County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, to carry out projects in city, county and regional planning; to conduct research and develop assigned planning and zoning programs involved in the preparation, implementation, and revision of the County general plan; to prepare extensive reports, including statistical data and graphic material; and to do related work as required.    

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

Planner III’s are responsible for carrying out major projects in planning with little technical supervision during the course of a project.  They instruct and give work direction to lower level planners.  The work of Planner III’s is assigned and reviewed by Senior Planners or Assistant Planning Directors.  Positions in this class differ from those in the next lower class of Planner II in that the latter assist Planner III’s, carry out less difficult planning projects, and may be assigned full time to zoning work.  Planner III’s differ from Senior Planners as Senior Planners have continuing responsibility for a major section and programs of the Planning Department and continuing supervision of professional staff.

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.  Carries out major planning projects in policy planning, development planning or zoning, such as research in County growth patterns, present and future land uses and studies related to proposed changes in zoning districts; analyzes proposed site plans and subdivision plans for conformance with County planning policies.

2.  Determines the scope and appropriate research methods for preparing community planning projects, organizes and conducts research projects and utilizes the resulting data to develop portions of the general plan; collects and analyzes data, such as population projections, current land use, economic and social trends, physical characteristics and resources of the community and projects present and future housing, economic, transportation, educational and recreational needs of the community.

3.  Consults with individuals, community organizations, other County departments and public agencies regarding their specific and general interests in such matters as zoning districts, general plan development and subdivision requirements.

4.  Directs the preparation of, or prepares, complete and extensive plans, reports and recommendations including graphic representations and justifications for development and revision of the general plan and precise plans.

5.  Performs or supervises performance of drafting work such as making base maps, overlays, graphic representations of land use; and assigns and supervises the work of Planners I, Planners II, and Planning Aides as required by projects.

6.  Attends Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, and other agency meetings as required; consults with a Senior Planner regarding work progress and problems and keeps informed on planning trends.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I  

 

Experience:

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the class of Planner II in the Alameda County classified service.  

 

Or II  

 

Education:

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

 

And  

 

Experience:

The equivalent of three years’ full-time professional experience in city, county or regional planning.  

 

 

NOTE:  A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in city, regional, urban planning or a related field, may be substituted for the equivalent of one year of the required experience.  The Master’s degree in a related field 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 as assigned.  

 

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:  

• Principles, methods and procedures of city and regional planning.
• Physical, social, and economic implications involved in city and regional planning, including the development of urban and suburban environments and aesthetic needs.
• Legal basis of planning.
• Research methods including statistics.
• Governmental organizations; transportation, communications, and public utility systems, as related to planning.
• Basic GIS principles.  

 

Abilities:  

• Composing complete reports  on complex land use projects, presents findings in written, graphic, and design form.
• Preparing maps, charts, and other graphic material utilizing drafting and design skills.
• Planning and organizing.
• Making decisions, exercising judgment.
• Analyzing and problem solving.
• Leadership.
• Management control.
• Demonstrating interpersonal sensitivity.
• Communicating effectively, orally and in writing.
• Use basic GIS.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

FW:nw-Revised 4-18-72

Prob 2-4-77

JG-S:tt-Revised 3/5/91

JG:tc-Revised 5/10/91

DF:lm-Updated 11/16/95

DF:lm-Updated  6/17/96

Retyped: 2/4/00 bl

Old Document: 0360h

New Document:  Jobspecs\2935

ys/2/01

CSC Date:  4/24/91

DRH:jf Revision 3/9/18

CSC Date: 6/20/18

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.