Post, erase, color, label, ink, paste-up graphic materials.
• Plan and organize.
• Make decisions and use good judgment.
• Analyze and problem solve.
• Communicate orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old document: RMP:lh-12/75
JGS:pb-Revised: 4/21/87
DF:lm-Retyped: 11/27/95
Old document: 0357h
New document: Job specs/2921
ys/2/01
CSC Date: 12/13/95
DRH:po Revised 1/29/07
CSC Date: 3/14/2007

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.