County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, performs difficult professional planning programs, studies and projects, coordinates studies on major planning and policy issues related to the operation of a major municipal water supply utility, and has lead responsibility which may include assigning, coordinating and reviewing the work of assigned staff; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the advanced journey-level professional in the planning classification series. Incumbents perform difficult to complex planning work and are expected to exercise a wide latitude of professional judgment. They may also serve as project leaders on major planning studies or projects. They may direct the work of a small group of water resources planners and technicians engaged in planning work, or in a specialized function and also coordinate work with engineers. While some of the duties this class may overlap with some of the tasks performed by engineers engaged in Zone 7’s planning efforts, engineers are typically more involved in the technical details of project and alternative development, impact assessment, and comparison of alternatives, such as hydraulic network analysis, determination of system capacity, sizing and citing of facilities, and feasibility studies. The position reports to a Principal Engineer, Zone 7 or higher classification, where the latter has the full range of supervisory responsibility of a section.

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. Develops and prepares water demand projections, major planning programs, master plans and budgets for capital programs and preliminary policies, rates and charges.

2. Reviews, evaluates and comments on environmental and planning documentation proposed and prepared by Zone 7 and other agencies.

3. Acts as lead and may serve as a liaison with other divisions and sections within Zone 7 and other agencies for various Zone 7 projects, as needed.

4. Prepares initial studies, drafts environmental impact reports, and other related documents.

5. Prepares policies and issues papers related to planning actions by Local Area Formation Commissions, cities, counties, related state law or proposed legislation, adopted growth management policies of cities and counties, and the relationship of the District with other agencies as defined by law.

6. Maintains and updates guidelines and procedures relating to preparation of environmental documentation as required by California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

7. Monitors ongoing planning efforts by other agencies and changes in the law as they affect California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Zone 7’s mission as a water utility.

8. Uses and interprets land use and demographic projections produced by other agencies to assist in projecting Zone 7’s water demands.

9. Works as the lead in managing programs, e.g. Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Development Impact fee Study including the M&I Connection Fee Program and the SDA 7-1 Exchange Fee Program; and the Asset Management Program (AMP).

10. Acts as lead in managing Zone 7’s regulatory compliance programs (e.g. Alameda County Clean Water Program); primary agency contact with regulatory agencies (e.g. Regional Water Quality Control Board) regarding such programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Experience:

The equivalent of one year full-time experience as an Assistant Water Resources Planner, Zone 7 in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II
Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, economics, environmental studies, or a closely related field.

AND
Experience:

The equivalent of three years full-time professional planning experience including one year of urban planning or working for a major utility department.

License:

Possession of a valid State of California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.

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 “Example of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and trends in water resources and water operations including research techniques; codes, ordinance and laws related to planning and environmental protection.
• Organization of local governments including special districts; language and techniques used in planning and mapping.
• Principles of growth management.
• Use of personal computer including standard data base and spreadsheet programs.
• Techniques of public operations agency funding.
• Principles of supervision.
• County and Agency personnel and administrative policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Compile, analyze and evaluate technical data.
• Draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Prepare and write comprehensive, concise and clear reports including computations, text, charts, and sketches.
• Prepare graphic illustrations, and utilize database and spreadsheet programs.
• Understand and explain technical reports.
• Coordinate and review the work of assigned staff.
• Exercise independent professional judgment.
• Act as a project leader.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with Zone 7’s staff (including executive management), Zone 7’s Board of Directors, the public, other agencies, consultants, contractors and others.
• Communicate effectively orally.
• Reach collaborative solutions, using problem-solving skills.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

RC:pf 10/13/04
Newspec: 4947.doc
CSC Date: 11/17/04

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.