County of Alameda

Under general supervision, to perform basic technical planning and zoning work; and to do related work as required.    

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

This is an entry-level position for professional planning work in the Community Development Agency of the county.  Under the direction of a senior staff member, incumbents receive training in all phases of planning and zoning work and perform the more routine, and less complex duties in both areas.  After one year in this class, incumbents may be eligible for promotion to the next higher class of Planner II.

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.  Assists higher level staff members in such planning activities as background studies for the general plan, developing community plans, establishing zoning districts, and reviewing tentative subdivision plans.  

2.  Prepares and assembles maps, charts, tables, reports and other appropriate information; does drafting and other graphic representation work; assists in the preparation of recommendations by the staff to the Planning Commission.  

3.  Makes field surveys and investigations pertaining to planning projects; takes photographs of significant community features; notes neighborhood characteristics, circulation patterns, problem areas and other pertinent features.  

4.  Assists in the reviewing, processing, investigating and evaluating requests of conditional use permits and variances for conformance with county regulations and planning policies.  

5.  Conducts well-defined special planning and zoning studies and research; prepares displays and exhibits to be used for public presentation; works with the public.  

6.  Attends section meetings and consults with higher level staff members regarding work problems and progress; confers with other County and public agencies as directed; handles routine information requests regarding planning data.

Either I    

Experience:  

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a Planning Technician I in Alameda County classified service.    

Or II    

Experience:  

The equivalent of six months of full-time experience as a Planning Technician II in Alameda County classified service.  

Or III  

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, or related field such as architecture, landscape architecture, geography, urban/environmental studies, economics, sociology, public management/administration.  If Bachelor's degree is not in a related field, major must show nexus to planning work experience.  

Special Requirements: 

Candidates may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and may be required to drive in the performance of duties.   On an as needed basis, it may be necessary for Planners to attend night and/or weekend meetings regarding projects that they are assigned.  

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

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:  

• Principles of land use, city and regional planning and zoning administration.
• Elementary aspects of public administration, economics and sociology.
• Elementary statistical methods.
• Basic GIS principles.

Abilities:  

• Learning the principles, methods, and techniques involved in professional planning and zoning.
• Making decisions, exercising judgment.
• Planning and organizing.
• Analyzing and problem solving.
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing.
• Interpersonal sensitivity.
• Use basic GIS software.

Prob. 2/77

JG-S:tt Revised 3/91

JG-S:tc

Revised 5106/91

DF:lm Rev. 9/96

Old document:  0358h.doc

New document:  Jobspecs/2925

 ys/2/01

CSC Date:  9/18/96

DRH:jf Revision 3/9/18

CSC Date: 6/20/18

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.