County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to design and draft maps and graphics and to perform certain routine professional planning and zoning work; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a journey-level position for paraprofessional planning work in the County service, although the position includes some routine professional planning work. Under the general direction of a professional staff member, incumbents design and draft maps and graphics and perform other paraprofessional duties and perform the more routine and entry-level professional planning duties in the Policy Planning, Development Planning, and Zoning Divisions. A Planning Technician II may provide technical direction, instruction and assistance to a Planning Technician I.

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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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 blueprint and photocopy reproductions.

4. Organizes and assembles documents; files and catalogues maps, photos, and other planning exhibits and documents; 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 inquiries 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 directions 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/requirement.

10. Uses a calculator planimeter spreadsheet to determine acreage of sites; tabulates and consolidates information on minor projects. Using a personal computer, tabulates building permit, land use, parcel and other similar data. Using 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.

11. Reviews and processes minor applications.

12. Handles routine information requests from the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a Planning Technician I in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

The equivalent of 3 years of full-time experience in graphics, research, architectural or engineering drafting, or cartographics.

License:

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

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.
• 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

Typed: 11/27/95
DF:lm
Old document: 1293H.WPF
New document: Jobspecs/2922
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.