Under the direction of the Deputy Director, the Planner positions are intended to provide professional planning work with varying levels of difficulty. Planners are expected to possess in depth knowledge within one or more specialties such as economic development, parks and recreation, comprehensive planning, or environmental planning.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Planner I:

The planner I position is an entry-level position within professional planning. It involves professionallevel duties and judgment, and fewer routine administrative tasks. This position level receives considerable immediate supervision from senior planners

• Assists in the research and prepares support documentation for revisions to the Comprehensive Plan.
• Collects, organizes, and maintains various forms of data, including but not limited to, social, economic, land use, housing, demographics, and various other infrastructure data to for technical studies and reports.
• Assists in conducting special studies, research, and site evaluations in areas of assignment according to expertise as assigned, e.g., water resources, parks.
• Attends evening and weekend meetings and may make public presentations before various Commissions and Boards.
• Assists with the preparation of various large- and small-scale comprehensive plan amendments, zoning applications, special use permit applications, and existing land use and subdivision surveys according to state and local requirements.
• Conducts on-site evaluations of areas proposed for development.
• Prepares standard zoning changes and variance reports.
• Reviews site plans, amendments, plats and replats, waiver requests, and annexations.
• Trains in geospatial analysis and GIS application.
• Assists in preparation of state grants, inter-local agreements, housing programs, land development regulations, staff work program studies, sector planning studies, statistical studies, and program applications, as well as analysis of RFP interviews.
• Assists the planning staff in answering questions from the general public regarding planning activities. Assists Boards, Commissions, and committees as required.
• Works jointly with the Planner II and Senior Planners in conducting research and formulating recommendations on various development applications and comprehensive plan amendments.
• Provides excellent customer service to members of the general public and other County employees. Personal contact occurs with other employees of the unit, employees of other departments in the County, citizens, and customers of the department. Service is provided in person or by phone contact.
• Implements the organization's guiding principles and core values.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Planner II:

The Planner II requires professional planning work of moderate difficulty. It is characterized by increasingly specialized knowledge of the planning field and a more elevated level of required duties and responsibilities compared to the Planner I. The Planner II is expected to possess in-depth knowledge within one or more specialties such as economic development, parks and recreation, comprehensive planning, or environmental planning. Although Senior Planners and Senior Management may closely review the work of the Planner II, planners at this level receive somewhat less immediate supervision when compared to the Planner I.

In addition to the Planner I job responsibilities, the planner II:

• Researches and prepares support documentation for revisions to the Comprehensive Plan.
• Conducts special studies, research, and site evaluations in areas of assignment according to expertise as assigned, e.g., water resources, parks.
• Prepares standard small-scale comprehensive plan amendments and special use permits.
• Assists with the preparation of complex zoning changes, and land use amendments.
• Assists in geospatial analysis and GIS application.
• Answers questions from the general public regarding planning activities. Assists Boards, Commissions, and committees as required.
• Works independently in conducting research and formulating recommendations on various development applications and comprehensive plan amendments.
• Mentors zoning technicians in Comprehensive Plan and Land Use.

Senior Planner:

The Senior Planner requires advanced professional planning experience of high complexity and variety. Some functions are similar to those of the Planner II, though the Senior Planner often leads or is significantly involved with larger, more complex planning assignments. Planners at this level exercise greater independence and judgement, receiving supervision from senior management. The Senior Planner may supervise the Planner I and Planner II and may assist the Zoning Supervisor in coordinating with Zoning Technicians.

In addition to the Planner I and Planner II job responsibilities, the Senior Planner will:

• Performs advanced professional work related to a variety of planning assignments.
• Reviews and processes complex comprehensive plan amendments, rezoning applications, special use permit applications and amendments, site plans and amendments, plats and replats, waiver requests, and annexations.
• Reviews and coordinates development plans for compliance with County policies and regulations and impacts related to new development.
• Participates in preparation of state grants, inter-local agreements, housing programs, land development regulations, staff work program studies, sector planning studies, statistical studies, and program applications, as well as analysis of RFQ/RFP processes.
• Performs various technical tasks pertaining to the development and updating of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Performs independent work in the development of recommendations regarding the preparation of land development regulations.
• Assists with interpretation and makes recommendations regarding land use policies.
• Coordinates and serves on various project teams.
• Reviews development proposals for conformity with principles of planning and land use practices and for compliance with development regulations.
• Develops project budgets, administers bidding process, and verifies contract expenditures and compliance.
• Compiles applicable GIS data, inventory, and tracking of the county's resources.
• Responds to inquiries from members of the general public regarding planning activities.
• Conducts training classes for professionals and citizens regarding County policies and procedures as related to the County's planning functions.