The Senior Planner performs professional-level work in the field of current or advanced planning, conducts special projects and research as assigned, and prepares reports and recommendations relative to the assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey-level classification in the professional planning series. Positions at this level perform more complex duties, possess specialized professional, technical, or functional expertise, and are regarded as seasoned and experienced professionals. They typically are assigned significant responsibilities above the journey level; they possess specialized knowledge, abilities, skills, and experience; and they exercise independent judgment in performing their duties.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform the most complex professional-level work in the field of current or advanced planning.
• Gather and maintain demographic data and other related statistics.
• Research, analyze, and interpret complex social, economic, population, and land use data and trends.
• Compile information and make recommendations on special studies; prepare technical and complex reports.
• Make presentations to the Planning Commission, developers, community groups, and outside agencies.
• Review development proposals and other requests made to the Planning Division for conformance with appropriate regulations; prepare reports of recommendations.
• Check commercial, industrial and residential development plans for issuance of zone clearance; process permit applications.
• Act as project or program leader for general plan elements, environmental impact reports, comprehensive plans and other special planning studies involving utilization of planning disciplines such as transportation, urban design, capital facilities, environmental analysis, growth management, zoning and land use regulation.
• Interpret and apply environmental quality laws and regulations to ensure that development proposals, City projects and municipal code amendments are in compliance with State and Federal laws.
• Prepare general plan elements and amendments; make recommendations concerning long-range planning projects, including annexations, specific plans, specific plan amendments, precise plans or complex subdivisions.
• Perform extensive research regarding implementation of policies established by the general plan, zoning ordinance, or other land use and development ordinances.
• Confer with and advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards.
• Prepare staff reports and graphic displays.
• Research and draft ordinances for review.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING / LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:

Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
Two years of responsible planning experience comparable to that of an Associate Planner.

Education:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning or a closely related field is required. A Master's degree in related fields is preferred.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of a valid California driver's license preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Land use, general planning, and code enforcement.
• Research and investigation procedures.
• Advanced drafting and graphic presentations.
• Business English, spelling and grammar.
• Advanced principles and practices of urban planning.
• Statistical and research methods as applied to the collection, analysis, and presentation of planning data.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
• Current literature, information sources, and research techniques in the field of urban planning.

Ability to:

• Speak publicly and explain/interpret City practices and objectives.
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy with the public.
• Prepare reports and graphic presentations.
• Perform technical research and give reliable advice on planning problems.
• Interpret planning and zoning programs for the general public.
• Prepare accurate maps, plans, charts, and tables.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Interpret or explain statistical analysis applied to land use, transportation, communications, and public utility systems.
• Understand laws underlying general plans, zoning, and land divisions.
• Understand applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports.
• Lay out work and guide subordinate personnel.
• Supervise and train personnel.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:

• Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional climbing, bending, and squatting.
• Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 40 pounds.
• Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.
• Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.
• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
• Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.
• Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise.
The incumbents in this class may be required to work during irregular business hours, including evenings and weekends, on an occasional basis. Travel may be required on an occasional basis.