Senior Planner
SENIOR PLANNER
Incumbents will be responsible for processing legislative applications, such as zone changes and General Plan amendments; and applying analytical and problem-solving skills to address Stockton's housing needs for all income levels. In addition, they will be responsible for consulting and advising property owners, architects, engineers, contractors and the general public regarding City policies, standards, and procedures, and present information to City Council, Planning Commission, and other groups.
Incumbents in this position are excluded from the Civil Service System but are covered under the Mid-Management/Supervisory bargaining unit (B&C).
Prior to appointment, eligible candidates will be required to submit to and successfully pass a background investigation, which will include fingerprinting.
Under direction, provides lead direction to professional planning staff and conducts complex professional work on difficult current and/or advanced planning projects; performs related work as assigned.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced, lead level in the professional planning series. Incumbents provide lead direction for assigned Planners and perform highly specialized and difficult planning functions. Incumbents are assigned to either advanced or current planning projects that require considerable professional knowledge and the use of independent judgment. This class is distinguished from Deputy Community Development Director/Planning in that the latter has overall management responsibility for the City's Planning Division.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)- Coordinates and performs research, administrative and technical activities necessary to achieve planning project objectives and to maintain departmental information programs.
- Provides lead direction and work assignment to professional and technical staff; assists in the selection of assigned staff; instructs staff in work procedures, reviews work performed and provides input into periodic performance evaluations.
- Compiles and analyzes information such as population and economic growth estimates, demographic, housing and land use data.
- Utilizes or directs the utilization of computers and software programs for various technical projects and studies; develops plans and recommends changes in policies and procedures.
- Coordinates and assists in the processing of applications submitted for subdivisions, requests for use and variance permits and other development permits or approvals; reviews plans and other information submitted.
- Collects and evaluates information related to the application process and recommends approval, disapproval, or alternative approaches; works with Building Division to ensure enforcement of zoning regulations.
- Coordinates and performs evaluations and analyses pertaining to the elements of the comprehensive General Plan, area plans, environmental impact reports, implementation, redevelopment and capital improvement plans, programs and related municipal ordinances and policies.
- Prepares reports and recommendations and state and federal applications and documents; confers with personnel from other departments and agencies in coordinating assigned work; meets with representatives of community organizations and other groups to encourage cooperative action or to resolve problems.
- Makes oral presentations before commissions, committees, community groups and boards of other governmental agencies.
- Makes special investigations of a technical nature regarding planning projects; reports conclusions and recommendations in technical report form, or in form for publication.
- Directs the preparation and design of maps, charts, models,
- sketches and other graphic presentations; prepares reports, presentations, correspondence and other written materials.
- May act in the absence of the Deputy Community Development Director/Planning on a relief basis.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from a four year college or university with major course work in City or regional planning, urban planning, or a closely related field AND four (4) years of professional planning experience.
Sub-professional or additional professional planning experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years. A Master's degree in City, regional or urban planning may be substituted for one year of the professional planning experience.
Other Requirements:
- Must possess a valid California Driver's License.
- Must be willing to attend evening meetings as required.
- Objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information services and trends in the field of urban planning;
- Land use, physical design, demographic, environmental and social/economic concepts as applied to municipal planning;
- Statistical analysis and mathematical concepts related to the planning process;
- Application, modification and interrelationships between ordinances, policies, standards, procedures and practices associated with the planning function;
- Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations;
- Terminology, symbols, methods and techniques used in planning and map drafting;
- Local government organization and the functions and practices of a municipal planning unit;
- Basic supervisory principles and practices.
Skills In:
- Assigning, directing and reviewing the work of others and training others in work procedures;
- Directing and conducting complex planning studies and activities;
- Performing and coordinating activities, such as the collection, analysis, and preparation of reports and recommendations;
- Interpreting laws, policies, procedures, regulations, maps, specifications, site and building plans, graphs and statistical data;
- Making persuasive presentations of ideas and recommendations;
- Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted in the course of the work;
- Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines;
- Preparing clear, concise and complete technical documents, reports and correspondence.
Only those applicants who best fit the needs of the City will be considered for this exciting career opportunity. Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and only the most qualified applicants will be invited to an interview with the Community Development Department.
ALL APPLICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS MUST BE COMPLETED FULLY AND SUBMITTED ON AN OFFICIAL CITY OF STOCKTON APPLICATION FORM. (DO NOT STATE "REFER TO RESUME" ON YOUR APPLICATION OR SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE.) INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTALS WILL BE REJECTED AND CANNOT BE REVISED AFTER SUBMITTAL ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE. POSTMARKS, FACSIMILES, AND PHOTOCOPIES OF THE CITY'S EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. RESUMES ARE WELCOMED BUT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ONLY.
The information in this announcement concerning the terms and conditions of employment does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract, and these provisions are subject to change.